Letter to the Church at Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction Smyrna, one of two churches that were not charged for a wrong. Take note of how the speaker is described for each church. Several different descriptions of the same person. Each describes Jesus in a way suitable for the letter sent to that church. i.e. Ephesus: Jesus was in the midst of seven lampstands. If they did not repent He would take away their lampstand.

The Letter to Smyrna Address: To the Angel or Messenger. The Speaker: The First and the Last: Was before all things, created all things; He will judge the world and will endure when all things are destroyed. Who was dead, and came to life: His suffering and victory over His enemies. These characteristics will be key to His messaged. “I Know” Prov. 15:3—He knows our works.

What is Right with the Church “Your Works”: They were diligent to do the works given by God for His church. We will be judged by our works (Rev. 20:12). Whether we do good or bad (Eccl. 12:14). “Your Tribulation”: Note description of Jesus—who was dead. He had to endure what they were going through. He could understand their tribulation. But there is hope: 1. He is alive, so will we be. 2. He is the first and the last, and He is on our side. 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 5:11, 12.

What is Right with the Church Suffering inflicted by “Synagogue of Satan”: They were persecuted by those who claimed to be the children of God. Synagogue: “assembly, congregation” (Strong’s) There are such assemblies who claim to be of God, but their deeds prove them to be of Satan. “You are of your father the devil” (John 8:44). Such are those who persecute faithful children of God, as the Jews did to Jesus and the apostles. Poverty (but you are rich): Physically poor, Spiritually rich. As Jesus was physically poor in His death, but became rich in His life and makes others rich who come to Him. 2 Cor. 8:9: Regardless of our physical condition, we are rich when we holdfast to our faith in Christ.

Admonition Nothing found wrong with the church. 2:10: Fear none of those things which you are about to suffer. “Fear not” is a prominent exhortation: Rom. 8:31 “Be faithful unto death”: All who walk godly will face some persecution. Those who overcome are those who are faithful unto death: enduring faithfulness.

Promised reward (vs. 10, 11). Crown of life. As Jesus is alive after His death, so we will be if we endure. We will be victorious in Him and receive our crown. Not hurt by second death. Second death explained in Rev. 20:14, 15. Death (eternal separation) faced by those who are cast into the lake of fire. Though we may face physical death, eternally we will remain alive and not be affected by condemnation. We can be written in the book of life.

Conclusion Two deaths described. Also two births: Physical and spiritual. Those who enter into the second birth can be free from the second death. We do so by obeying the gospel, being born of water and spirit. Do you desire such hope?