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Pastor Scott L. Harris
Grace Bible Church, NY
February 16, 2025
Smyrna – The Persecuted Church
Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction
Turn in your Bibles to Revelation. As we saw in the sermons that covered the introduction to the Apocalypse and chapter 1, this book is a revelation from God the Father to Jesus Christ, God the Son, ◘ then from Him through an angel to the apostle John who wrote down what he saw and heard as directed. The contents of the book are for all who are God’s slaves which would be Christians, those who have been bought by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice to redeem man from his sin granting forgiveness of sin and conversion to all who will believe. John is writing about ad 95 from the small, barren island of Patmos off the coast of Asia where he has been exiled because of the word of God and testimony of Jesus. John had been in Ephesus by that time for many years. Emperor Domitian became more eccentric and demanding as he neared the end of his reign. A result of this was that wherever the Emperor cult was strong those who would not yield to its demands were subject to persecution. It became bad in Ephesus because that was the site of the temple to Domitian. John would not compromise his worship of God nor his continuing to proclaim the testimony of Jesus Christ, and for that reason he was exiled to work the mines on Patmos though he was very old. He would not be free until Domitian’s murder in ad 96.
◘ As explained in John’s salutation and recounting of his commission from Jesus, John is writing to seven particular churches in the Roman province of Asia which is now the area of western Turkey. Each church is in a city located in a clockwise direction on a road system that makes a loop through Asia. Each city was also a postal hub and from each of them copies of the book would be sent to other churches so that all of God’s slaves would eventually be able to read it and gain the blessing promised for doing so and heeding its message (1:3). The letter is actually from all three persons of the triune Godhead as described in 1:4-5. John broke into a doxology in verses 5-6 and in verse 7 proclaimed the prophecy of the imminent return of Jesus, which is the theme of the book, which is then attested by God the Father in verse 8. ◘In the commission given to John by Jesus in verses 9-20, John sees the exalted Christ whose appearance is human but far more glorified than any mere human can be. The description is similar to that of holy angels, yet beyond them as well and matches that of previous prophecy and Isaiah’s vision of heaven. His clothing is dignified, His head and hair were white like wool or snow, His eyes were like flames of fire and face like the sun shining in its strength, His feet like burnished brass glowing in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of many waters. At the incarnation Jesus became a man who was meek and mild, but He is not that way any longer. He is once again exalted with the glory reflecting His deity and He is returning as the King of kings and Lord of lords. We love Jesus because of His selfless sacrifice for us sinners. We worship Him because of who He is – the eternal second person of the triune God.
Jesus commissioned John to write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things (1:20). Chapter 1 covers “the things which you have seen.” Chapters 4-22 will cover “the things which will take place after these things.” ◘Our current study of chapters 2-4 covers “the things which are.” That must be kept in mind in order to determine the correct interpretation of these seven letters with seven different particular messages to seven particular churches located in seven particular places at a particular point in time. ◘While the messages to each will have application to other churches at other places and times, each must be interpreted according to their grammatical-historical context before the principles in them can be properly discerned for application beyond what is said to them. Once again, allegorical and mystical interpretation opens the door wide for the musings of man to distort or even destroy the meaning of the author to those to whom He is writing. We will see that again in our study today.
(See: Introduction to the Apocalypse, Part 1, Introduction to the Apocalypse, Part 2, John’s Salutation & Commission & The Glorified Christ)
◘The Letter to Ephesus – Review of Revelation 2:1-7
By way of quick review, we last looked at the letter to the church at Ephesus. ◘This was a church commended highly for their toil in the Lord’s work to the point of exhaustion, yet not persevering and not growing weary. They endured great hardship for the Lord’s sake as already mentioned concerning John’s exile to Patmos. They had very high doctrinal integrity so that self professed apostles were tested, the false doctrine and practices of the Nicolaitans were hated and they would not endure those whose deeds and character were bad – those of low moral character, worthless, godless. All of these are wonderful qualities and any person or church so characterized by them would be blessed and worthy of praise.
◘ However, there was also a very serious problem. They had left their first love. Doctrinal integrity is very good and necessary, but it is to be exercised with a love that reflects Jesus Christ, and even more so among Christians for it is by the exhibition of our love for one another that we demonstrate that we are indeed disciples of Jesus (John 13:35). We are to be characterized as those who speak the truth in love that we may grow up in all aspects of Christ (Eph. 4:15). We are to “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thess. 5:14). The Ephesians properly and strongly defended their orthodoxy, but they had become cold and lacking the love that enables growth in spiritual maturity and truth. The commands to admonish one another and expose the deeds of darkness (Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:11) were carried out with gusto, but the commands to be patient, be tender-hearted, encourage, help, forgive, accept, love one another were done half-hearted, neglected or even ignored.
Do not let that become something that characterizes you personally or the church of which you are a part. ◘What is the cure if that does happen? Jesus told them to “remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first.” Remember, repent, redo. Remember what it was like when your love was new. Repent – change your mind about where you have let it decline and change the direction to go where you are supposed to be. Redo – start doing again the things you did according to the priorities you had when your love was new. This principle works in your relationship to the Lord. It also works in your relationships with other people as I explained last week. Remember, repent, redo.
◘ Jesus promises to all that overcome, which would be all true Christians, that they will eat of the tree of life that is in the Paradise of God. Sin kicked man out of the Garden of Eden and access to the tree of life. Jesus overcame sin and offers redemption to all who will believe in Him so they are cleansed and made holy before Him. Revelation 22 describes the fulfillment of this promise in the new heaven and new earth. An encouragement to believers of all ages.
◘The Letter to the Church at Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-10
Let us now read through the second letter. Revelation 2:8–10, 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.’”
◘The Recipient of the Letter – Revelation 2:8
This letter is addressed in the same way as to the previous letter to the Ephesus. The only difference is the name of the city and the conjunction, “and.” 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:” As pointed out last week, the term angel would be better translated as messenger for this is a respected human messenger that will take the letter to Smyrna and not a supernatural holy Angel from God. The messenger is addressed specifically as the representative of the whole church.
◘The City of Smyrna – Background
It will be helpful to gain a little background on the city of Smyrna in order to understand the message to the church there. The city was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus situated at the southeastern end of a protective inlet of the Aegean Sea which had a deep harbor. This contributed to its wealth as a commercial and trade city since it was also the end of the road that came from the Hermus river valley. ◘Its location itself was picturesque and made more beautiful by its layout of paved streets and landscaping. Groves of trees lined the streets in the outlying areas while stately public buildings adorned the Pagos, the hill above the city. These were arranged along a road that curved around the hill with a temple to Cybele, goddess of retributive justice, at one end and Zeus, the sky god and chief god of the Greek pantheon, at the other with additional temples to Apollo, the god of sunlight, prophecy, music & poetry, Asklepios, the god of healing, and Aphrodite, the goddess of sex and beauty, along the way so that the area was referred to as the “crown of Smyrna” and the buildings likened to a necklace of jewels around the neck of a statue.
◘ Smyrna had been founded as a Greek colony sometime before 1,000 B.C. It was captured and destroyed by king Algattes of Lydia in 627 B.C. and was not re-established until 290 B.C by two of the successors to Alexander the Great, Lysimachus and Antiogous. ◘Its trade brought it into contact with the Romans with whom they made an alliance in order to defend themselves against the kingdoms to their east and from Carthage in north Africa which was a threat to Rome. In 195 B. C. Smyrna built a temple honoring Rome, and in A.D. 26 the favor was returned when Rome chose Smyrna as the site for a new temple to emperor Tiberius. Deification of the head of state was not uncommon in the ancient world, though more commonly after their death. In the early first century under Caligula (AD 37-41) worship of the current emperor began. ◘Cultic emperor worship became very strong in Smyrna due to their close ties to Rome and this would prove to make life difficult and dangerous for Christians there.
◘ Smyrna was also known as a center for education. It is claimed that Homer was born and raised there or nearby. It was especially renowned in the areas of science and medicine. This was a reason for a temple to Asklepios, the god of healing, to be located there. ◘The name Smyrna means “bitter” and the Septuagint uses this word to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, an aromatic and bitter tasting gum resin extracted from Commiphora spp. tree that was used for medicinal purposes and embalming. The meaning of the name and the use of myrrh end up being reflective of the bitter lives and the martyrdom of the Christians there at the end of the first century.
◘ There is no clear record of when a church was planted in Smyrna. It would most likely be after the church in Ephesus was established and the surrounding areas were evangelized by them. Part of the complaint by Demetrius the Ephesian silversmith recorded in Acts 19 was “that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all” (vs. 26). So many people were becoming Christians throughout Asia that it was having a direct negative effect on the trade in pagan idols. That would certainly include Smyrna whose southern entrance was called the “Ephesian gate.”
◘The Author – Revelation 2:8
Verse 8 continues on to identify the author dictating the letter to John as “the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.” Only Jesus Christ matches this description which is a variation of what He proclaimed about Himself in 1:16. ◘As mentioned when explaining that verse a few weeks ago, the phrase “the first and the last,” refers to His eternal nature. He was already existing at the beginning of all things and will continue existing after the end of all things. Though it is a concept we cannot fully grasp because we are creatures bounded by time, Jesus is eternal and is unrestricted by time.
◘ The second phrase, “who was dead,” encompasses Jesus, the second person of the triune God, taking on human flesh and then physically dying at a point in time. Both the denial of Jesus’ humanity and the denial of His physical death is a deceiver and an antichrist (1 John 4:2-3; 2 John 7). This death (aroist tense) occurred at a point in time, ◘but the death did not continue as stated in the next phrase, “and has come to life.” Jesus rose from the dead at a point in time and continues to be alive. Denial of the physical resurrection of Jesus is also heresy demonstrating a vain faith and a false gospel (1 Cor. 15). Jesus is the eternal and living Savior whose death was the redemption price that satisfied the penalty of man’s sin and whose resurrection proves true all of Jesus’ claims about Himself and promises to those who will place their faith in Him to receive forgiveness of sin and the guarantee of eternal life with Him in Heaven.
◘The Situation at Smyrna – Revelation 2:9
Verse 9 explains the situation that the church in Smyrna was experiencing at that very time. 9 “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” ◘Jesus knowledge here (oi\da / oida) is perfect tense. He has full knowledge of their current condition and will continue to have full knowledge in the future. Their situation was one of tribulation, poverty and persecution which included the unbelieving Jews blaspheming them.
◘ Tribulation is trouble involving direct suffering. The word here (qli:yiV / thlipsis) has a literal meaning of “to press,” “to squash,” and so has a figurative sense of affliction, oppression, harass. Their tribulation is directly described in their poverty and the blasphemy against them. Their poverty (ptwceiva / ptōcheia) was a state of having insufficient physical resources, they were destitute. The same word is used of Jesus (2 Cor. 8:9) who was born in stable, had a feeding trough for a manger (Luke 2:7), and in His years of ministry had no physical place to call home and lay His head (Luke 9:58). He relied on the generosity of others to meet His physical needs for life (Luke 8:3), yet, Jesus never lacked anything He actually needed for God always supplied at the proper time whether that was bread in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11) or tax money taken from a fish (Matthew 17:25-27). Those who trust in God to meet their needs as they put His kingdom and righteousness first will find God true to His promises and their needs met (Matt. 6:33). ◘Though poor by the world’s standards, they will find themselves rich by God’s standards and without the worries of the world that plague the rich who spend so much time and energy trying protect their wealth and provide for themselves by their own means and methods. Such was the condition of the church in Smyrna. Though poor in what is valued by the world, they were rich in what mattered to God and He provided the necessities for life.
◘ Why were they impoverished? While there could have been several contributing factors, the context here points to it being related to their faithfulness to Christ. As already pointed out, Smyrna had very strong ties to Rome and emperor cult worship there was very strong. ◘By the end of Domitian’s reign there was increasing persecution of those who would not offer incense in worship of the emperor and say “Caesar is lord.” This was required on a yearly basis in order to prove loyalty for which there was given a certificate of compliance. Those who did not have a certificate were subject to ostracization, being shut out from economic activity or even execution. A faithful Christian could not comply with this demand because that would be a denial of Jesus for only He is Lord and only God is to be worshiped.
◘ This situation was aggravated by “the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” To blaspheme is to speak against someone, usually with lies and slander, so as to cause harm or injury to that person. Just as in Psidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Ephesus and Thessalonica, there were those who were Jews in the sense of being physical descendants of Abraham, but who were not spiritual descendants for they had no circumcision of heart (Rom. 2:28-29). They rejected the gospel, blasphemed Jesus Christ, and stirred up persecution against the followers of Christ. ◘ Physical descent cannot save anyone. The Jew has an advantage in being a descendant of Abraham and therefore among God’s chosen people, but without a transformation of heart to believe God and follow Him, they are heading for Hell. The same is true for those born into and raised in a Christian home. That is a great advantage, but each individual must turn from sin and self to believe in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having Christian heritage does not make you a Christian. There is no such thing as second hand faith.
◘ Jesus points out the true heart of these Jews by stating they “are a synagogue of Satan.” A synagogue consisted of a minimum of at least ten Jewish men who could gather to worship and promote the knowledge of God (Isaiah 43:12). Jesus characterizes these blaspheming Jews as those who have gathered to do the bidding of Satan in promoting the devil’s lies and slander against God and His people. Jesus had conflict with these same type of people with John 8:44 recording His strong rebuke of them. 44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That was the current situation of the church of Smyrna, and it was going to get worse before it would get better. That is the basis of the command and promise in verse 10.
◘The Command & the Promise – Revelation 2:10
10 “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” ◘The command in the first sentence is in the present tense and could be translated as “stop fearing” to bring out more of that sense. They were to cease from their current state of fear of future suffering. That command is to counteract the normal response of facing impending danger, and they were already afraid before Jesus revealed the details what was coming. Jesus now reveals to them that their near future will include prison, testing, tribulation, and possibly death. Their situation was bad and would get worse.
Is this a reasonable command in view of what was coming? It is even possible for a command to change an emotion? ◘Yes, but not directly. Emotions arise from what is being thought and believed which are then reinforced by action, so emotions are changed by changing the thoughts and beliefs which result in different actions which then reinforce the changed thoughts and beliefs. ◘Sometime just progressing far enough to get a person to change their actions lays the foundation for a change in thoughts, beliefs and then emotion.
An example of this is from the story of a battle I was reading about in a history book in which soldiers frightened by the advance of the enemy turned and started to run away. However, they soon encountered their commanding officer who through strong threats, harangues and encouragements got them to stop, turnaround, hold their ground, and then advance resulting in a great victory. The initial emotions of fear which fueled the retreat were eventual replaced with emotions that were quite the opposite as they savored their victory. While emotions are real and important indicators of what you might be thinking so that those thoughts and beliefs can be examined and evaluated by truth, emotions should never be allowed to lead for they are easily deceived. The romantic adage to “follow your heart” in reference to emotions is dangerous (Jeremiah 17:9). Instead, set your mind to seek truth and wisdom to follow the Lord.
◘ You may find it interesting as I did that the word translated fear here (fobevw / phobeō) has an original root meaning of “to flee,” “to run from.” And as is the case for many words for emotions, they are derived from an original word describing a physical action. The word then expands in connotations and broadens in meaning. The natural fear response to news of impending danger would be to seek to escape it. It is wise to evacuate from the path of an oncoming hurricane, to find shelter in the midst of a storm and for civilians to flee an approaching enemy army. But the Lord commands those at Smyrna to do the opposite as they face now certain trouble.
◘ First, some of them would be cast into prison by the devil to be tested. The devil here does not refer to the devil himself personally but to all those used by the devil to do his bidding as warned in Ephesians 6:10-12. It will be humans that will do the wrong, but our struggle is not with flesh and blood but rather the devil and his powers behind them. That is as true today as it was then. There were in Smyrna plenty of pagan Romans and false Jews already mentioned to do the devil’s bidding. We know from historical accounts from Smyrna that occurred later that Christians would be charged with disloyalty to the empire for their refusal of offering incense in worship of the emperor. ◘The testing would be of their faith with the temptation to escape imprisonment by yielding to the demand to conform. All that would need to be done is offer the incense and say that “Caesar is Lord.” That act would be of no consequence to the pagans who had multiple gods and adding another would not make any difference. Apparently the false Jews did not have a problem finding a way to justify their conformity to this idolatry. But then, false worshipers of the true God have always been able to justify themselves of just about anything for their understanding of God is only a caricature of Him according to the musings of their own minds. But to the true Christian, this could not be done for it would be a repudiation of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
◘ The most famous case of this is Polycarp born about AD 96. He appears to have been a disciple of the apostle John. About AD 155 he was arrested and repeatedly entreated to say Caesar Lord and offer the sacrifice, to swear by the fortune of Caesar, to reproach Christ and he would be set free, but if not he was threatened to be fed to wild beasts or consumed by fire. He is recorded to have said, “For eighty six years I have I served Him, and He never did me any injury; How then can I blaspheme my King and My Savior.” “I am a Christian.” He remained a faithful witness and became a martyr that day. (For a full translation of The Martyrdom of Polycarp, go to https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/martyrdompolycarp-lightfoot.html
◘ Tribulation is mentioned a second time here, and it is connected with but not joined to being imprisoned. It appears that those not imprisoned will suffer some additional tribulation or intensification of what they were already enduring in verse 9.
◘ The command to “stop fearing” is meant to be an encouragement which is lacking until we get to this next phrase and next sentence. The suffering would be limited and there is promised hope for the future. While those that interpret Revelation allegorically or mystically spill lots of ink trying to make the ten days into some unknown length of time or sequences of periods of time, none of their speculations match the plain meaning of the text or the reality of now recorded history. While the letter does not indicate a starting date for the imprisonments and additional tribulation to begin, the nature of the letter itself restricts into the near future as something imminent. ◘Nothing additional would have to happen for it to begin, but when it does, it will be of short duration, specifically ten days. No other interpretation is honest with the text since it is ten days, not ten years, decades, centuries, millennia, time periods or epochs which could have been easily indicated if intended. And no other interpretation would give encouragement and hope to those at Smyrna that received the letter. What encouragement could it have brought them to be told you will suffer imprisonment and tribulation for ten unknown lengths of time?
◘ Additional encouragement and hope is given alongside the additional revelation that some of them might die as martyrs. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This is also in the command voice in the present tense. They would not have to do or become something new, they only had to continue to be faithful as they already had been even to the point of martyrdom. The promise given for such faithfulness is the crown of life. ◘Please note the crown of life does not require you to die as a martyr, it only requires faithfulness. This brings to mind Jesus’ promise and warning in Matthew 10:32-33, 32 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.”
◘The imagery of a crown of life is probably taken from the victor’s wreath given to winners of athletic games which were popular in Smyrna as was common in most Greek influenced cities. ◘The juxtaposition here is between death and life and that takes you immediately back to Jesus’ self identification at the beginning of the letter. He is the one “who was dead and has come to life.” For the Christian, death is an enemy conquered by Christ so that it does not hold fear over us as those without the hope of eternal life. Just as Jesus died and rose again, so we know the same promise is given to us as explained in multiple scriptures with 1 Corinthians 15 being the most extensive. “Death is swallowed up in victory.” This would be a great encouragement to them – and it still is for Christians.
◘The Call & Promise – Revelation 2:11
The letter ends in a similar manner as the letter to Ephesus. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” ◘This verse applies the message of the letter universally for Spirit is speaking to the churches, plural, and the command is given to anyone with an ear to hear the message. While the particulars of the suffering and its length of tribulation do not apply, the principles do so this is good news for any Christian undergoing persecution. ◘Jesus knows what you are going through and He is still in control even when Satan buffets you. You are given all you need to remain faithful. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
◘ He who overcomes applies to all true Christians as explained in earlier sermons. Adam’s fall into sin brought death into the world and our sin confirms it. The wages of sin is death, but by God’s grace alone through faith alone in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ alone death is overcome to grant forgiveness and eternal life. ◘The second death is explained in Revelation 20:6; 11-15; 21:8. It is eternal lake that burns with fire and brimstone that is reserved for those who were not part of the first resurrection and whose names are not found in the book of life. That is everyone that is not a true Christian.
◘Conclusions
The application of this letter to us is quite simple. We can trust our God to keep His promises and therefore be at peace even in the midst of persecution and even martyrdom. God does not promise us deliverance from all the testing and tribulation that will occur in this life. ◘He does promise to go through it with us because Jesus is with us always and will never desert or forsake those that are true disciples of His (Matthew 28:20). These are truths you can hang onto when life gets confusing and trouble comes. These are promises for the present and eternity. How much you will experience His peace instead of fear and turmoil will be directly related to how much you trust Him (Isaiah 26:3).
But if you do not know and trust Christ, then be warned, none of these promises belong to you and you will be hurt by the second death for eternity. That is not something you can avoid by any means or methods of your own. Salvation from it comes only by turning from your sin and self to believe and trust the Savior and cast your eternal future into His hands.
Sermon Notes: February 16, 2025
Smyrna: The Persecuted Church – Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction
While exiled to the island of Patmos, John writes down what has been ________to him by an angel & Jesus
Jesus has John write 7 __________letters to 7 churches in Asia from which all the writings would be spread
The _________Christ commissions John to write what is revealed to him about things past, present & future
“The things that are” concern the specific condition at that ______of each of the 7 churches addressed (2-3)
Each letter must be understood in its historical _______before its principles can be applied to other churches
The Letter to Ephesus – Review of Revelation 2:1-7
This church was highly commended for their work, toil, perseverance & high doctrinal & moral __________
However, they had left their first love resulting in a ________________without Christian warmth & charity
The cure for a diminished love is to _____________, ______________, & ___________
The overcomer, ______ true Christians, will have access to the tree of life (Rev. 22)
The Letter to the Church at Smyrna – Revelation 2:8-10
The Recipient of the Letter – Revelation 2:8
The angel is a respected human messenger that is the representative of the whole ________ at Smyrna
The City of Smyrna – Background
Located ~35 miles north of Ephesus, at the end of an inlet with deep harbor, Road from the Hermus valley
A wealthy trade city picturesque for location, layout, landscaping & buildings – esp. many temples on its hill
Founded as a __________colony, then destroyed, then re-established in 290 B.C.
It developed a strong alliance with ________building a temple to it in 190 B.C. & one to Tiberius in A.D. 26
Cultic _____________ worship became very strong
A center for education and renowned in the areas of science & ________. Temple of Asklepios located there
“Smyrna” means “______.” It translates the Hebrew word for myrrh – bitter, aromatic gum used in medicine
The church most likely planted after church in __________established which evangelized the area (Acts 19)
The Author – Revelation 2:8
Only Jesus Christ matches this description which is a variation of what He proclaimed about Himself in ___
“The first and the last” refers to His ___________ nature – existing outside the boundaries of time
“Who was dead” is Jesus’ physical ___________ at a point in time
“And has come to life” physical ____________at a point in time and remaining alive
The Situation at Smyrna – Revelation 2:9
Jesus has full knowledge of their current condition and will continue to have full knowledge in the _______
Their tribulation – afflicted, oppressed, harassed – included destitute ____________& blasphemous slander
Though destitute in material goods, they were rich by God’s standards – and He __________for their needs
There could have been several contributing factors, but context ties this to their ____________to Christ
Those who would not comply with the required emperor worship were subject to ostracization & even ____
The _________- lies & slander done to harm another – by ethnic, but ungodly Jews, aggravated the situation
Physical descent cannot save you. Each individual must have ___________faith in Jesus Christ
Synagogue of Satan = An assembly of Jews promoting Satan’s ________against God & His people (Jn 8:44)
The Command & the Promise – Revelation 2:10
A command to cease from their current state of _____of future suffering – to counteract the normal response
Emotions arise from thoughts & beliefs and so are changed when ___________& beliefs are changed
___________ can reinforce emotions – or can be the first step in the process of changing them
The word for fear here has a root meaning of “to ___,” “to run from” the natural response to what is feared
Some of them would be cast into _____by the devil (those doing his bidding) to be tested (tempted to yield)
Their faith would be tested with the _______________to get out of prison by an act of worship of Caesar
A true Christian cannot deny Christ by worship of another. _______was martyred for refusing to deny Jesus
Those not imprisoned would suffer some additional ___________or intensification of what they already had
The command to “stop fearing” was given a basis to be encouragement by the __________of the tribulation
The tribulation was imminent, but it was limited to ________- no other interpretation is honest with the text
They could even face martyrdom, but additional encouragement is given in the promise of crown of ______
Receiving the crown of life does not require death as a martyr, only ______________in life (Matt. 10:32-33)
The imagery of the crown probably comes from the victor’s _________given in athletic contests
The juxtaposition here is between death & life which brings you back to Jesus’ _________over death (vs. 8)
The Call & Promise – Revelation 2:11
The message is given universal application for it is from the Spirit to the ____________ & all who will hear
Jesus knows the suffering of His sheep. He does not allow them to be tempted _______ability (1 Cor. 10:13)
He who overcomes applies to all true Christians. Adam’s sin condemns to death. Faith in Christ grants ____
The second death is only for those judged whose name ________ in the book of life (Rev. 20:6, 11-15; 21:8)
Conclusions
We trust God to keep His promises therefore we can be at ________even in the midst of extreme tribulation
Jesus never leaves, never forsakes and is always with His true _____________
KIDS KORNER
Parents, you are responsible to apply God’s Word to your children’s lives. Here is some help. Young Children – draw a picture about something you hear during the sermon. Explain your picture(s) to your parents at lunch. Older Children – Do one or more of the following: 1) Write down all the verses mentioned in the sermon and look them up later. 2) Count how many times Smyrna is referenced. Talk with your parents about how to have peace by trusting in Jesus even when you are persecuted for believing in Him.
THINK ABOUT IT!
Describe the city of Smyrna including its location, situation, prosperity level, religious practices and association with Rome. What tribulation was the church at Smyrna suffering? What were the causes of it? What is a synagogue of Satan? What additional suffering was about to come upon them? In what would they be tested? What is the basis for the command to stop fearing? How was it an encouragement? What is the crown of life? What is the basis for receiving it? Who are the overcomers? Why won’t they be hurt by the second death.
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