The Church at Smyrna

 

The Church at Smyrna Continuing a Study of Revelation REVELATION 2.8  “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: 2.9  “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 2.10  Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. -WEB Bible The Church at Smyrna was going through persecution, even to death for some of them. Jesus doesn’t promise the people of Smyrna an escape from their trials, but he does promise them great rewards. He assures them that they even though they are poor, in reality they are rich because of the spiritual treasures that come to those who suffer in Jesus’ name. Their greatest tormentors were the religious leaders in Smyrna. Just as Jesus was falsely accused by Pharisees, now the Smyrna church suffers under similar false accusations. THE REWARDS FOR SMYRNA REVELATION 2.10  Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 2.11  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.  -WEB Bible There are no words of rebuke for the church at Smyrna. There are no promises of escape, either. Jesus tells them: • Don’t be afraid. • Be faithful to death. • I will give you the Crown of Life. • You won’t ever experience death again. There are five different crowns mentioned in the Bible, as rewards for Christians. This special crown, the Crown of Life, is for those who suffer persecution. The message to Smyrna is short but it’s full of information that is comforting for us all, and especially for those who suffer under false accusations and persecution. IMAGE CREDIT: Images of the Smyrna candle, and the Crown of Life were generated by SeaArt.ai and edited by C.A. Stevens. Revelation Study will continue on Fridays!