Second Letter in Revelations: Smyrna

This is a continuation of my study of Revelations, inspired by the divinely inspired song of John Rich. 

Background: John had a vision of Jesus, the first, last who was dead and now very much alive. Each church or region of church has an angel assigned to it based on scripture. 

Smyrna Ancient Greek city located at a strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia.   Located in Turkey.

The city of Smyrna was 35 miles from Ephesus, located at the base of Mount Pagus, nestled between seven hills in a well-planned and protected coastal harbor on the Aegean Sea. Smyrna possessed wide, paved streets and beautiful buildings. The city was noted for its art, education, philosophy, science, school of medicine, and large library.

Smyrna: Temples to the pagan gods: Apollo, Asclepia, Aphrodite, Cybelle, Emperor Tiberius, and Zeus dotted the landscape. In A.D. 26 Rome granted Smyrna the right to erect a temple in honor of Tiberius and his mother, Julia. A golden street extended from the temple, connecting it with the others within the city.

Scripture is silent on the establishment of the church at Smyrna. The church was surrounded by a demonic system dedicated to these gods of Rome. 

Time: 100-350 A.D. intense persecution.  100-350 A.D. under Emperor Diocletian, Worst Persecution Had 10 serious persecutions under Pagan Roman Empire.

Types of persecutions: Believers were expected to worship the Roman Emperor, refusal to do was treason. They would be excluded from trading, left unemployed and many vendors failed to sell to them. They were burned at the stake, thrown to wild beasts, tortured, imprisoned in poor conditions, dressed in rags. They lost their citizenship, property and lives. 

Jesus Honored them for: 

  • Endured afflictions, poverty- but he reminded them that they are rich in rewards

Warnings or Lessons from Letter: 

  • Be Aware of some who say they are believers or Messianic Jews grafted into promises because of following Jesus, but in actuality they are from the Synagogue of Satan.
  • Expect Suffering & persecution and do not fear.
  • The devil might put some in prison to test them. 
  • Be faithful to the point of death and you will be given the Crown of Life.
  • Open your ears, hear what the spirit says. 

Those who Overcome, will not be hurt by 2nd death.

Thoughts: Will there be a time of intense persecution of Christians worldwide? U.S. citizens have not had intense persecution like those in China or places like the Middle East.  We are already seeing persecution ramp up, here in the U.S. Pro-life views are frowned up. Christians are seen as extremists and non-loving if they lean on the scriptures forbidding such things that are accepted socially in modern times. 

Those that will not bow down to the Anti-Christ, false Messiah will they be tortured, killed or starved like the Church of Smyrna?  Who will refuse to take the mark of the beast and will like the church of Smyrna not be allowed to buy, sell or trade, will be made poor in rags for the kingdom? Or who will be deceived, not realize the times we are in and make a fatal mistake so they can go to the grocery store or stay in their homes. 

I believe this letter is foreshadowing, will you stay loyal to the point of death? Will you recognize those that lead and press the ideals originating from the synagogue of Satan? Remember, the bible predicts this: Revelation 13:16-17

“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
 
We must know the book of revelations, the bible said if we read and take heed we will be blessed. 
We can’t ignorantly that that mark just to buy food and so forth. 
 
9 And a third angel followed them, calling out in a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives its mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. Day and night there will be no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” (Revelation 14:9-11)
 
Reflection: 
1. Have you read or listened to the bible? If not, start today. 
2. Have you studied the book of Revelations, so you feel equipped to discern? Start today.