Revelation 2:8-11

To the Persecuted Church

Smyrna was located 40 miles to the north of Ephesus. It was a town originally founded by Alexander the Great. It was the home of the olympic games and there was a large library there which was later transferred to Alexandria. As early as 23 B. C. this city built a temple to Tiberius, the emperor, and led the way in Asia for emperor worship under Domitian. There was a large population of Jews in this city. To a church threatened with persecution and death, it must have been reassuring to know Jesus is eternal and has overcome the grave (Revelation 2:8).

How easy it is for those in suffering to feel all alone and as if no one cares. Jesus knows each person's past, present and future suffering and has promised to help bear those problems (Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus also knew of their poverty, in fact, he had experienced similar conditions (Matthew 8:20). Christians are not to concentrate their efforts on obtaining material wealth (Matthew 6:19-20). The church at Smyrna was physically poor, but spiritually rich. Jesus also knew about the blasphemy, or the speaking against, that was coming out from those who said they were Jews. There was a synagogue there but the Lord said it was Satan's and not his. God's true Israel in the Christian age is composed of those who are circumcised in heart (Revelation 2:9; Romans 2:28-29; 1 Peter 3:3).

Though severer trials were yet to come and they would last a complete period, the church could be assured the time would one day be over (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 1:29). The church's real enemy is Satan, called the devil, which means accuser or slanderer and would coincide with the thoughts being presented (compare John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31). He would try them, or tempt them to sin, in the fullest possible way. Prison could describe exile, arrest or death. Christians are not to fear any of these things, for if they remained true to the faith, even if it cost them their lives, eternal life would be their crowning reward (Luke 12:4-5; James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:25). Remember, this is the home of the olympics, so having eternal life described as a victory crown would be quite meaningful. The brethren were urged to heed the words of this letter and if they did they would be immune from the second death (Revelation 2:10-11; Revelation 20:14; Romans 6:23). That immunity is promised to those who overcome.