We continue our study of the messages of the Glorified Christ to the seven churches, knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians.

• We continue our study of the messages of the Glorified Christ to the seven churches, knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians throughout history and still has meaningful application to us and our church today.

• We continue our study of the messages of the Glorified Christ to the seven churches, knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians throughout history and still has meaningful application to us and our church today.

The Church at SmyrnaRevelation 2:8–11 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

• With the passage containing Christ´s message to the church at Smyrna, we learn another valuable lesson about interpretation. While we can understand some of what is being said in this letter just by allowing the Scripture to speak and letting the plain sense make sense, there are some things that remain unclear.

• With the passage containing Christ´s message to the church at Smyrna, we learn another valuable lesson about interpretation. While we can understand some of what is being said in this letter just by allowing the Scripture to speak and letting the plain sense make sense, there are some things that remain unclear.

• For instance, what is this synagogue of Satan? If we search the whole Bible for where the words synagogue and Satan appear in the same verse, we only find this passage and the passage containing the letter to Philadelphia. Neither of these passages explain what the synagogue of Satan is.

• For instance, what is this synagogue of Satan? If we search the whole Bible for where the words synagogue and Satan appear in the same verse, we only find this passage and the passage containing the letter to Philadelphia. Neither of these passages explain what the synagogue of Satan is.

Here is our trilemma:• We cannot discern the meaning just from the plain

sense of the words.• The word meanings do not give a full explanation.

We can look up synagogue and look up Satan, but putting those meanings together does not tell us what the synagogue of Satan was or who the people are who said they were Jews but are not.

• We cannot find any other Scripture that gives us an explanation.

Here is our trilemma:• We cannot discern the meaning just from the plain

sense of the words.• The word meanings do not give a full explanation.

We can look up synagogue and look up Satan, but putting those meanings together does not tell us what the synagogue of Satan was or who the people are who said they were Jews but are not.

• We cannot find any other Scripture that gives us an explanation.

• However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to understand and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they knew something we don´t know.

• However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to understand and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they knew something we don´t know.

• However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to understand and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they knew something we don´t know.

• This tells us we must broaden our search of the context of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the historical context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around 100 A.D.

• This tells us we must broaden our search of the context of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the historical context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around 100 A.D.

• This tells us we must broaden our search of the context of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the historical context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around 100 A.D.

• This tells us we must broaden our search of the context of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the historical context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around 100 A.D.

• This is not only something you can do, but is actually quite fun to do. You will learn a lot of interesting things. Many of the things you learn will not really have a bearing on the meaning of this passage, but they are interesting none the less. Those things may prove valuable in some other enterprise for you some day.

• This is not only something you can do, but is actually quite fun to do. You will learn a lot of interesting things. Many of the things you learn will not really have a bearing on the meaning of this passage, but they are interesting none the less. Those things may prove valuable in some other enterprise for you some day.

• When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down questions I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the source. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the reliability of what I have found.

• When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down questions I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the source. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the reliability of what I have found.

• When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down questions I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the source. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the reliability of what I have found.

• When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down questions I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the source. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the reliability of what I have found.

• Remember when doing research outside of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a godless perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that promote evil or wickedness.

• Remember when doing research outside of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a godless perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that promote evil or wickedness.

• Remember when doing research outside of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a godless perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that promote evil or wickedness.

• Remember when doing research outside of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a godless perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that promote evil or wickedness.

• For instance, you may need to understand something of the practice of witchcraft during the days of King Saul to understand Saul´s interaction with a witch. But you do not want to start reading books or articles intended to draw people into the practice of witchcraft or sorcery.

• For instance, you may need to understand something of the practice of witchcraft during the days of King Saul to understand Saul´s interaction with a witch. But you do not want to start reading books or articles intended to draw people into the practice of witchcraft or sorcery.

• It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of evil in order to gain an understanding of God´s Word.

• There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the Roman period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.

• It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of evil in order to gain an understanding of God´s Word.

• There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the Roman period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.

• It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of evil in order to gain an understanding of God´s Word.

• There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the Roman period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.

• It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of evil in order to gain an understanding of God´s Word.

• There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the Roman period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.

• Historical Notes On Smyrna And The Church In That City– Still exists as the modern city of Izmir, Turkey.

• The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great wealth. Also like Ephesus, it was a politically important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.

• The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great wealth. Also like Ephesus, it was a politically important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.

• The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great wealth. Also like Ephesus, it was a politically important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.

• Because of its wealth and the pride of its citizens, Smyrna was a beautiful city as well. They called themselves “The Glory of Asia,” and it was a model of city planning. It had long, spacious streets that ran from the sea to the inland edge of the city. The most famous of these was called “Golden Street.”

• Along this street, another characteristic of the city was revealed. At the harbor end stood the Temple of Cybele. As one journeyed along the way he came to the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. At the far end of this boulevard, where the hills began, was the Temple of Zeus.

• Along this street, another characteristic of the city was revealed. At the harbor end stood the Temple of Cybele. As one journeyed along the way he came to the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. At the far end of this boulevard, where the hills began, was the Temple of Zeus.

• Everywhere in Smyrna, the splendor of pagan worship was manifest.

• Everywhere in Smyrna, the splendor of pagan worship was manifest.

Smyrna was a premier center for Caesar Worship in the Roman Empire.• Caesar worship did not begin suddenly and by mere

official decree.• Several hundred years before, people began to

admire and then to worship in a vague and informal manner the “spirit of Rome.” That spirit became personified in Dea Roma, the goddess of Rome, whom people began to worship in more tangible ways, as they did the other Greco/Roman gods.

Smyrna was a premier center for Caesar Worship in the Roman Empire.• Caesar worship did not begin suddenly and by mere

official decree.• Several hundred years before, people began to

admire and then to worship in a vague and informal manner the “spirit of Rome.” That spirit became personified in Dea Roma, the goddess of Rome, whom people began to worship in more tangible ways, as they did the other Greco/Roman gods.

• The first temple erected for the worship of Dea Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D. 26, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god. Smyrna won.

• The first temple erected for the worship of Dea Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D. 26, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god. Smyrna won.

• The first temple erected for the worship of Dea Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D. 26, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god. Smyrna won.

• By the end of the first century when Caesar worship became mandatory under the emperor Domitian, Smyrna was already an enthusiastic center for the worship of whatever monarch sat upon the throne of Rome.

• By the end of the first century when Caesar worship became mandatory under the emperor Domitian, Smyrna was already an enthusiastic center for the worship of whatever monarch sat upon the throne of Rome.

• The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is lord.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a certificate, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.

• The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is lord.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a certificate, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.

• The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is lord.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a certificate, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.

• Most people in the empire accepted the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “Pax Romana,” the Roman Peace, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.

• Most people in the empire accepted the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “Pax Romana,” the Roman Peace, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.

• Most people in the empire accepted the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “Pax Romana,” the Roman Peace, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.

• Even many Jews did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were persecuted because of it.

• Even many Jews did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were persecuted because of it.

• Even many Jews did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were persecuted because of it.

• But by far, the one group of people who opposed even this little bit of worship of a human king was the community of believers – the Christians, the church. True believers would not offer incense to the emperor and the lips could only utter “Jesus is Lord.”

• But by far, the one group of people who opposed even this little bit of worship of a human king was the community of believers – the Christians, the church. True believers would not offer incense to the emperor and the lips could only utter “Jesus is Lord.”

• They were therefore outlaws by definition and subject to persecution at the hands of the state at any time. Persecution was not continuous everywhere, but it hung above the heads of believers like an axe suspended with a single thread.

• The flames of enthusiasm for Rome and Caesar burned especially hot in Smyrna. In the days of Christ’s message through John the Apostle, the church at Smyrna was full of heroes, heroes who would not compromise their stand that Jesus, and Jesus alone was the Lord of their lives.

• The flames of enthusiasm for Rome and Caesar burned especially hot in Smyrna. In the days of Christ’s message through John the Apostle, the church at Smyrna was full of heroes, heroes who would not compromise their stand that Jesus, and Jesus alone was the Lord of their lives.

• Smyrna was also the residence of the “Synagogue of Satan.” • That is not, of course, the name inscribed above

the door of the building. If it were like virtually every other synagogue in the world at the time, its official title was “The Synagogue of the Lord.”

• Smyrna was also the residence of the “Synagogue of Satan.” • That is not, of course, the name inscribed above

the door of the building. If it were like virtually every other synagogue in the world at the time, its official title was “The Synagogue of the Lord.”

• This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to accommodate Caesar worship, but who also despised Christians because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.

• This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to accommodate Caesar worship, but who also despised Christians because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.

• This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to accommodate Caesar worship, but who also despised Christians because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.

• These Jews kept careful tabs on all the Christians and were more than eager to tattle to the Roman officials that this Christian or that had no certification of their required worship of Caesar.

• These Jews kept careful tabs on all the Christians and were more than eager to tattle to the Roman officials that this Christian or that had no certification of their required worship of Caesar.

• Polycarp, the pastor of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D.

• Polycarp, the pastor of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D.

• Polycarp, the pastor of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D.

When given the choice of sacrifice to Caesar or be burned alive, Polycarp said, “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

• Now we are ready to try to understand the meaning of these four verses.

• 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: - Jesus is saying, “No matter what falls in between, it all begins and ends with me. Remember my resurrection. Know yours is coming.”

• Now we are ready to try to understand the meaning of these four verses.

• 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: - Jesus is saying, “No matter what falls in between, it all begins and ends with me. Remember my resurrection. Know yours is coming.”

• 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); - Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their faithfulness in the midst of adversity. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse.

• 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); - Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their faithfulness in the midst of adversity. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse.

• 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); - Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their faithfulness in the midst of adversity. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse.

• Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are rich,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but lost citizens of Smyrna could not have!

• Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are rich,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but lost citizens of Smyrna could not have!

• Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are rich,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but lost citizens of Smyrna could not have!

• and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. – Blasphemy is literally slander. They are not true Jews, and Satan himself has taken control of their synagogue.

• and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. – Blasphemy is literally slander. They are not true Jews, and Satan himself has taken control of their synagogue.

• 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. – Do not fear what you are about to suffer. More persecution is coming.

• 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. – Do not fear what you are about to suffer. More persecution is coming.

• Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Be faithful even if it means death. Your reward will be the crown of life.

• 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ – They may inflict upon you the first death; but because your faith is in Jesus Christ, the second death (hell) cannot touch you.

• 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ – They may inflict upon you the first death; but because your faith is in Jesus Christ, the second death (hell) cannot touch you.

The Applications• The application to the church of Smyrna in John

´s day is easy to see.

The Applications• Historically, the Smyrna period was from A.D.

170 – 312. While Smyrna was a center of Christian persecution, it was hardly alone. From the first persecution by Nero in 64 A.D. until 250 A.D., persecutions were usually local but nonetheless severe. The most severe, empire wide persecution came under Diocletian.

The Applications• Historically, the Smyrna period was from A.D.

170 – 312. While Smyrna was a center of Christian persecution, it was hardly alone. From the first persecution by Nero in 64 A.D. until 250 A.D., persecutions were usually local but nonetheless severe. The most severe, empire wide persecution came under Diocletian.

The Applications• It began in 303 A.D. and lasted for 10 years.

(Rev. 2:10 “ten days”) This period produced both many martyrs and many “fall aways” who recanted their faith. The rise of Constantine to power and his military victory in 312 brought an end to the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire itself.

The Applications• It began in 303 A.D. and lasted for 10 years.

(Rev. 2:10 “ten days”) This period produced both many martyrs and many “fall aways” who recanted their faith. The rise of Constantine to power and his military victory in 312 brought an end to the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire itself.

The Applications• The application of these words to our church in

our day may be more literal than we want to imagine.

The Applications• The application of these words to our church in

our day may be more literal than we want to imagine.