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.
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