THE CHURCHES OF REVELATION BIBLE STUDY | THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA
2. Smyrna – The suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11) -- the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).
History of the City:
Smyrna was an important and prosperous city located in western Asia Minor, along the Aegean Sea. It was known for its excellent harbor, strong trade, and thriving marketplaces, making it one of the most beautiful and influential cities of its time. Today, it is the modern Turkish city of Izmir.
Because of its loyalty to Rome, Smyrna became a center of emperor worship. The city had temples dedicated to Roman emperors, and citizens were expected to declare Caesar as lord. This created great difficulty for Christians, who refused to worship anyone but Jesus Christ.
Smyrna was also home to a large Jewish population, some of whom strongly opposed the early Christians. This added to the persecution faced by the church.
Although the Bible does not record the founding of the church in Smyrna, it is believed to have been established during the spread of the gospel from Ephesus (Acts 19:10).
The church in Smyrna became known for its suffering. Surrounded by opposition, poverty, and persecution, the believers remained faithful to Christ even in the face of imprisonment and death
Jesus’ Message to the Church
- Revelation 2:8 — “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;”
Jesus introduces Himself as “the first and the last”—eternal, sovereign, and victorious over death. This would have brought great comfort to a church facing suffering and martyrdom.
Unlike most of the other churches, Smyrna receives no rebuke. Instead, Christ offers encouragement to remain faithful even in the face of death.
THEIR CONDITION
- Revelation 2:9 — “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.”
The believers in Smyrna were:
- Afflicted — enduring intense pressure and persecution
- Impoverished — likely excluded from trade and livelihood
- Slandered — falsely accused and opposed
Yet Christ declares, “but thou art rich.” Though materially poor, they were spiritually wealthy in faith, endurance, and devotion.
This church faced deep persecution—something many Christians today may not experience daily, but remains a reality for believers around the world.
Christians in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith. But there are churches in the world where such persecution is a daily reality. Such was the case for the ancient church in Smyrna. They suffered because of pressure, poverty, and persecution. Christ’s words to that church can prepare all believers for what might come.
BE FEARLESS
- Revelation 2:10 — “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:..
Fear is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons. It can cloud our minds, control our decisions, and weaken our faith. But Christ reminds us that He is Lord over every circumstance. Because of this, we are called to live without fear.
(2 Timothy 1:7) — “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Fear may be a natural human response, but we are called to live supernatural lives through the power of the Holy Ghost that is within us.
God is greater! He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, fearlessly in this life, when many things that surround us would tell us to be afraid. His truth whispers strong and sure to the deepest core of our spirit… do not fear.
(Romans 8:35–39) — Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
BE FAITHFUL
- — …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Faithfulness is proven in hardship. Trials reveal the authenticity of our faith. Those who endure demonstrate genuine faith—faith that clings to Jesus no matter the cost.
Those with true faith heed this teaching. They will be able to count it joy when their faith is tested because they know such tests will produce steadfastness (James 1:2–4) — Trials produce patience and maturity. They will ask God for wisdom without doubting (James 1:5-8) so that they will be able to pass through the trials brought by poverty or by riches.
Given the intensity of the persecution in Smyrna, I believe Christ was saying, “Yes, you may lose your life (on earth) for My sake, but be faithful until the end and I will give you eternal life.
(James 1:12) — “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”
Jesus’ message to Smyrna is powerful: Even if you lose your life on earth for My sake, remain faithful—and you will receive eternal life.
FINAL CALL — THE PROMISE
- Revelation 2:11 — “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.”
*Personal thought: In the first three churches, the promise to the overcomer comes after the call to hear, as if the Lord is saying, “Here is what came to those that listened—now listen carefully and respond.”
What Is the Second Death?
The phrase “second death” is found only in the book of Revelation, the first time in the letter to the church of Smyrna. Revelation 20:6 provides a little more detail It refers to the final and eternal judgment.
(Revelation 20:6) — “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
What is the First Resurrection?
This resurrection is for those who belong to Christ:
- Occurs at His return
- Believers receive glorified, incorruptible bodies
- Death is defeated
The first resurrection, one to immortality for those in Christ which occurs at His return (see 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Those in the first resurrection are raised with incorruptible, spirit bodies. These saints have been given immortality by God - there is no longer any fear of death; it is swallowed up in victory!
THE SECOND DEATH
(Revelation 20:12–15) — The second death is identified as the lake of fire, representing the final judgment for those whose names are not written in the Book of Life.
But for the overcomer—for those who remain faithful to Christ—
the second death has no power.
LESSONS FOR US:
Like the church in Smyrna, believers today may face persecution—sometimes openly, sometimes subtly. This letter reminds us that suffering for Christ is not meaningless.
Though trials may be intense, they are temporary when compared to the promise of eternal life.
Let us:
- Be fearless in the face of opposition
- Be faithful in the midst of trials
- Endure with our eyes fixed on eternity
The crown of life awaits those who remain steadfast. Let’s be fearless and faithful to the end!
Discussion Questions – The Seven Churches of Revelation
Smyrna – The Suffering Church
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