Message To The Church At Smyrna

During the period from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD until Constantine became emperor in 312 AD, the Roman Empire tried desperately to stamp out Christianity.  The churches in Asia experienced somewhat less persecution than those which were closer to Rome. As a result, they are typical of churches in any age.  The Lord’s second message was to the church at Smyrna, as found in Revelation 2:8-10.  “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

Though they were far from Rome, the church at Smyrna still suffered a great deal of persecution.  It never grew to be very large or well known, but just continuously stood for the Lord.  Though they felt inferior to other churches, God said they were rich.  After Nero drove the Christians out of Rome, and Jerusalem was destroyed, the Jews dispersed throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.  Throughout history, the Jews had constantly turned away and ignored God’s law.   With no temple or official priesthood to teach them, Jewish practices changed rapidly, and the conflicts between the Jews and Christians became far worse, emphasizing Paul’s statements in Romans 2:28-29.  “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”  Though they claimed to believe in God, many were unknowingly following Satan. 

Unbelieving Jews had repeatedly stirred up conflict between the Roman Empire during Jesus’ ministry, and during Paul’s, and they continued to stir up more persecution during this period.  The Lord told them that though some would be cast into prison or suffer badly, the worst persecution would only last a relatively short time.  Their whole job was to continue faithfully even if it led to death, and they would experience that eternal life.    God is not concerned about the great things we do, but that we are faithful to him. 

He again warns them that it is essential they listen to the messages to the seven churches, in Revelation 2:11.  “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”  Those who have placed their trust in Christ will never have to face the great white throne of Judgment or loss of their salvation.