Smyrna : Counted Worthy to Suffer

Revelation 2:8-11

 

Rev. 2:8-11 (ESV) 

    "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

    [9] " 'I know your tribulation and your poverty ( but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  [10] Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto 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. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'

 

1.  Introduction-

Early in the development of the Roman Empire , Smyrna placed herself on the side of Rome .  The city, 195BC, was the first to build a memorial in honor of Rome .   In 22BC Smyrna won permission over ten other cities in Asia to build a temple to Emperor Tiberius.  It was in Smyrna where the law was enforced that demanded emperor worship and the burning of incense in honor of the emperor.

The Church of Smyrna was counted worthy to suffer for Christ and the church experienced severe suffering because of her faithfulness.

Jesus declares we are extremely blessed when we are persecuted because of our commitment to Him

(Matthew 5:11-12).

2.  Christ’s Commission (2:8)  

With the background of this city in mind, especially her allegiance to Rome , we can understand why the message of the Lordship of Christ would not be a popular message to preach and teach.

Jesus reminds His faithful flock that He is eternal and that this world is only temporary.

He also reminds them that He isn’t asking them to do anything that He hasn’t already done.  He says that He has experienced persecution as well.  He reminds them that He was even killed… who died and came to life.

3. Christ’s Commendation (2:9)

'I know… Isn’t it encouraging knowing that our Lord is aware of every event of our lives?  He assures this church that He is fully aware and in control of their suffering. 

 

A.  Jesus Knew Their Tribulation

-Tribulation from the Romans

He was well aware that during Domitian’s rule, right about the time of writing this letter, that emperor worship was made mandatory for every citizen.  Jesus knew that this law had with it the threat of death. 

-Tribulation from the Jews

Jewish opposition to Christianity was bitter and ferocious.  This Jewish opposition demanded Pilate to crucify Christ.  They followed Paul every step of the way and opposed his missionary efforts, many times threatening his life. This same hostility was what was behind the tribulation in Smyrna . 

B. Jesus Knew Their Poverty

Being a Christian in the City of Smyrna was bad for business.  These believers knew very well the words of James (James 2:5).

Jesus reminds them how extremely wealthy they are with the riches of the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19 -21).

C. Jesus Knew the Slander

These believers were just like Jesus.  They were enduring hardship almost exactly like our Lord endured. 

In addition to pressure from the government and from the community, these believers were suffering from the religious establishment of the Jews.  Jesus gives them the correct perspective.  He says; don’t let these Jews full you for a second.  They are not my people, they are Satan’s people.

3. Christ’s Challenge ( 2:10 -11)

A. Do Not Fear ( 2:10 )

Step one of Jesus’ plan for faithfulness was to not fear man.

B.  Be Faithful

How long are Christians to fight against the forces of evil?  How long was the Church of Smyrna to fight and struggle?  Jesus says, Be faithful unto death.

C. Listen Carefully

Jesus teaches His flock that believers will not be affected by the second death.  Lost people will die physically and then judgment and eternal separation…called the second death. But for believers, the only death they will experience is a physical death.