Smyrna
"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 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. 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. 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." Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna, (called Izmir today), is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean basin. Excavations have dated this city at 3,000 B.C. but is believed to have been settled much earlier. Smyrna developed into one of the wealthiest cities of the region and was in contention for the title "the first city" along with Ephesus and Myletus. Smyrna was also one of the ancient cities to claim Homer as their own.
One Greek legend says that like Ephesus, Smyrna was named by the mythical Amazons. Around the 8th century B.C. the Temple of Athens (goddess Athena) was the most important sacred place in the city of Smyrna. A lion was the symbol of ancient Smyrna and this symbol can be seen on Smyrna’s ancient coins.
Around 600 B.C. Alyattes invaded Smyrna and destroyed it. 300 years later, Alexander the Great rebuilt the city about 5 miles south of its original location. A new temple was constructed to Athena the Mother Goddess. Smyrna also built a temple for Roman pagan worship (goddess Roma) around 190 B.C. Eventually, Smyrna became a Roman territory in 133 B.C. Smyrna was chosen by the Emperor Tiberius in 23 A.D. as the place to build a temple in honor his mother and wife. This was a great honor for Smyrna, it brought great wealth to its inhabitants and the city greatly prospered.
Judaism was well organized in the first and second century. There was a definite hostility towards the early Christians living in Smyrna and elsewhere.
Jesus in Revelation 2:8a to Smyrna says "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;" Jesus is the one who conquered death. In this verse Jesus gives hope to the church in Smyrna for He knows what is coming, for in Him there is Hope. "...and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades". Revelation 1:18
The first century Christians in Smyrna were poor but were rich in faith Revelation 2:9a "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)". Tribulation and poverty were a part of the church of Smyrna. The Church was reminded that "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Smyrna and many of its people were prosperous, yet the church in Smyrna was poor. But Jesus reminds us all that faith in Christ is our hope and not worldly riches. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Many in today's western church esteem material prosperity as a benefit of living in the will of God. Yet we know from the above scriptures, and others, that this is not necessarily the case. Our faith in Jesus and our relationship with Him is what gives us our strength to live in peace with ourselves, and to survive in this world.
"and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Jesus himself bore our sins upon the cross and endured the suffering and humiliation at the hands of these same type of people. We know from Matthew 26:59 "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;" Revelation 2:9b
"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." Revelation 2:10
We know that Satan is the accuser and works through men. Through the centuries Christians have suffered greatly even unto death. Today in other countries Christians are also suffering persecution and death. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) Jesus gives a promise to the church of Smyrna "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
The churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia were the only churches that were not rebuked by Jesus. They also were the only churches told to expect persecution. "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)
Jesus has promised us eternal life. Whatever sufferings, tribulations, and persecutions we endure for Him as we go through life worldly riches can never compare to what awaits us in eternity.
"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." Revelation 2:11