II. Smyrna – Background – A major port city on the Aegean Sea. Famous for science, medicine, and beautiful buildings. Consequently, Smyrna was a wealthy city. The city historically had a close relationship with Rome. Smyrna built a temple for the worship of Emperor Tiberius. Imperial cult – worship of dead Roman emperors – was very popular in Smyrna. As we’ll read, it also had a sizable and influential Jewish population.
1. How does Jesus introduce Himself? The First and the Last; who died and came to life
2. Words of praise – They are rich. Let me read these verses again. You are a Christian in Smyrna. What are Christians in Smyrna experiencing? A) Tribulation – severe suffering; distress; affliction. B) Poverty – huh? Doesn’t the background section say that Smyrna was wealthy? Christians are experiencing poverty, why? They are not participating in the imperial cult. Consequently, Christians are ostracized by the community. No one will do business with them. C) Slander – a malicious, false, and defamatory statement for the purpose of making someone look bad. Source of slander – people who claimed to be Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. These were unbelieving Jews who viewed Christians as heretics who have distorted the true faith Judaism. These Jews spread lies in Smyrna about Christians in order to get them in trouble and to prevent nonbelievers from becoming Christians. One popular slander used against Christians was they practiced cannibalism. They had a ritual that involved eating flesh and drinking blood – The Lord’s Supper. These Jews claimed to be the true followers of God/the true children of God. According to Jesus, who were these Jews the children of? Read John 8:42-47. Who was the ultimate enemy of the church of Smyrna? Satan, the Adversary. The Smyrnan Christians are experiencing serious spiritual warfare. He’s unloading the full arsenal against them. Jesus goes on to tell you that things aren’t going to get any better. The Enemy will soon test your faith as he did Job in the Old Testament. Christians will be thrown into prison and experience serious persecution for ten days. Some will die. Again you are a Christian in Smyrna experiencing all this, it’s going to get worse not better, and you hear what Jesus tell you you are rich. How are you rich? Rich in faith. Any church that has been experiencing what Smyrna has and continues to worship God, to spread the Gospel, and refuse to compromise with idolatry has a faith that cannot be measured. Example – Christians in China.
3. Words of criticism – None. Only words of encouragement. Jesus has not turned a blind eye to Smyrna. He knows what they are experiencing and what they will be going through in the near future. He knows who is persecuting them. He knows their lies. He knows Satan is behind it all. Hang in there. Continue to be faithful.
4. If they don’t repent… - Nothing to repent.
5. Promise if they overcome – will not be hurt by the second death – eternal damnation in the lake of fire. Forever separated from God. Forever experiencing unbelievable pain. You are member of the church of Smyrna. How can Jesus guarantee you this? How did Jesus introduce himself to you? See answer to question 1. What did he promise you if you remained faithful unto death? Crown of life – symbol of eternal life.
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