Revelation: Smyrna: The Disciplined Church pt.3 | Roche Coleman, Ph.D.

Revelation: Smyrna: The Disciplined Church pt.3 Revelation 2:8-11 Impact Fact: Jesus walked among the church to encourage Christians to endure the test and persecution from Satan.

Title: Revelation: Smyrna: The Disciplined Church Pt. 3
Text: Revelation 2:8-11

Vital Verse(s): ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

Nuggets to Nibble:
Smyrna receives a direct address identical to Ephesus: “To the angel of the church” (Rev 2:8). No criticism appears against the church at Smyrna. Evidently, the believers were faithfully pursuing holiness. Historically, the city of Smyrna expressed an abiding loyalty to Rome. In A.D. 26 Smyrna won permission over ten other Asian cities to erect a temple in honor of the Roman emperor Tiberius (Tacitus, Annals, 456-56). As a result, the Roman Senate bestowed on the city of Smyrna the prestigious honorary title of “Necorus, servant of the temple”. The enduring affinity between the two countries also extended to the religious aspects as well. Citizens of Smyrna did not object to acknowledging the Roman Caesar as Lord or actively engaging with religions of the Greco–Roman faith. According to Polycarp, Christians in Smyrna were labeled atheists for their rejection of Roman religion (MPoly., 9:2). Therefore, intense persecution emerged against those of the way from the Jews (Acts 9:2). In fact, the bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp, experienced the horrified death of being burned when he remained faithful to Christ. The bishop refused to say, “Caesar is Lord” (MPoly., 8:2) Both John and Polycarp establish an example for the first and second century church. Future believers realize from their example the implications for being a martyr when one is loyal to the Lord. Every church must continue to discipline themselves in righteousness to prepare for persecution.

Outline of Text
1. The assessment of Christians. Revelation 2:8
1) I know your works. 2:9
2) I know your poverty. 2:9
3) I know the blasphemy (Jews but synagogue of Satan). 2:9

2. The admonition for persecuted Christians. Revelation 2:9-11b
1) Do not fear. 2:10
2) Endure the test by the devil. 2:10
3) Be faithful unto death. 2:10
4) Receive your reward. 2:11b

3. The advice for Christians.
1) Your choice to listen. 2:11
2) second death does not hurt. 2:11

Impact Fact
Jesus walked among the church to encourage Christians to endure the test and persecution from Satan.