Revelation: The Persecution of Smyrna

 Revelation: Justification by Faith

The Persecution of Smyrna

[By M.L]

The second church mentioned in Revelation is Smyrna. Smyrna, along with Philadelphia, is one of the only churches that has no blemish on its record.
The historical city of Smyrna was known for its strong emphasis on the imperial cult, where the emperor had to be worshipped. Naturally, this created problems for Christians who recognized only one God.

Revelation 2:8–10 (ESV)
"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.’"

They were enduring persecution. Many were thrown into prison. The leaders of the church were especially targeted. Their possessions were taken away, and they were slandered by people who claimed to be of God but were not. The devil himself was behind this ten-day persecution. Some would face death, but all who clung to God would feel the heat of the persecution.
Most people would not want to die for something they knew to be a lie. Yet the apostles, who claimed to have seen Jesus after His death, died for Him. And many after them also died in faith.
The Bible provides insight into how they viewed suffering. They saw it as something God allowed for their own good. They knew that just as Jesus endured suffering, His followers would have to go through it as well.
Romans says:

Romans 8:17 (ESV)
"And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

And Acts says:

Acts 14:22 (ESV)
"strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Peter also says:

1 Peter 2:21 (ESV)
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

Jesus endured suffering. He was the Son of God and would receive a great reward after His resurrection, but suffering was not foreign to Him.
When we endure unjust suffering, it is proof that we are being regarded by both the Father and by Satan as sons of God. All the guilt of our sin has been taken away by the blood of Jesus, who has redeemed us. We are now part of a kingdom separate from Satan's, and Satan despises this kingdom. Jesus, as our head, had to suffer. Therefore, we share in His suffering. But this suffering is nothing compared to the glory we will also share. Both suffering and glory are credited to our name.
Satan often uses the heat of persecution because he knows that tormenting God's people means tormenting Christ Himself, whom he hates.
Christ sympathizes with His people. When we are persecuted, He sees it as if it were done to Him.
But God allows this suffering for a reason. These tribulations help shape our character. Peter explains it this way:

1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV)
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7. so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Gold is a precious metal, but it is often mixed with impurities. In the same way, our faith still has many blemishes from the world.
How is gold purified? Through intense heat. This separates the gold from the impurities.
This is how tribulation works with our faith.
Paul says:

Romans 5:3–4 (ESV)
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4. and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

Suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Through suffering, we see an inner transformation. We see Christ being formed in us. And from this, we gain hope. Because we see Christ being formed in us and because we go through suffering, we realize that we are truly counted as saved and bought by His blood. This brings hope for an even greater glory.
This is Christ in us—the hope of glory.
Thus, suffering is proof that we are considered part of Christ’s kingdom and is a tool for shaping our character.

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