The Letter to Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)

Read Rev 2:8-11:

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ⁹ “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’

The letter to Smyrna is the second of seven letters to churches in the book of Revelation. It is one of only 2 of these letters which do not contain a warning or condemnation within it.

Smyrna was a large city and was a centre of learning and culture. Some writings indicate that it claimed to be the ‘Glory of Asia’. It was famed as a city most beautiful and one which rivalled the cities of Ephesus and Pergamos. It was renowned for the schools of medicine and science that were set up there.

Polycarp was a bishop of Smyrna and it was there that he was martyred – burned alive at the stake. It is suggested that it was without the Roman Government’s sanction. The Jews in this city were much more proactive in attempting to quell and restrict the spread of Christianity than the Romans were. It is said that even on the Saturday, their sacred day, that they carried the wood for his fire. You can see that Jesus makes special mention of them in verse 9 when He refers to them as a “synagogue of Satan.” He does not write favourably of them in this instance as it seems they are chief among the persecutors of the church in Smyrna.

Let us look into this church and find out some more about it and what we can learn and apply into our lives.

Book Review: Standing Strong: How to Resist the Enemy of Your Soul by John MacArthur

What an excellently written book on spiritual warfare. It was a welcome read!

                                                       

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

 “Many Christians believe we ought to ignore Satan and his army of demons. Others say we should be learning how to fight them and be on the offense, seeking to engage them in battle. But what does the Bible say?

In Standing Strong John MacArthur explores the origin of spiritual warfare, its present reality, and what our response should be. He thoughtfully examines what Scripture says about spiritual warfare, comparing God’s Word to the beliefs, practices, and experiences of many involved in today’s spiritual warfare movement. You’ll learn to discern fact from fiction in this well-balanced study from one of the church’s leading Bible scholars!”

 I loved this book. It had a special meaning for me as I had been involved in churches previously where an unhealthy and unnatural obsession existed with demons and interactions with them. So this really addressed a lot of concerns I have had personally in a sound, Biblical manner.

The Armour of God (Eph 6:10-17)

Check out the passage of Eph 6:10-17 (NKJV), the Armour of God:

^“10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,^[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

This is a particularly well known passage of scripture. It was written by Paul in his letter to the church in Ephesus or the Ephesians, hence the name of the book in the Bible: Ephesians.

A lot of Christians believe this gives them the license to take up arms and wage war on the enemy. There is no doubt we are called to go against the work of the devil but not in the manner that most believe.

A lot of believers cite this passage in their efforts to go out hunting demons and minions of the enemy to do warfare against them. However, a proper look at it can allow us to see that this is actually a very passive or defensive passage and not one which talks about going on the offensive.