As the title implies we are going to examine Jesus’ letter to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11. If I could summarize Jesus’ words to this church, I would do so like this: be ready for persecution. Many people are incorrectly under the impression that when they become a believer they will not experience any affliction in life. The truth is following Jesus does not guarantee that at all, and you will see that in this letter. In fact, Jesus prepares this church for harsh persecution that he knows is coming their way; persecution from the devil himself. So, let’s jump into it.
Point 1: First, like any letter, we begin with the introduction in Revelation 2:8.
John writes, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:” We should remember “the angel” referred to here is considered the pastor of the church, according to Revelation 1:20. We might also like to know a little about the city of Smyrna.
According to scholars and commentaries that I have read, Smyrna is modern day Izmir, located in the country Turkey. It lies 25 miles north of Ephesus and was nicknamed the ‘Port of Asia’ because it had an excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea. It was home to the temple of Mother Goddess, she represents motherhood, fertility, and creation. Smyrna also had a shrine to Homer, who was a famous Greek writer. It was also a beautiful city, with paved streets, a library, and a gymnasium. And it was known for its athletic games.
Then Revelation 2:8 says, “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” This is how Jesus introduces himself to the church. He calls himself “the first and the last” the one “who died and came to life”. Jesus was identifying himself to the church in Smyrna as Israel’s Redeemer who prepared the way through death to the resurrection life. So, the question is: what does Jesus have to say to the church in Smyrna?
Point 2: While Jesus has much to say, one thing you will notice in this letter is that Jesus has nothing critical to say. Instead, in Revelation 2:9, we see Jesus encouraging them.
First, Jesus states,“I know your tribulation…” This implies this church was heavily persecuted and suffered much. Jesus is saying to them, I know the trouble you are facing. I know the trial you are under. I know about the affliction, the misery, the adversity, the grief, the heartache, and the persecution you are enduring. Where did this persecution come from? It came from two opposing forces: 1) a Jewish population that strongly opposed Christianity, and 2) a non-Jewish population that was loyal to Rome.
Secondly, Jesus states, “I know… your poverty…” This tells us the church in Smyrna was not a wealthy church. They were physically poor. They had little to no money.
Thirdly, Jesus says to them, “but you are rich”. This implies that though they are poor, they are also somehow rich. How can a church be both poor and rich? When Jesus says this, he is not speaking of money, he is speaking about spiritual richness. What does it mean to be spiritually rich? According to James 2:5, to be spiritually rich means you are rich in faith and an heir to the kingdom of God. So, you can be physically poor, not having very much money, but at the same time be spiritually rich because of your faith in Jesus, which matters more than how much physical wealth a person might have.
Frouthly, Jesus says to them, “I know…the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Implying that non-Christian and non-Jewish people in the city of Smyrna were spreading lying reports about the church, and Jesus is very well aware of it. They were spreading misrepresenting claims about the church. They were attempting to smear the church by maliciously spreading false rumors about the church in the city of Smyrna. Jesus says these people belong to the “synagogue of Satan”, implying that such people were serving Satan’s purposes and not God’s.
Point 3: Next, in Revelation 2:10, we see Jesus warning the church.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer”, which means you are about to suffer, you are about to undergo some pain, you are about to undergo some distress, and Jesus is telling them ahead of time so they will not be afraid when it comes.
Then Jesus says to them, “Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison…” In other words, some time soon, some of you, not all of you, are going to be put in jail, and you don’t need to be distressed or afraid when that happens, and the one who is behind all this persecution is Satan. Jesus is telling them ahead of time so that when the devil begins to put them in jail, they will not be surprised. Now this does not mean that Satan is going to show up personally and put them in jail, but Satan is going to use those who belong to the synagogue of Satan to do so.
This also means that Jesus is going to allow for that to happen. He knows this is going to happen and he is going to permit Satan to do this. Jesus has complete authority over the devil and Satan cannot persecute any child of God that Jesus has not given him permission too. Why would Jesus allow this?
The reason Jesus allows this, according to Rev. 2:10, is so the church could be tested – “that you may be tested.” What needed to be tested? Their faith. Jesus was allowing Satan to persecute them by throwing them in jail to determine if their faith was genuine or not. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, that is one of the main reasons for every trial we face. Every trial we face in life tests the genuineness of our faith. Though Jesus himself does not persecute us, he will allow Satan to persecute us in order to test our faith’s sincerity. Jesus did it with Job, he did with this whole church, and he will do it to you.
Then Jesus says, “and for ten days you will have tribulation.” This means their time for suffering has a definite beginning and a definite ending. The time of their testing, although intense, will be short. It will be no more and no less than ten days.
Point 4: Then, in Revelation 2:10-11, Jesus encourages them to maintain their faith.
“Be faithful unto death…”, which means while some of them might be thrown into jail, some of the believers in Smyrna would die. The ten day window that Jesus was giving Satan to persecute the believers in Smyrna, would cost some of them their life. They would be martyr’s.
I wonder how many believers, if they received a letter like this from Jesus, would be faithful to Jesus, even if they knew what was coming would either land them in jail or cost them their life? Would I? Would Northeast church? Would we see Jesus so marvelous and wonderful that we would be willing to be thrown in jail or even die because of our faith? Oh, how I hope so!
Jesus tells them, “and I will give you the crown of life.” Another thing about Smyrna is that this city was famous for its athletic games. Victors would have a crown or victory wreath placed on them as a trophy saying that they were a champion at the games.
The crown of life that Jesus refers to is not an actual crown. It refers to the wreath of victory that God promises to those who love him and maintain their faith in him through the trials and tribulations of this life. According to 1 Cor. 9:25, 2 Tim. 4:8, and James 1:12, this is not an actual crown, but is eternal life with God in heaven. So, Jesus is saying to the church in Smyrna, if they remain faithful to him, though it may land them in jail or cost them their life, he will give them eternal life. Thus, the reward for whichever they face (prison or death) is worth it. And the same is true for us: if we remain faithful to Jesus through all the trials and tribulations of this life, even unto death, we will receive the precious gift of eternal life.
Then Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Which simply means, if you are here, and you are hearing this message, make sure you are listening. Turn your attention to hear what Christ has to say in this letter. Lastly, Jesus says, “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” The second death, according to Revelation 20:4-6 & 20:11-15, is when every unbeliever, whose name has not been recorded in the book of life, because they have rejected Jesus and refused to obey him, will be thrown into the lack of fire with Satan and all his demons. Jesus is saying that everyone who conquers the trials and tribulations of this life by maintaining their faith in him will not have to endure the second death.