The Persecuted Church

As we continue looking at the churches highlighted in chapters two and three of the Book of Revelation, the next we will examine is the Church of Smyrna. It was the closest church to the Church of Ephesus about 40 miles (64 km) north of it. The modern name of Smyrna is Izmir, in Turkiye (Turkey). Interestingly, the Church of Smyrna was only one of two churches of the seven addressed that was not reprimanded for behavior that was not pleasing to the Lord.

“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: “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. 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. “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.” ’ Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus, the One who is, “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life,” dictated this letter for this suffering church. He could empathize with what they were experiencing, as He also suffered, but He overcame. And if they remained firm in the faith they too would overcome and not endure the second death. I really like how Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary expounds on this letter.

Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, like the church of Smyrna. Many who are rich as to this world, are poor as to the next; and some who are poor outwardly, are inwardly rich; rich in faith, in good works, rich in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope. Where there is spiritual plenty, outward poverty may be well borne; and when God's people are made poor as to this life, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, he makes all up to them in spiritual riches. Christ arms against coming troubles. Fear none of these things; not only forbid slavish fear, but subdue it, furnishing the soul with strength and courage. It should be to try them, not to destroy them. Observe, the sureness of the reward; I will give thee: they shall have the reward from Christ's own hand. Also, how suitable it is; a crown of life: the life worn out in his service, or laid down in his cause, shall be rewarded with a much better life, which shall be eternal. The second death is unspeakably worse than the first death, both in the agonies of it, and as it is eternal death: it is indeed awful to die, and to be always dying. If a man is kept from the second death and wrath to come, he may patiently endure whatever he meets with in this world.

This might have been a letter of comfort and reassurance to the Church of Smyrna. At the time the Book of Revelation was written, the Romans ruled this city. Christians were forced to bow to Caesar’s statue and worship him like a god. Those who refused would be brutally punished. There are historians who believe that lions may have been released so that these Christians would be pounded on and eaten. The church also underwent economic hardship because its members’ trade was limited by the Roman authorities, resulting in severe financial impact that plunged them into poverty. They were also persecuted by the Jews. Benson Commentary describes these people whom Jesus called “the synagogue of Satan.”

They are not Jews inwardly; not circumcised in heart; but a synagogue of Satan — Who, like them, is a liar and murderer from the beginning, and whose temper they breathe in their opposition to my gospel and to my people, being engaged in promoting error, superstition, and wickedness, the very things wherein the kingdom of Satan consists.

The devil used the Roman authorities and the Jews to come against the Church of Smyrna, but Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful. After all, their light affliction was momentary, while working for them a far more exceeding weight of glory that was to come.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:6-7

Is the church today ready to rejoice in trials? We, including me, complain about everything. We want the sanctuary to be the right temperature, with comfortable seats. We don’t want to stand too long for worship, and the preacher better be short because we have some fun things to do after church. Many of us want to be wealthy with everything at our convenience, and we want to be recognized and celebrated by people of influence. But Jesus cares little about these things, so we need to start understanding what pleases Him.

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Luke 6:20-26