“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
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Revelation is the only book in the bible that offers a blessing to those who read and understand its pages. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Rev 1:3)
We will continue this evening in our Bible Study of the Book of Revelation written by John of Patmos. Revelation is the ancient Greek word apokalupsis (apocalypse). The word simply means “a revealing, an unveiling.”. It is important to note that Revelation is singular and is NOT the Revelation of John but rather the unveiling of Jesus Christ.
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Quick Notes
The Meaning of the Names of the Seven Churches(1)
Epheses = the Desired One
Symrna = Myrrh; Death
Pergamos: = Mixed Marriage
Thyatira: = Semiramis
Sardis: = Remnant
Philadelphia: = Brotherly Love
Laodicea: = People Rule
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Revelation,
the Series: Chapters 2: 8-11
Rev 2:8-11 (KJV)..”And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
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Smyrna
the Persecuted/Suffering Church
Smyrna was a Greek city located at a strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia,(2) originally established around 1000 BC by Aeolian Greek settlers in “Old Smyrna”. It was in this Old Smyrna that the famous Greek poet Homer, author of the epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, was probably born around 850 BC. This region of today’s Turkey became part of Asia Province during the Roman period. Smyrna located between Ephesus and Pergamum, developed into a wealthy port city and one of the most important cities of the province, with a population of nearly 100,000 residents during the first and second century. Today, Smyrna, an ancient city is now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir.
During the first century the Church of Smyrna was persecuted by the Jews who were thought to be a part of a cult(3). that were referenced by Jesus in His letter to Smyrna. Through the early years, the Roman empire began persecuting the Christians starting with Nero (64-68 AD) and ending in the “ploughing under” of the whole city of Jerusalem by the Emperor Hadrian around 136 AD. It is said that Polycarb(4), a disciple of John the Apostle, martyred in Smyrna at the instigation of Jews around this time
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The Seven parts of the Smyrna Letter
1. Name: “Unto the angel of the church of Smyrna (Myrrh; Death) write;” Who or what this angel is unknown. It may be the Pastor or a messenger of some sort (i.e. Angel). However, it is clear that the letter is for the whole congregation.
2. Title: “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; “ A title from Rev 1:17-18 and Isaiah(5) tells us the Lord GOD is the ancient one of eons past. Yet, the next part “which was dead, and is alive;” identifies Jesus Christ and at the same time refers to the martyrdom of the church which were being persecuted for their beliefs but will live again.
3. Commendations about the condition of the Church: “ I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Jesus is confirming the church’s works in the community, their poverty and suffering. He knows about the those (Elders within the Church) who say they are Christian but are not. His words are clear; these blasphemers are part of a cult of Satan that during this time was running rampant in the city.
4. Concerns: **There are no concerns about this church!**
5. Recommendation/warnings:(if any) “ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Jesus is promising them if they are faithful unto death, they will receive the Crown of Life” (6)
6. Declaration/Command: “ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ” Here again WE today are spoken to directly from Jesus Christ...Anyone who has an Ear..It is very Personal! LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit says to the church. Here is a glimpse at the Trinity, as Jesus is giving the letter word for word to John yet, we are told the Holy Spirit is the one speaking to the churches.
7. To the Overcomer: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. ” What is the “second Death” and what does it mean for those that are non-believers.
Is it assigned to each of us the we will experience death (Gen 3:21) at least once. A second death will be for the non-believer where both “Death and Hell” (Death of the body and Death of the soul) will be eternal. For those in Christ at their death, they will an eternity with Jesus. There are those that will be Raptured (Harpazo) where the first death will not be allowed to take them. Yet, they have to await their turn as those who have died will rise first.* 1 Thes 4:16-17
This part of the letter, “To the Overcomer” is outside of the body of the letter. Why? We will discuss this in the letter to Pergamos as this part of the letter to them is also outside of the body of the letter.
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*The next post will be about the Church of Pergamos, Rev 2: 12-17. I urge you to read all of chapters 2 and 3 and then try to outline each church. There are some surprises in store for you there.
“to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
*The
Authorized King James Edition (1611, 1769) was used exclusively as
other versions are somewhat different depending upon the year of
their printing.
*All verses in the Bible are: “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:” (Note: we have placed
all scripture in RED for your convenience)
*God
is considered the author of all 66 books through 40 writers including
those of Psalm 2 by the author of this blog.
*Because
none of us know when
our eternity will begin and our
time on this earth is at an end;
it is paramount that you know exactly where
you are in your walk with Jesus Christ.
Since your justification/salvation
is not determined by the church you
attend, the amount of good work you do,
your status in society,
etc.; I
urge you to make sure of your personal
relationship with Jesus Christ in
the privacy of your own mind, your own time.
Don’t put it off, Time is Short and there are no second chances after death!
1
Cor 15:1-4.."Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you,
which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye
are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye
have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that
which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according
to the scriptures; And that he
was buried, and that he rose again the third day according
to the scriptures:"
We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions.
Please -- keep them precise and clean!
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References:
1. A timely Challenge, Koinonia House
2 A Guide to Biblical Sites in Greece and Turkey, Oxford University Press. (2003)
3 Metropolis of Smyrna , From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
4 Martyrdom of Polycarp; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History
5. Isa 41:4; Isa 44:6; Isa 48:12; Rev 1:11, 17; Rev 22:13
6. James 1:12
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Sources:
1.
Treasury of Scripture
Knowledge
2. Blue Letter Bible
3. The King James Edition
4. Koinonia Haouse
5. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
6. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History
7. Drive Thru History®,https://drivethruhistory.com
