The Churches of Asia Smyrna, “The Poor Little Rich Church”

Smyrna Courtesy of:

The Text “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.” Revelation 2:8,9

“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.” The Text Revelation 2:10

“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.” The Text Revelation 2:11

Background 40 miles north of Ephesus. The “Ornament of Asia.” Favored as a Greek colony as far back as 1000 B.C. Destroyed in 600 B.C.; rebuilt in 200 B.C. Well-planned city with broad, straight roads. Seaport and trading center

Some consider it the most brilliant city in Asia Minor. Claimed to be the first in beauty, literature, and loyalty to Rome. First to erect a temple to the goddess Roma and to the spirit of Rome. Center of Caesar worship—began to be strictly enforced. A real problem for the Christians in Smyrna. Background

Famous for majestic buildings, schools of science, and medicine. Polycarp, a disciple of John, was martyred there in 155 A.D. “Golden Line Palace,” a citadel, stood on the mountain guarding the city. Temples of Cybele and Acropolis adjoined the palace. Background

Center of worship of DIONYSUS, originally a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation who eventually became the god of wine. Mock death, burial, and resurrection of DIONYSUS celebrated annually. Chosen by Roman senate in 26 A.D. as site for a new temple for the worship of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius. Background

Contained a large population of influential Jews who were hostile to the church. Jews got laws passed that forbade Christians to belong to labor unions— contributed to material poverty. Background

“First and the Last—Dead Came to Life.” John 8:15; John 8:58 Eternal being—John 8:15; John 8:58 John 19:30 He did die—John 19:30 Romans 1:4 Arose from the grave—Romans 1:4 Philippians 2:6-8 The atonement for sin—Philippians 2:6-8 Mocking false worship

Commendations “I know thy works. ” A true and accurate accounting. Takes notes and inventory of all our works! – Hebrews 4:13 “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

“Tribulation and poverty. ” Oppression and distress. God knows our problems. – 2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Commendations

“Tribulation and poverty. ” Oppression and distress God knows our problems –1 Peter 4:16 “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” Commendations

“But you are rich. ” An amazing paradox Materially—poor Spiritually—rich – Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Commendations

“But you are rich. ” An amazing paradox Materially—poor Spiritually—rich – Proverbs 13:7 “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” Commendations

“But you are rich. ” An amazing paradox Materially—poor Spiritually—rich – Luke 12:15 “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” Commendations

“Blasphemy. ” False accusations Disloyalty to Caesar Jews by race—but not by works! – Romans 2:28,29 “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” Commendations

“Blasphemy. ” Jews by race—not by works! Synagogue of Satan! – Romans 4:12 “And the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” Commendations

Words of Consolation “Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer. ” There’s more to come! God will see them through every ordeal. – 1 Peter 5:7,8 “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

“Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer. ” There’s more to come! God will see them through every ordeal – Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Words of Consolation

“Fear none of the things which thou shall suffer. ” There’s more to come! God will see them through every ordeal – Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Words of Consolation

Some Thrown Into Prison Satan’s influence will cause us to be tested! We must resist. Ten days—limited duration. – James 4:6,7 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Divine Instructions “Be faithful until death.” Martyrdom is possible Will it be worth it? – 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

“Be faithful until death.” Martyrdom is possible. Will it be worth it? – 1 Peter 1:3,4 “…begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” Divine Instructions

The Promise “Will not be overcome by the second death.” Never quit—do not be indifferent. Second death=eternal punishment! – Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

“Will not be overcome by the second death.” Never quit—do not be indifferent. Second death=eternal punishment! – Revelation 20:14 “ Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” The Promise

To the Church at Harrodsburg… I Know thy works… You have a name…