02 Revelation 8

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The Church At Smyrna

Revelation 2:8 (NKJV) The Persecuted Church 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

Smyrna: Port city located in a harbor on the west coast of Asia Minor − Modern city of Izmir, Turkey − It was ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in Asia − Referred to as The Crown of Ionia and The Ornament of Asia − The harbor stimulated trade and commerce that developed the city of Smyrna into a commercial metropolis. − It was also a center for the worship of the Greek god Dionysus – the god of wine − In Paul’s day, Smyrna had 250,000 inhabitants

Smyrna: Ally of Rome and was given favor for its loyalty − It boasted that is was the most loyal to Rome of all the Asian cities − It was a center for Imperial worship – the worship of Caesar as God − Persecution broke out against the Christians to show loyalty to Rome

The Bible doesn’t tell us how the church at Smyrna started − Acts 19:1 – Paul visited Smyrna on his way to Ephesus and found disciples there − We do know that the Church in Smyrna was characterized by it’s endurance of suffering and poverty in the cause of the Gospel

Revelation 2:8–9 (NKJV) The Persecuted Church ‘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

______THE REVELATION know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

NOTE: Smyrna is translated myrrh. Myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies.

Jesus recognizes 4 strengths of the church at Smyrna: Their Works − The word for works is the Gr. word “Ergon” − It refers to works of peace and services that were done for the public welfare of the community − It carries with it the idea that life is a work of God and by stepping into the work of God man is stepping into God’s redemptive work in culture − This is the social justice church… today the Church faces issues such as human trafficking, disaster relief and medical missions – all works of peace and services that are done in order to be a witness to a city, a region or a nation. − Mother Teresa and her work amongst the poor in India would fall into this category

Their Tribulation − The Gr. word used here refers to harassment, affliction or oppression − Smyrna was known as a base for emperor worship − In 195 B.C. it built a temple for Dea Roma, the goddess of Rome. − In 26 A.D. it dedicated a temple to Emperor Tiberius and boasted to be first in emperor worship. − Each person was required to worship the emperor regularly − The Christians refusal to worship Caesar brought persecution, harassment and martyrdom − History records the martyrdom of Polycarp − Tradition tells us that the Apostle John discipled and appointed Polycarp as Bishop of Smyrna − Polycarp was responsible for converting many from Gnosticism − He confronted the church’s most troublesome heretic, the Gnostic Marcion, calling him “the firstborn of Satan.”

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− He had little formal education, was unpretentious, humble and direct − After his arrest, he was interrogated. Christian History Magazine reports this…

He was escorted to the local proconsul, Statius Quadratus, who interrogated him in front of a crowd of curious onlookers. Polycarp seemed unfazed by the interrogation; he carried on a witty dialogue with Quadratus until Quadratus lost his temper and threatened Polycarp: he’d be thrown to wild beasts, he’d be burned at the stake, and so on. Polycarp just told Quadratus that while the proconsul’s fire lasts but a little while, the fires of judgment (“reserved for the ungodly,” he slyly added) cannot be quenched. Polycarp concluded, “But why do you delay? Come, do what you will.”

− Polycarp was burned at the stake in the stadium in 156 AD. − His refusal to renounce His faith in Christ is vividly described in the Martyrdom of Polycarp:

But as Polycarp entered the stadium, there came a voice...from heaven: "Be strong, Polycarp, and act like a man." And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice. And then, as he was brought forward, there was a great tumult when they heard that Polycarp had been arrested. Therefore, when he was brought before him, the proconsul asked if he were Polycarp. And when he confessed that he was, the proconsul tried to persuade him to recant, saying," Have respect for your age," and other such things as they are accustomed to say: "Swear by the Genius [Guardian Spirit] of Caesar; repent; say, 'Away with the atheists!' " So Polycarp solemnly looked at the whole crowd of lawless heathen who were in the stadium, motioned toward them with his hand, and then (groaning as he looked up to heaven) said, "Away with the atheist!" But when the magistrate persisted and said, "Swear the oath, and I will release you; revile Christ," Polycarp replied, "For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

Their Poverty

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− The word used for poverty refers to one who is destitute, without any property − The poverty of the Apostolic churches in such a wealthy city like Smyrna, is significant and implies economic persecution − There are three possible explanations for their poverty

1. It could be that the converts were drawn mostly from the poorer classes 1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV) Glory Only in the Lord 26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

2. It could be the demands made on them by their faith – i.e. they distributed their wealth to the poor 2 Corinthians 8:2 (NKJV) 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

3. It could also be due to persecution Hebrews 10:34 (NKJV) 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

− When the wealthy believed in Christ, their property was confiscated − This is hard for us to relate to… however − If an Orthodox Jew converts to Christianity, the parents hold a funeral service and the child is considered dead − If a Mormon converts, they are shunned by the community and they are not considered for promotions or raises within a company

Jesus says though they lack material goods, they are rich spiritually. 1 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV)

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8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!

The strength of the Church is not found in it’s wealth or riches or power or might. The strength of the Church is found in our relationship to Jesus and the riches of His grace and love in our lives.

Their Persecution Revelation 2:9 (NKJV) 9 “I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

This group is referred to later in Revelation 3:9 Revelation 3:9 (NKJV) 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

There are two possible ways to understand this scripture − The first is to differentiate based on relationship to Christ − The Jewish population in Smyrna was sizable and hostile to the local church. − From Acts and Galatians we know that the Jews caused great opposition to the proclamation of the gospel − Paul makes the distinction between a Jew culturally and a Jew spiritually

Romans 9:6 (NKJV) Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose 6 For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,

− The implication is that the Jews in Smyrna who have come to Christ

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were Jews inwardly as well as outwardly. − The second view is to differentiate based on allegiance to Judaism − Smyrna was a city of culture in which many Jews discarded their belief in the Old Testament − Although they claimed to be Jews, when a Jew rejects their religion there is a question whether or not he is a Jew − Ignatius mentioned a group of Jewish renegades – Jews who claimed to be Jews by birth, but because of their desire to gain favor with Rome and local authorities – they slandered the early Christians by falsely accusing them – causing them to be arrested − This group of Jews were sympathetic to the worship of Caesar − They rejected the worship of God for position, power or wealth and gave allegiance to Rome by joining in the Imperial Worship of Caesar − This would make them of the synagogue of Satan – not the synagogue of God

Rather than give a word of confrontation, Jesus encourages them… Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) 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.

Martyrdom has been common throughout church history beginning with Stephen – the first martyr for his faith in Christ

Jesus tells us… Matthew 24:9 (NKJV) 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Even family members will betray their own family… Matthew 10:17–22 (NKJV) 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they

______THE REVELATION deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

− This same idea is echo’d in Revelation… he who endures will be saved / he who is faithful to death will receive a crown of life

Jesus mentions ten days of tribulation – 10 represents a complete period of time. In this case it refers to 10 periods of persecution: − Nero: 64-68 o In the year 64 AD, fire broke out in Rome. For six days and nights the fire burned. Nero accused the Christians of having set fire to Rome. This aroused great hatred in the people against the Christians. The persecution that followed was horrendous. Many Christians were crucified, sewn up in the skins of wild beasts and torn to pieces by wild dogs, women were tied to bulls and dragged to death, Christians were covered in wax and burned at the stake to light up Nero’s garden. o The Apostle Paul and Peter were put to death – Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded − Domitian: 95-96 o Banned the apostle John to the Island of Patmos for charges of aetheism – John didn’t worship the Roman gods o Domitian executed or banished large numbers of Christians for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. − Trajan: 104-117 o Ignatius was fed to the lions at the Colosseum of Rome under Trajan − Marcus Aurelius: 161-180 o Christians were thrown to the lions in the amphitheatre for thousands of people to watch o Marcus had Justin scourged and beheaded. His last words were –

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we desire nothing more than to suffer for our Lord Jesus Christ. His willingness to die for Jesus is why he became known as Justin Martyr − Severus: 200-211 o A law was passed that prohibited the spread of Christianity and Judaism o This decree forbid conversion to Christianity which led to violent persecutions in Egypt and North Africa − Maximinius: 235-237 o Christian were harassed, beaten and whipped for not sacrificing to Roman gods o The heads of the Church were specifically targeted o Pope Pontian & Hippolytus were banished to the island of Sardinia − Decius: 250-253 o Decius was the first persecution that took place in mass against Christian laity. o It was the first universal and organized persecution of Christians o The slaughter was so great it could not be numbered o 250 Decius issued an edict requiring all citizens to sacrifice to the emperor in the presence of a Roman official and obtain a certificate proving they had done so − Valerian: 257-260 o All Christian clergy were required to sacrifice to the gods o If they refused they were punished by exile… later this was changed to death − Aurelian: 270-275 o Christians were tortured and beheaded for acts of charity − Diocletian: 303-313 o The most severe persecution was done by Diocletian o This period was referred to as The Great Persecution o Diocletian wanted to inspire a revival of the gods of Olympia o He spent incredible amounts of money on temple repairs o He associated himself with the head of the Roman pantheon – Jupiter. His co-emperor associated himself with Hercules o He also built temples for the Egyptian gods Isis and Sarapis in order to create a unified religion that incorporated all the known religions of the day o Diocletian made it Roman law for all inhabitants to sacrifice to Roman gods

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o On February 24, 303 the Great Persecution was launched against all Christians who refused to sacrifice to Roman gods. o It was estimated that 3000 Christians were tortured, imprisoned or dislocated.

For those who endured persecution and remained faithful unto death – they would receive the crown of life… − Smyrna was a key participant in the Olympic games − The crown of life referred to a wreath made of laurel leaves that was awarded to the winner of the athletic games − The crown of life was not a King’s crown, but a victor’s crown − It represented that the wearer of the crown was an overcomer, a victor in the race of faith

James refers to this… James 1:12 (NKJV) Loving God Under Trials 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Paul writes to Timothy about the crown of righteousness… 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Peter refers to the crown of glory 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV) 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

− The verb tense of the phrase “crown of life” suggests that this phrase

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can be translated “life as the crown, life as the prize” meaning that faithfulness is rewarded with eternal life which Christ gives. − Life is the prize.

Jesus says… Revelation 2:11 (NKJV) 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.” ’

The second death refers to the Lake of Fire… or eternal punishment Revelation 2:11 (NKJV) 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.” ’

As believers, we will not endure eternal punishment… Jesus said… Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) 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.

Satan can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul − Only God is able to destroy both soul and body in hell − Here’s the good news… Jesus says don’t fear… this doesn’t apply to you − You will be persecuted, but you won’t be destroyed − That is why the martyrs of the early church were able to be so bold in the face of death… − Death isn’t the final word – Jesus is the final word and He does not judge His people