Rev 2:8-11, 3:7-13.
Rev 2:8-11, 3:7-13.
American Journal of Biblical Theology
Ruins of Smyrna
Let us be reminded of the three principles we must keep in mind when reading the Revelation of John:.
- The Revelation was written to people in churches who were going through a time of great stress.
- The Revelation was intended to encourage Christians as they were experiencing these tough times.
- The Revelation utilizes an apocalyptic form of literature that symbolically describes the attributes of a person, place, or thing, rather than by its physical appearance or name.
What are some of the characteristics of a really great church? If one is to look at the published evidence, we are drawn to the "mega-churches," those that are very large in population. When pastors get together, their human pride often causes them to compare their churches to one another, stratifying them based upon the size of their congregation or budget. I have heard pastors play "one-upmanship" with another using the size or percentage of their missions giving as such an indicator of their greatness.
Because of the sin of pride, we tend to want to make such comparisons, and when we do, we tend to measure quality in ways that are easy to identify, thinking that these numeric properties have some validity as a measuring tool, when they serve only to lead us away from the truth.
Up to this point in the Revelation of John we have seen letters to churches that contained severe reprimands. The large Ephesian church could have been quite indignant upon receiving a reprimand considering their history of numerical growth, church planting, and good deeds. They could use these quantifiable properties to think they are pretty good, but this and four other churches to whom Jesus wrote were missing the point of why they were ordained in the first place.
This study takes a look at the letters sent to Smyrna and Philadelphia. These two letters stand apart from the other five and deserve to be treated separately for one singular and important reason: they contain no reprimands. What were the characteristics of these two churches that would enable God to bless them without criticism? Did they experience great numerical growth? Did they build opulent and guilded edifices? Did they demonstrate great strength? By looking at these churches, we can get an idea of what God considers a great church. Rather than find an observation of society’s standards for the church, we will find God’s standard, one that is worthy of following.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
"The church of Smyrna (a very ancient, still flourishing commercial city in Ionia, beautifully located on the bay of Smyrna) was externally poor and persecuted, and had still greater tribulation in view, but is cheered with the prospect of the crown of life. It was in the second century ruled by Polycarp, a pupil of John, and a faithful martyr."Philip Schaff
In each of the letters to the churches, Jesus is described by his attributes rather than by name. These are the attributes or names of Christ identified in Rev. 1:8,17. What are those attributes? The "First and Last" are similar in form and meaning to each of the "Alpha and Omega" passages (Rev. 1:8, 21:16, 22:13.) To the ancient Christian culture this would understand this to refer to Jesus’ eternity. Christ existed before creation, was the agent of creation (John 1:1-3), and will reign for eternity. Furthmore, Jesus is described as the one who died and came to life. Between these two we have a clear indication that the author is Jesus. His name is identified by who He is, the Name above all names, the name in which salvation is found.
Furthermore, such a salutation would be encouraging to the church, who for a generation now has been suffering persecution by the pagan and religious world around them. Jesus is saying, "I’m still here, and always will be. I came to life, and I am still alive, walking among you and protecting you during this difficult time.
Likewise, these names of Jesus, like all of His names, have not and will never change. Because of the Eternity of Christ, He will not, and cannot, change. This attribute of God is referred to as "immutability," and encourages us that God’s promises are always true, and He is always faithful. God has promised us a reward for faithfulness (described as "crowns" in the Revelation,) and knowing this can help us to maintain that faithfulness in difficult times.
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)
Was the church in Smyrna a rich church? No, actually they are described here as being in poverty. When you think of a great church, do you think of one that is living in poverty? Why were they an impoverished church? The persecution they were experiencing them made it very difficult to hold a job, own land, or have any other means of working for pay. In many ways they were dependent upon one another because of this persecution. Those who did have jobs helped those who did not. Such giving took place both within the church and between these early churches, often with churches giving to others out of their own poverty (2. Cor 8:2.)
Along with the poverty experienced with the church were afflictions. The Greek word used for affliction also appears in 2:10 where it is translated as persecution. Jesus wanted the church to know that He was acutely aware of the persecution they were enduring. The persecution and the poverty that the church experienced were related. During this time the government demanded the worship of the emperor, and the church in Smyrna refused to comply, resulting in the persecution of its members.
When we are suffering, it is assuring to know that we are not alone in it. It is so helpful when others are aware, and are praying for us. When we suffer alone and do not share our needs with others what are we doing? We are (1) demonstrating the sin of pride, and (2) disabling others from exercising the privilege of ministering to us, and by doing so, robbing their joy and blessing. Jesus knew of their persecution, and though this letter, reminded them that He is there with them. He also suffered persecution, and knows all of the pain and death that can come with it.
For the most part, there is very little persecution in the American Christian church that is so intense as to cause poverty. However, this is not true in other nations. Currently, Christian churches in predominantly Muslim nations are experiencing this same kind of persecution. Only last week (February, 2000) 14 Christians were killed in Sudan by a bomb placed in a Christian school. Christians are systematically being killed and persecuted in Sudan, Afghanistan, and other such countries.
Our faithfulness is not tested by persecution. What is it that tests ours? More likely it is just the opposite: it is our self-sufficiency. Because of our material wealth, we do not feel a dependence upon God, and Satan can use this tool as or more effectively to diminish our usefulness to the Kingdom than any other. Persecution tends to affirm ones resolve, while opulence tends to soften and weaken one’s character.
Why does Jesus describe the church in Smyrna as "rich"? Opulence is temporal. It will all be lost when we enter eternity. The Smyrna church was storing up treasures by their faithfulness. (Luke 12:21).
and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
The first half of this verse describes the persecution that the church in Smyrna was receiving at the behest of the Roman government and its defenders in their community. The people of this church were also being subjected to malicious and hurtful insults and lies at the hands of those who considered themselves as the truly religious people. It is possible that these people were actually descendants of Abraham, and by being so, were identifying themselves by birth to be of the synagogue of God. Using this position of "authority" they were very heavily persecuting this group of Christians who, in their eyes, were a cult. By definition Christianity is a cult of Judaism. So, it is no surprise that as any group tends to persecute those who identify themselves with it and deny its basic beliefs, the Jews were persecuting the Christians.
Here we hear words of vindication. Probably many of the Christians had some level of respect for the Jewish leadership. Many of them were Jews themselves. Insults and persecution hurled at us by those we respect hurt more than that received from those who we do not. Jesus is reminding the people that their treatment is not coming from people of the synagogue, but rather from the synagogue of Satan. The Holy Spirit within us can tell us through that "still, small voice" that those who would persecute us for our beliefs are wrong, but the words and actions still hurt. We can be encouraged that God knows about the persecution we receive, the hurt we feel. Yet there is some strength that comes from knowing that God is a just God, and He will judge the actions of those who would persecute us for our faith. God reminds us that Satan is the source of the persecution and it is with Him that we wrestle, not with the person who is Satan’s agent. (Eph. 6:12 ff.)
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.
Is the period of suffering for the church in Smyrna going to continue? Jesus does not mislead the congregation by telling them that everything will be fine now. However, He gives them a word of encouragement, an imperative to be courageous. He tells them that, despite their faithfulness, they will continue to suffer, but there is no need to be afraid. Remember, that their suffering is coming at the hands of those who are attacking them for their faithfulness to Christ, so it is Christ that is being attacked.
We as Christians may suffer many things, and many of these may not be at the hands of Satan. We bring much suffering upon ourselves by making unwise and sinful choices. This church is suffering because of its rejection of the Emperor and its rejection of the Mosaic law, both done solely because of their decision to faithfully follow Christ.
How long will this suffering continue? The idiom, "ten days" would not be interpreted by the ancient Christians as a literal value when encased in apocalyptic style. More literally, it refers to a time period necessary to bring something in a person’s life to completion (40 days), but the time will be short; it will not last forever. The persecution at the hands of the Roman emperor ended with the end of the succession of Roman emporers.
Theological Point: The Crown.
Jesus encourages the persecuted believers to be faithful, even to the point of death. Even when faced with the potential of martyrdom, they should remember that a reward will await them. Often, the "crown" is used to symbolize this and similar rewards. However, it would be useful to establish early in the text that this crown does not refer to the reward of eternal life. Rather, it refers to a reward that will be given those who have already received eternal life, a reward for faithful service to God. There will be a point when we "cast our crowns" at Jesus feet (Rev. 4:10.) Obviously, we are not casting away eternal life. Also to interpret the crown of eternal life as salvation would contradict the salvation experienced by those same faithful who are not martyred.
The ancient Christians were familiar with crowns. We think of a King’s crown of gold and jewels, and certainly Kings of their day wore elaborate crowns. In our time there are no other applications of the word. However, the same word is used in the early church to describe the crown of flowers, laurel, or olive branches that were worn by pagan worshipers and victors at athletic competition. The word for crown used here is more indicative of the latter of these, a reward for successfully finishing the race. It was a symbol that had little intrinsic value as a bejeweled gold crown would have. Instead its value is seen as a symbol of the value of the wearer who earned it. This gives the concept of the crown an entirely new meaning, one that is consistent with the 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.
This statement underscores the responsibility of each Christian to listen to the message of these words. Though sent to a specific church, its message is for all Christianity. Spiritual things are foolishness to those who do not believe; it is wisdom to those who do, and as Christians we are able to hear and understand the wisdom and teaching of these words.
Furthermore, encouragement comes in knowing that when the second death, the final judgment, occurs, Christians will not be hurt in any way. The final judgment (Rev. 20:11-15) will serve to separate Satan, his demons, and his followers from God for eternity. Those who have faith in God through Jesus Christ will not be separated from Him at that time, but will enter into eternal relationship with Him. The concept of this eternal relationship with God, separated from those who would revile and persecute them, can give Christians much encouragement when they are in the midst of the battle.
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:
Philadelphia Ruins
"A city of ancient Lydia in Asia Minor on the Cogamus River, 105 miles from Smyrna. It stood upon a terrace 650 ft. above the sea. It sometimes bore the title of "Little Athens" because of the magnificence of the temples and other public buildings which adorned it. Philadelphia quickly became an important and wealthy trade center, for as the coast cities declined, it grew in power, and retained its importance even until late Byzantine times. One of the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation (Rev 3:7 ff) was there, and it was the seat of a bishop. As in most Asia Minor cities, many Jews lived there, and they possessed a synagogue." E.J. Banks
Christ is introduced to the church in Philadelphia as Him who is holy and true. He is also described as holy in 4:8 and 6:10, as well as Mark 1:24 and John 6:69. Christ is also totally trustworthy and fully faithful in all that he says and does. What is the "key of David?" Generally a key signified power and authority over that which its metaphorical lock provides protection. David, as the King of Israel, held authority over Israel. Here Jesus is expressing his authority over the new Israel, the new Jerusalem, the saved believers in Him through all ages. As the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), Jesus exercises power and authority over his bride, the church. Compare to Rev. 18:23, 19:7, 21:2 and Rev. 21:9.
Jesus has opened the way for eternal life, and what he has opened, no one can shut. The judgment will be final. Jesus encourages them again, reminding them that he sees what the church is going through, and what they have done. The door of eternal life has been opened to them, and no one can shut it. There are many references to the security of the believer in scripture, and this is one of them. Some churches and church leaders use the threat of lost salvation to keep a level of control over the membership. In reality, once sealed by the Holy Spirit, nobody can overpower that seal. It is an open door of life that nobody can shut. Even those in the Philadelphia church who face death can do so knowing that life awaits them.
for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
A church may consider itself great because of its strength. Certainly, as we look around our area we see strong churches. Able to catch a speeding demon in its teeth, and jump over a mountain with a single bound, some of our modern churches do look formidable. Most likely, formidable is a good adjective to describe some of these, but it is not to Satan that they look this way. Relying on their human strength, built through huge edifices, fully staffed programs, and piles of money, such churches can have so much momentum that they fully overlook the real needs around them, and the true mission to which they have been called. Certainly, this does not describe Philadelphia, though it might describe the much larger Ephesian church.
Jesus acknowledges their own testimony of humility. They do not see themselves as big and strong, but rather as small and weak when compared with other churches who, in their perspective, are bigger and stronger. Jesus encourages them by reminding them that they have (1) kept Jesus’ word, and (2) not denied His name under tremendous pressure from Rome and from Jerusalem to do so. This reveals to the church where real worth comes from. It is not from being big and strong, but rather by being faithful and courageous, something that is out of the reach of the some of the larger congregations that Philadelphia is familiar with.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
A significant message from John’s Revelation is that of Jesus’ vindication of the saints. Here is another example. They have been under attack for a generation by the Jewish establishment. The Jews would argue with them concerning their cultic ways, their rejection of the Law, and the disobedience to God that this rejection demonstrates. Jesus encourages them by revealing that there will be a day when those who have attacked the Christians will see the truth of God’s love for His church,
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
To what does the "hour of trial" refer? To some it is the final judgment. To others it is the great tribulation. In the larger setting of the scriptures, it is both. As Christians, we can be assured that we will not suffer condemnation for our sin at the final judgment. (Rom. 8:1, Rev. 20:14).
Will Christians suffer the great tribulation that will be described in later chapters? This is a question that theologians used to stratify themselves in a great debate. Though other views are strongly defended, the most common is that the parusia, the second coming of Christ, the rapture, will take place before the tribulation, saving the church from that "hour of trial." If the "hour of trial" refers to the tribulation portion of God’s judgement, then this is one scripture that defends that view. There are many other scriptures and arguments that support this view, some as general as the thought that the very purpose of the great tribulation is the judgement of the lost, and to subject the church to it is inconsistent with that purpose. Consequently, there may not be a lot of reason to separate the two forms of God’s final judgment.
One reason there is so much confusion concerning scriptural content is that one’s study of theology must consider the entire Word of God. We get into trouble when we take a segment of scripture and build a context around it. Usually, the context for any spiritual truth weaves through the Word like a thread. Together those threads make up the tapestry we call theology. The church in Philadelphia is given an unusual, and clear statement concerning the order of the apocalypse. They will not be included in the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world.
Could a proponent of the view that Christians will suffer the tribulation argue that this exemption from the tribulation only applies to the church in Philadelphia? Recall that each letter, though written to a single congregation, is an open letter to the entire Church. So, either Christians will be here during the tribulation, but protected from it, or the rapture will take place prior to the tribulation. As we study the Revelation, we will see the judgment of God as it destroys all earthly evil. Nobody could be insulated from such destruction as world governments fall, and with that the infrastructure necessary to live a life in prosperity and peace. Christians do not have to worry about the tribulation. Jesus will keep them from that "hour of trial."
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
To some, the coming of Jesus will be a threat of judgement. Five of the seven churches are not prepared. The churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia are. (Have you ever noticed that nobody ever names their town, Laodicea?) Again, encouragement comes in the testimony of Jesus that He is "coming soon." We have no idea of what "soon" means in terms of the earthly calendar, so we must be prepared at all times for His coming.
The church is told to hold on to what they have. What do they have? We have already seen that they are rich; rich in faith. It is that faith that Jesus commends them to maintain. The application of faith will keep them strong and courageous during this difficult time.
If they fail will they lose their salvation? Again, note that the crown is not salvation, it is the reward for faithfulness expressed by those who are saved. By faltering in our faith, we will witness the giving of the "laurel wreath" of reward to others. We will certainly be overjoyed to see those who are rewarded for their faith. To meet the martyrs will be a fantastic experience. Yet, something will be lost if we fail to live a life of faith. We do not want any reward to be taken from us because we surrender our faith amidst times of difficulty.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
What does Jesus say He will do to those who overcome, those who express saving faith in Him? Those who love Jesus will be as a pillar in God’s temple. The pillar symbolizes stability and permanence, all that is still standing after an earthquake shakes the edifice. The temple is not a building made with hands. We are a temple of the Holy Spirit, so to go off onto a tangent describing the physical temple is inappropriate. Remember how to read apocalyptic literature. We will all forever carry the name of God, the seal of the Holy Spirit, just as if it were written on our foreheads. We will carry the name of the city of God, the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ. Later chapters describe through symbolism the nature and attributes of the new life that we will have following the judgment at the "Great white throne" of Rev. 20:11. There will be a new and different setting within which we will live eternally, described as a new heaven and new earth. That new nature will also be a part of us.
There is much that awaits those that are faithful in Jesus. We can look at the experience of the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia, and witness their continued faithfulness through obedience to God, facing opposition with courage, and actively seizing every opportunity to give an account of the reason for our faith.
We are not suffering the kind of persecution that the Asian churches experienced. Let us (1) pray for those who are suffering even today, and (2) not become complacent and secure in our own condition, but maintain our obedience and faith so that we will receive the crown, the reward for faithfulness.