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Letter to the Church at Smyrna. Revelation 2:8-11. Introduction. Smyrna, one of two churches that were not charged for a wrong. Take note of how the speaker is described for each church. Several different descriptions of the same person.
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Letter to the Church at Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction • Smyrna, one of two churches that were not charged for a wrong. • Take note of how the speaker is described for each church. • Several different descriptions of the same person. • Each describes Jesus in a way suitable for the letter sent to that church. • i.e. Ephesus: Jesus was in the midst of seven lampstands. • If they did not repent He would take away their lampstand.
The Letter to Smyrna • Address: To the Angel or Messenger. • The Speaker: • The First and the Last: Was before all things, created all things; He will judge the world and will endure when all things are destroyed. • Who was dead, and came to life: His suffering and victory over His enemies. • These characteristics will be key to His messaged. • “I Know” Prov. 15:3—He knows our works.
What is Right with the Church • “Your Works”: • They were diligent to do the works given by God for His church. • We will be judged by our works (Rev. 20:12). • Whether we do good or bad (Eccl. 12:14). • “Your Tribulation”: • Note description of Jesus—who was dead. • He had to endure what they were going through. • He could understand their tribulation. • But there is hope: 1. He is alive, so will we be. 2. He is the first and the last, and He is on our side. • 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 5:11, 12.
What is Right with the Church • Suffering inflicted by “Synagogue of Satan”: • They were persecuted by those who claimed to be the children of God. • Synagogue: “assembly, congregation” (Strong’s) • There are such assemblies who claim to be of God, but their deeds prove them to be of Satan. • “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). • Such are those who persecute faithful children of God, as the Jews did to Jesus and the apostles. • Poverty (but you are rich): • Physically poor, Spiritually rich. • As Jesus was physically poor in His death, but became rich in His life and makes others rich who come to Him. • 2 Cor. 8:9: Regardless of our physical condition, we are rich when we holdfast to our faith in Christ.
Admonition • Nothing found wrong with the church. • 2:10: • Fear none of those things which you are about to suffer. • “Fear not” is a prominent exhortation: Rom. 8:31 • “Be faithful unto death”: All who walk godly will face some persecution. • Those who overcome are those who are faithful unto death: enduring faithfulness.
Promised reward (vs. 10, 11). • Crown of life. • As Jesus is alive after His death, so we will be if we endure. • We will be victorious in Him and receive our crown. • Not hurt by second death. • Second death explained in Rev. 20:14, 15. • Death (eternal separation) faced by those who are cast into the lake of fire. • Though we may face physical death, eternally we will remain alive and not be affected by condemnation. • We can be written in the book of life.
Conclusion • Two deaths described. • Also two births: Physical and spiritual. • Those who enter into the second birth can be free from the second death. • We do so by obeying the gospel, being born of water and spirit. • Do you desire such hope?
