John’s letter to the church at Smyrna may be outlined under six headings: Destination (2:8), The Lord (2:8), Commendation (2:9), Condemnation (None), Exhortation (2:10a), Promise (2:10b-11).
Destination (Revelation 2:8)
The church of Smyrna is noted as the martyred church, the church that suffered for the cause of Christ. The word Smyrna means “myrrh” and carries the connotation of suffering. Whereas Ephesus represents the Apostolic church, so Smyrna represents the martyr church which covers the period from about A.D. 100 to approximately A.D. 313 or A.D. 314, a period from the death of Apostle John to the Edict of Toleration by Constantine. Constantine’s Edict in A.D. 313 ended the persecution of Christians, not only in Smyrna, but all over the Roman Empire.
The Lord (Revelation 2:8)
Christ identified Himself as the “first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” He is the “first and the last,” for there was nothing before Him and there will be nothing to follow Him! The church of Smyrna experienced severe persecution that threatened their very lives; and although suffering severely, these believers needed to know that Christ was Sovereign and in control of all things. Christ was triumphant over death and can save to the uttermost those who are going through a severe period of trial and persecution.
Commendation (Revelation 2:9)
It was extremely encouraging to these saints in knowing that Christ was aware that they were experiencing “tribulation” and poverty.” These believers experienced poverty (destitution) because they refused to participate in the imperial cult (emperor worship). Because of this economic persecution, they were excluded from the business of the town and forced into abject poverty! While they were poor in terms of earthly goods, they were rich from Heaven’s viewpoint (II Corinthians 6:10; 8:9; James, 2:5).
In addition to the opposition from the pagan culture, the church at Smyrna was receiving verbal abuse from the adherents to Judaism. Christ called the local Jewish synagogue a “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9). These Jews did not acknowledge Jesus as Lord, the Messiah; therefore, they were not truly Jewish in the sense that they had rejected the Messiah (Romans 2:28-29).
Condemnation
It is to be noted that the church of Smyrna and the church of Philadelphia did not receive a word of condemnation.
Exhortation (Revelation 2:10a)
Although these believers were suffering severely, Christ offered words of assurance by stating that they should not fear. Some of these believers would be imprisoned for ten days (a brief period). It is indeed comforting to know that God never allows His saints to be tested above what they can endure, for I Corinthians 10:13 says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God never intended that we should escape trouble. God’s goal for us, however, is conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29), not pain-free or trouble-free existence! Many times, suffering is allowed by God simply to bring us closer to Him (II Corinthians 12:7). Suffering can be used by God to discipline us (Hebrews 12:3-11), but even this is meant for the spiritual development of the believer.
Promise (Revelation 2:10b-11)
Christ urged these believers to continue being faithful, even to the point of death. He promised that those who did remain faithful would receive “a crown of life.” Persecutors could take away the lives of the faithful, but not their rewards! Christ even promised that those who overcome (that is, obey Him in spite of all opposition), will not be harmed by the second death. An overcomer is not an especially spiritual believer. John used this term to refer to all true believers (I John 5:4-5). All who hear and obey God’s Word are overcomers.
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
