“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: “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. 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. ‘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’” (Rev. 2:8-11).
The second church spoken to by the Lord in Revelation is the church at Smyrna. In Jesus’ words to them, there is nothing about which the church at Smyrna is chastised – the only other church in these seven letters to have this distinction is Philadelphia. There are many valuable lessons we can learn from this church.
A Tested Church:Great tribulation had come upon the church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-9). This persecution came in part from the Jews located there (cf. Rev. 2:9). They were going to have to continue enduring persecution for some time to come according to verse 10. We should expect no less today as “…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). How are we standing up to the testing?
A Poor Church:The Lord knew of the poverty the Christians at Smyrna suffered (Rev. 2:9). They could have been poor from their conversion or it may have been that they had become impoverished as a result of the persecution. Either way, they were stricken by poverty. Some allow their circumstances to dictate their dedication to the Lord. Yet, in the midst of their poverty, the church at Smyrna remained faithful as they trusted in the Lord.
A Rich Church:Though Jesus knew their poverty, He said, “but you are rich” (Rev. 2:9). The church at Smyrna was poor physically, but they were rich spiritually. James wrote, “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (Jas. 2:5). May we ever realize that being rich towards God is what is most important! These brethren had heeded the words, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21). If one possesses none of the material treasures of this world yet possesses the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8), they have everything that makes one truly rich!
A Hopeful Church:The church at Smyrna, though in physical poverty and great persecution (both present and impending), was given hope by the Lord. Jesus said, “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…He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2:10-11). A life lived in faithfulness is a life lived in hope of better things once this life has ended.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7).
David Eldridge