History Smyrna was founded about 3000 BC. About 900 BC it fell to the Ionians. During this time the famous philosopher, Homer, lived here. The city was taken over by the Lydians about 600 BC. Then in the 4th century BC, Alexander built it into a strong well planned city, the most beautiful in the area. It came under Roman rule in 27 BC. From 27 BC to 324 AD it enjoyed great prosperity. It took over from Ephesus as the main port in the area. During the reign of Tiberius it was almost wiped out by a major earthquake. Between 178 and 180 AD it was eventually reduced to ruins by several earthquakes. It was rebuilt again, but in 378 AD, it suffered another earthquake that completely destroyed the city again. Today it is called Izmir and is the 3rd largest city in Turkey, with an excellent harbour.
Pagan Worship There were many temples in Smyrna, which were led out in perfect symmetry surrounding Mount Pagos, resulting in the title “Temple of Smyrna”. At the foot of the mountain stood the temple of Zeus, with also temples to Apollo, Aphrodite, Aesculapius and Cybele. In 196 BC they built a temple to the goddess of Rome, and eventually it became compulsory to worship Caesar. Each citicen had to burn incense to Caesar and publicly acknowledge him as supreme lord. Many citizens died at the stake or by wild beast because they refused to do this.
Title of Jesus
Verse 8
“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;”
The concept of death is introduced at the beginning, even in the title of Jesus Christ.
The name Smyrna comes from the greek word, ‘Smurna’ from the Hebrew root ‘myrrh’. Myrrh was a costly perfume that was used in the process of embalming the dead. It was also an ingredient in perfume (psalm 45:8). It was used in the oil for annointing Priests (Exodus 30:23). Of course, it was also a gift from the Magi at Christ’s birth (Matt 2:11), and it was used when Joseph and Nicodemus embalmed Jesus’ body (John 19:39-40).
Good News
Verse 9
“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
The works and tribulation mean oppression and affliction, it is not the great tribulation.
The term poverty literally means ‘nothing at all’. The church doesn’t know it’s real position, they think they are poor, but Christ says they are really rich, they have His riches.
The mention of blasphemy refers to the Jews, the early persecution of the church did not come from the Romans, but from the Jews. Many of the Jewish Christians demanded that the legalism of the Jewish laws be obeyed.
Verse 10
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Here they are told that they will suffer in the future. History tells us that diseases brought back from the Parthian wars devastated much of Rome and the surrounding country. The River Tiber burst it’s banks and destroyed much of the grain srores which resulted in famine. The Christians became the scape-goats for these events. It was said that because of this new religion the gods were angry, therefore Christianity became a crime throughout the empire.
The term ‘ten days’ has confused some, there was never just 10 days of tribulation, there was many years of it, but an interesting fact to note is that the tribulation of the early church lasted during the rule of 10 emperors.
Nero (54-68 AD) Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down
Domitian (95-96 AD) John exiled
Trajan (104-117 AD) Ignatius burned at the stake
Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) Polycarp martyred
Septimus Severus (200-211 AD) Irenaeus killed
Maximinus (235-237 AD) Ursula and Hippolytus killed
Decius (249-251 AD)
Valerian (257-260 AD)
Aurelian (270-275 AD)
Diocletian (303-313 AD) He was the worst of all
Foxes Book of Martyrs tells us that there were approximately 5 million killed during the reign of these emperors.
Criticism
There is no criticism of this church, they were satisfying God’s heart (2 Cor 8:9)
There are only two churches with no criticism - Smyrna and Philedelphia. These are the only two cities that are still cities today.
Exhortation
In verse 10 we also see an exhortation “be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life”
Notice that there is not a single promise that they would escape their suffering, but that they were going to have to endure it.
There are at least 5 crowns mentioned in Scripture for rewards.
Crown of Life (James 1:12; Rev 2:10) - for those who have suffered for His sake.
Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim 4:8) - for those who loved His appearing.
Crown of Glory (1 Pet 5:4) - for those who fed the lambs, sheep, flock.
Crown Incorruptible (1 Cor 9:25) - for those who press on steadfastly.
Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thess 2:19) - for those who win souls.
Verse 11
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
Phrase
Once again we have this phrase that runs through each letter.
Promise to the Overcomer
The subject of death is even mentioned in the promise “Shall not be hurt of the second death”.
We will look at the second death in Rev 20:6, when we get that far.
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