The Seven Churches

The church of Smyrna was situated about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus. Unlike, Ephesus, which now lays as a deserted city, Smyrna today continues to be an important cosmopolitan port, a wealthy city with a population of over 200,000. By this, we can see that this church has been under God's protection down through the centuries. The letter to Smyrna is the shortest of the letters that were penned to the seven churches.

Smyrna was originally an Ionian settlement that passed into decline in the process of time. Rebuilt by Alexander the Great and Antigonus 1, it became immediately wealthy and famous.  Situated about forty miles north of Ephesus. Because of its natural and commercial situation, its wealth, commerce, and splendid buildings, it was called “the beautiful´.  However, the city of Smyrna was not far behind Ephesus in idolatry.

The city of Smyrna is not mentioned or named in the Acts or in the epistles; so it is not known when the Gospel was first preached there. But we do know, that the Roman imperial laws against Christianity were strenuously enforced in Smyrna. The persecution of believers is Asia Minor was centered here.  Polycarp, friend of John and the last disciple who knew the apostle personally, was slain in A.D. 168. It is generally believed that Polycarp was the ‘angel (messenger) of the church of Smyrna.

Christ´s eternal nature and deity are expressed in absolute terms in these verses. The infinite Savior is supreme before all things and all time. He is also the last as the goal of all things  (Romans 11:36). "Unto the angel (messenger) of the church in Smyrna write; these things saith the First and the Last, which was dead and now is alive.  I know your works, and tribulation (pressing trouble), and poverty, (but you are rich!) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Chapt 2:8–9;  Isa. 44:6

During the time of the seven churches, persecution of Christians abounded. This was the day when the Church was hated, outlawed and treated with violence that many times lead to the godly being martyred. They were enemies of the Empire, because of their faith and loyalty to Christ. Instead of worshipping in elaborate church buildings with central air and all the comforts of today's churches, these Christians were forced to gather in caves, catacombs and other hidden places to study God's Word and worship. They were despised and condemned by the World's standards during this time. Unlike many churches today, this was the era in which, being a Christian meant sacrifice and total commitment to their faith in God.   

"Unto the angel (messenger) of the church in Smyrna write; these things saith the first and the last, which was dead and now is alive; I know your works, and tribulation (pressing trouble), and poverty, (but you are rich!).  And I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Chapter 2: 8-9;  Isaiah 44:6

Here Jesus again is confirming that He is the first (from the beginning) and He is thelast.He is the one who was dead (His crucifixion) but now is alive (resurrected from the dead).  He tells them that He is aware of all their problems, and the persecution they are going through for His name's sake.  While on Earth, Jesus also suffered horrific physical and mental abuse. He had been there and done that, so He could relate to them and be sympathetic to their trials.  He reminded them that through all the earthly poverty that they were experiencing, yet they were rich!  They were not rich in earthly possessions, but were so by their dedication, faithfulness, love and sacrifice.  They were laying up treasures of gold, silver, and precious gems in Heaven, the riches that will never tarnish, rust or decay. Being in His presence for all of eternity is riches beyond our comprehension. This church  knew that one day, they would wear robes of spotless white, and that they would have crowns to lay at their precious Lord´s  feet  

The risen Christ also was aware of what He called the synagogue of Satan.  These were ungodly Gentiles and even Jews, who opposed these Christians because of their strong stand for Christ. These, who said they were Jews and were not, abused, reviled and slandered those in the Church of Smyrna.  There are those who say that this was the Judaizing movement (as well it may have been).  It was the leaven of Galatianism, which had never been fully judged. And as history records, it progressed largely during the 2nd and 3rd Centuries.  Many in this time period, like those who will one day be martyrs during the Tribulation Period, gave their lives for the cause of Christ and refused to deny their Lord.  Augustine was known to have said this. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. "

Vs. 10-11:  "Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, the you may be tried (tested); and you will have tribulation (trouble) ten days: be you faithful (consistent) unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: He that overcomes will not be hurt of the second death."

Smyrna means myrrh. Myrrh is mentioned many times in the Scriptures in connection with the embalming of the dead. The word embalms simply means to preserve from decay by means of antiseptic agents. Myrrh has no aromatic fragrance, no antiseptic properties, and no means of preserving something from decay, until it is crushed. Oh, how the Spirit uses simple examples to make a point!  As I studied the meaning of myrrh, I realized the significance of the meaning of this Church. The Spirit told these loyal Christians that their future included persecution, troubles and testing.  But He also said, fear none of these things!  If today´s Christians were handed a prediction like the one the Church of Smyrna was given, it would be interesting to know what their reactions would be. The saints of this time period were saints who hid in caves and catacombs for their Sunday services. They were strongly rooted and grounded in faith and doctrine. So, when Jesus said, ‘fear not´, they didn't have to think twice about obeying.  The Church of Smyrna had already had lots of experience of being crushed (tried and tested), and this was evidenced by the sweet fragrance their lives emitted. The sweet fragrance of dedication and faith in the One, who had proved Himself faithful, was their joy. Oh, that we could all yield to His crushing and become all that He wants us to be!

This was a period time, when the Church was crushed beneath the iron heel of pagan Rome.  A time when constant martyrdom occurred and it lasted for two centuries. This was when the name ‘Christian´ really meant something. There were no limp-wristed preachers that were feeding their flocks pablum and watering down doctrine!  There was no dismissing moral conduct in lieu of not offending others. It was not a time in which they waited until 8:45am Sunday, to decide if they were going to church to worship God.  It also wasn't the era when innocent babies were butchered in the name of rights, or when same sex marriages were legalized. And it certainly wasn't a time, when churches resembled auxiliaries, more so than a place of worship. It by all means was not the days, in which Christian love for our brothers in Christ, meant backbiting, jealousy, gossip, attitudes of superiority, finger pointing, and adultery between pastors, workers, and the congregation! It was a time when those Christians, talked the talk and walked the walk, and they did so without ever complaining, or willfully sinning.  

It was not a church where Christians had to be pampered and given praise for each little thing they did, or else they would take their toys and go to another denomination.  And above all, it was not a church, that suddenly decided that Jesus wasn't virgin born, that the Bible wasn't the errant Word of God, that the resurrection was a lie, and that the Second Coming had already come.  And it wasn't a church that sugarcoated sin. But it was a church that called sin sin. It was a church whose members could be trusted to declare the Truth and not lies. It was a church that stood on the principles of the ten commandments, and would rather give themselves up to be martyrs, rather than to deny Jesus. It was a church that knew the meaning of unconditional love.

I believe Jesus instructed John to write these letters to the seven churches for their admonition and praise. But I also believe, that these letters are for this generation; a wake up call to me, you, and every Christian. My aim in comparing that church to the churches today, was not to offend, but to in love instruct, warn, and open our eyes to the truth of the day in which we live. There are many good churches in our country, and around the world, but sadly, there are many who have given in to the lies of Satan. It is up to each of us, to decide what we believe and how we should live for our Lord. I cannot guide you, only the Spirit can.

And, yes, it is time for all of us to listen to what the Spirit says unto the churches. Satan tried his best during that time, to destroy Christianity, but he did not succeed. Today, it requires little effort for him to destroy lives, marriages, churches, and the innocent little ones. I wonder what is wrong with this picture?

He that overcomes, simply means that it is someone who is consistent in her or his walk with Jesus. As a faithful Christian, we must steadily walk toward the prize of the high calling of God.  Though we might fall momentarily in this race, we only need to pick our self-back up, and ask His forgiveness. Then we can go on, with our eyes ever upward, awaiting the sound of the trumpet!  Those who overcome will not be hurt of the second death.

For those who do not overcome, the second death is their penalty for rejecting Jesus.  And, it results in forever being separated from the presence of God, and hell being your final destination. Consider your options and choose wisely.

Tara Hart © 2004