THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Part 6
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ
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Message
to the Church in Smyrna
The Words of Jesus written to the Church of Smyrna
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna
write:
These are the Words of Him Who is the
First and the Last, Who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions
and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they
are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what
you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison
to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to
the point of 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 will not be hurt at all by the
second death.
Rev
2:8-11 NIV
A second epistle [letter] by Jesus Christ was sent
to another of the Asian churches, delivered by the hand of John.
Smyrna was a place well known by the world
merchants, a city of great trade and wealth.
Jesus Christ is “the First and the Last.”
He is the First, for by Him all things were made,
and He was before all things with God and was God Himself.
He is the Last, for all things are made for Him, and
He will be the Judge of all.
This surely is the title of God, from everlasting to
everlasting, and it is the title of One that is the unchangeable Mediator
between God and man, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
He was dead and is alive. He died for our sins; and
He rose again for our justification, and He ever lives to make intercession for
us.
He was dead, and by dying purchased Salvation for
us; He is alive, and by His Life applies this Salvation to us.
Some who are poor outwardly are inwardly rich, rich
in faith and in good works, rich in hope. Spiritual riches are usually the
reward of great diligence; the diligent hand makes rich.
Where there is ‘spiritual plenty,’ there may be outward
poverty; and when God's people are materially poor for the sake of the Gospel,
He makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and
enduring.
The church in Smyrna endured tribulation and poverty—the
persecution they underwent, even to the spoiling of their goods, and their imprisonment.
Those who will be faithful to Christ must expect to go through many
tribulations; but Jesus Christ takes particular notice of all their troubles.
In all their afflictions, He is afflicted, and He will recompense tribulation
to those who trouble them, but those that are troubled for His sake, will rest
with Him.
Church in Smyrna; “church of the martyrs,” bore
great suffering, afflictions, and tribulation for the Gospel.
64-313 A.D.