The Letter to the Church at Smyrna
Lesson 5
Text:
Revelation 2:8-11
Body:
Verse 8
-
The city of Smyrna was a major city of commerce about
thirty-five miles north of Ephesus. It was a center for Caesar
(emperor) worship.
-
Christ is described as “the first and the last.” See:
Revelation 1:11 Christ is eternal, the emperor isn’t!
-
For descriptions of Christ’s eternal nature, see
Micah 5:2
and
John 1:1-2.
-
Jesus was “dead, but is now alive.” Death could not keep a hold
on Him.
Acts 2:23-24
Verse 9
-
Jesus had complete knowledge of all that went on in Smyrna. He
could read the hearts and minds of all.
-
The Christians had suffered greatly. They had been “crushed” by
those who hated them because they had not bowed down to the
emperor.
I Peter 4:12-16
-
They were in poverty, destitute, due to their faithfulness to
Christ.
Hebrews 10:34
-
They had something better.
James 2:5
-
Some Jews had bowed down to the emperor. “synagogue of Satan”
Verse 10
-
The Christian life is not an easy one. Face trials with
courage.
Matthew 10:28,
Luke 6:26
-
The real source of all the trials was Satan. He would bring
more persecution upon them.
-
“Ten days” This was a symbol for the time of persecution. While
they would undergo great persecution, it would be short compared
to eternity.
II Corinthians 4:17
-
“Be faithful” even to the point of death! This shows the
sacrifice that may be required.
Matthew 10:21-22
-
The reward is “the crown of life.” It is one that will never
wear out.
I Corinthians 9:24-25,
I Peter 5:4
Those who endure persecutions and truly love the Lord will be
rewarded.
II Timothy 4:8,
James 1:12
Verse 11
-
The promise is to those who overcome. This is a key phrase in
the book of Revelation. Those who overcome are those who win
out over tribulations. They are not defeated by them.
-
“Second death” is the final separation from God at the Day of
Judgment.
Revelation 21:8,
II Thessalonians 1:9
-
Those who overcome will have eternal life in Heaven.
Bobby Stafford
|
The
church of Christ
