The Letter to Smyrna

Today we will look at Jesus’ message to the church at Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11). Jesus asserts Himself as being the “First and the Last”. He is the First Fruits of those who have passed away (1 Cor 15:20) and so states that He “died and came to life again.” (Rev 2:8). Jesus will complete what He has begun, and He wants to complete it in us by raising us one day from the dead just as He was. The Christians in Smyrna would partake in the resurrection of Life if they overcame.


We see that the conditions for the Smyrnan church were not good. They were in poverty and suffered persecution. Like the Philadelphians they suffered oppression from people who named God’s name but did not follow Him. The false children of God are said to be of the Synagogue of satan. Because they called God and His people bad and themselves good, they were blaspheming, or vilifying the godly. From of old satan’s tool has been for the false to call the true, false. False believers call light darkness and darkness light. They call good evil and evil good (Is 5:20). Though Isaiah prophesied this condition thousands of years ago, this type of slanderous blasphemy was seen as a trial to come on the end-time believers.

Jesus set the tone for how we were to view our brethren. He admonished us not to call them “Raca”, or empty, worthless people (Mt 5:22). To go further, Jesus asked us to receive each other on the basis of our service to Him (Mt 10:40-42; Lk 9:5). He contrasted that with false believers who love to honor and receive honor from one another (Jn 5:44), whereas He did not care about receiving honor from men (vs 41). In fact, Jesus said “Woe unto you” when you are popular and well received for that’s how the false prophets were treated (Lk 6:26).

Though the Church was not yet formed, Jesus was giving us all a picture of the slander and blasphemy that were to take hold in her; brethren seeing their brothers as having no worth, and giving them no place to serve the Lord. When we read about the Mother of all Prostitutes, we see that she treated the “saints, apostles and prophets” so poorly that they were to rejoice when God judged her (Rev 18:20).

Jesus comforts the believers at Smyrna, saying “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” (Rev 2:10a). This oppressive prison is spiritual, though there will be physical martyrs in our times. However, satan will use the false brethren to seal up the true believers into a prison of non-acceptance. In this time, more than any before it, Christians who want to use their gifts and fulfill their calling will be denied a place to do so, for a season. Jesus says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:10b).

Ten days represents a space of time that reaches its completion. The trial has an end, however, the saints that are shut away from serving God must be faithful. Though they feel like the purposes of their lives are passing out of their reach, they must continue in faith. To be seen as having no worth when the One of great worth resides within is a severe trial.

For so severe a trial, overcoming brings just as glorious a reward. The overcomers will not partake of the final judgment, or the second death (Rev 2:11). They will be part of the first resurrection. Jesus will complete His work in them and they will be blessed and holy, raised to rule with Him (Rev 20:4-6).

When we look at our ministries and churches today, we see that some are exclusive clubs wherein only a select few may serve God with their gifts, and the rest must follow them. Those that are in leadership receive great honor and give honor to others in similar positions of leadership. They commend and recommend those within their groups, and deny others. If Jesus Himself were to come to them as an unknown prophet, they would not give Him room to speak. Jesus is coming to many men in many places, and that is why He asked us to receive each other (Mt 10:40-42). Recognize Him and receive Him in your brethren and do not take part in the ways of the false believers. Amen.