Church in Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11

Church in Smyrna

The identification of the speaker – 8

The first and the last is a reference to Jesus Christ from Revelation 1:17

Which was dead and is alive is a reference to Jesus Christ from Revelation 1:18 – so the resurrection is true [John 21:24, 1 John 1:1-3]

The evaluation of the church – 9 – he knows their:

Works – because works are an element of their salvation James 2:20-24, Hebrews 4:11 [notice the need for labor and faith]

Tribulation – they are literally going through the tribulation [Matthew 24:21] and this tribulation they are experiencing at that time is a result of their godliness [1 Timothy 2:12]

Poverty – they are poor and needy, which is the condition of the tribulation saints [Psalms 12:5, 37:14 (13-19), etc] – they obviously will not have taken the mark of the beast [Revelation 13:17] – in fact, they are rich [James 2:5, rich in faith]

The indication of a problem – 9 –

Blasphemy – there are some there who say they are Jews but they are not [Revelation 3:9] – they are pretenders – in fact they are devil worshippers [2 Thessalonians 2:4] – their purpose is to draw away disciples after themselves [Acts 20:30] who will in turn also worship the devil with them [Revelation 13]

Note: blasphemy is an interesting subject dealing with the:

·    Blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not

·    Blasphemy of the Holy Ghost – Mark 3:29-30, which could only be committed while Jesus was on the earth and which is committed by saying that “he hath an unclean spirit.”

·    Blasphemy of the word of God – Titus 2:5

·    Blasphemy of faith – 1 Timothy 1:20

An Admonition – 10 – Don’t fear suffering – compare 1 Peter 4:12-16

Samuel Mashikolo in Chinsali, Zambia said of suffering, “Expect it, Rejoice in it, Glorify God for it.”

They will suffer:

Prison

Trial

10 days of tribulation [probably torture like Hebrews 11:35] – trying to get them to recant their belief in Jesus Christ [Matthew 10:16-23 – notice they have synagogues, but the devil is in charge]

Death – be faithful unto death – this is called THE death in Revelation 12:11 [death by decapitation Revelation 20:4]

The Reward – 10 – they are promised a crown of life [the martyr’s crown]

The Promise – 11 – To those who overcome, they will not be hurt of the second death [Revelation 21:8, 20:6, 14] – therefore, they will have part in the first resurrection [Revelation 20:4]