Bible Study: Revelation Chapter 2, Part 2 The Persecuted Church

[Pastor Dave Honey]

The Persecuted Church

Revelation 2:8

"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:

The Church of Smyrna represents a period from A.D. 100 to A.D. 312.

Jesus, referring to Himself as the First and the Last, is claiming Himself as God! (Is 41:4, 44:6) The Trinity rears It's beautiful Godhead once again!

Smyrna is as interesting a name as it was a place! The word Smyrna actually means myrrh, a spice used to prepare a dead body for burial. Because of it's
aromatic properties, myrrh was often used for perfume as well as in the
anointing of a dead body. The interesting correlation between myrrh and Smyrna
is that Smyrna was the "Persecuted Church", and myrrh only gave off
it's fragrance when crushed! Smyrna was considered the "Crown of
Asia". The city today is Izmir, Turkey, but in earlier days was known as
the most beautiful city in Asia Minor. Smyrna was intensely loyal to Rome, so
consequently it developed a culture of emperor-worship. You may recall
from history how some fifty years after John's death, Polycarp, the pastor of
the church of Smyrna, was burned alive for refusing to worship Caesar.

Revelation 2:9a

"I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);

Jesus awards a commendation to the Church of Smyrna! I should also mention here that Jesus has no words of condemnation for this church. Smyrna is one of
only two churches to receive such blessed notice from the Lord! The second
being the Church of Philadelphia, which we shall study later. Acknowledging
Smyrna's suffering and perseverance, reminds her that she is rich! Matthew
teaches us in chapter six of his gospel, that true treasure can only be
found in heaven, and if we would seek God's kingdom above earthly wealth,
we will be rich with spiritual blessings!

Revelation 2:9b
...and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are
a synagogue of Satan.

To continue, Jesus acknowledges Smyrna's discernment's of those who were Jews in name only. There were those Jews who were spiritual pagans as they
aided those who attempted to stamp out Christianity by putting Christians to
death! They served Satan rather than God.

Revelation 2:10a
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.

"Do not fear any of those things which 'I am' about to suffer? Oh my!" Scary words to some, and to some others...well, don't even go there!
But Jesus is able to share with the Church of Smyrna this somewhat sketchy
prophecy of tribulation and suffering because He knows their heart, and He
knows that this amazing church can, and will endure! What is the condition of
our hearts today? Do we see a world gone mad and hide under a rock of
indifference? Or do we turn our hearts towards Him who promises never
to leave nor forsake us?

Ten days of testing...doesn't sound impossible, after all, it's only ten days...isn't it? Between the years A.D. 100 and A.D. 313, there will be ten
Roman emperors who bring such intense persecution against the Christian church
that well over five million Christians will be murdered for their
faith!

Revelation 2:10b
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Jesus does not take away the trial, but leads them to victory! The victory won for them on the Cross of Calvary! It is the victory promised His
disciples when He said; "Let us cross over to the other
side..." (Luke 8:22). It is the day by day struggle of Christians in
everyday life! It is the times when all hope is lost, then Jesus picks you up
again and gives you hope again! Jesus is the Victory! Amen!!

Revelation 2:11

11 "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."'

He who overcomes is identified as a Christian. Revelation 20:13 & 14 declares that all who are judged are cast into the lake of fire! This is
the second death! Because of Jesus, no Christian will suffer the second death!

 

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