Smyrna (which is modern Izmir) is located on a deep sheltered bay of the Aegean Sea and was located on a very important ancient Roman road that went east to India. The name Smyrna comes from the myrrh, a small tree that grows in abundance here; the oil of myrrh is used in the Jews’ holy oil, and is used to anoint the dead. Smyrna, now the city of Izmir, Turkey, was and is one of the great business and trade centers in that part of the world. Almost two centuries before Christ, Smyrna welcomed Rome and the Caesars with unquestioning loyalty. The city was perhaps the most beautiful in the entire region, and was known as “The Pearl of the Aegean”. Many religious cults were headquartered there, including the cult of Caesar worship. Although eleven cities bid for it, the Roman Senate chose Smyrna, and in 23 B.C. Smyrna was given the honor of building this temple to the Emperor Tiberius because of its years of faithfulness to Rome. Thus, the city became a center for the cult of emperor worship -- a fanatical religion that later, under such emperors as Nero (ruled A.D. 54-68) and Domitian (ruled A.D. 81-96), brought on severe persecution for the early church. Polycarp was martyred in the stadium at Smyrna in 155 A.D. by being burned at the stake at age 86.
A great and powerful Jewish Minority also lived there, and joined with Rome to make life difficult for Christians of either Jewish or Gentile background.
Roman control transformed Smyrna into an important center for trade. In addition to the physical persecution that occurred in Smyrna, the Christians there also seemed to undergo a severe financial persecution. Smyrna was not only a great trade city, but was also a city of Guilds that closely regulated the craftsmen of the day, similar to the way Unions do today. Because of the intense hatred for Christians, when a man took a stand for Jesus Christ his shop was boycotted or his employment was severed, or some other means was used to limit his economic prosperity.
The Christians who were rich in this world’s goods went bankrupt. This church sounds like an exact description of what we should expect the church in the Tribulation to see – an inability to buy or sell unless they would compromise their belief. We will see a similarity later in Revelation to the Christians who will not be able to buy or sell unless they bow to the god of this world and take the Mark of the Beast.
Jesus description of himself is: “The first and the last, who once died but came to life.” He is the Living Savior, the One who can provide an eternity of life for those who face death in his name.
The Smyrnans are commended for their tribulation and poverty, whereas, we would often condemn them for just these attributes, and lay the responsibility at their feet. Jesus then further amplifies that concept that they are rich indeed, but you must have spirit filled eyes to see it. My personal belief is that Smyrna is the most beloved of the churches. Not only do they suffer, but they are slandered by the synagogue of satan. Just as with Job, just as with Peter, the devil will have his way with them for a specific period of time. They are asked to remain faithful unto death, with a promise of the crown of life – a crown given to martyrs. This is not the same as eternal life, but is a reward in itself. The meaning of the 10 days remains obscure at this time – I have not seen anyone supply a satisfactory interpretation, and few have attempted it. it does seem to be a short time. The Lord comforts them with the admonishment not to fear suffering, for he has shown us the way. Some of us will walk with the church at Smyrna, and wear the crown of martyrdom.
Overcomers promise: The victor shall not be harmed by the second death. This is the promise of abundant never-ending life through eternity, with the Lord as husband and friend.
This church sounds like an exact description of what we should expect the church in the Tribulation to see – an inability to buy or sell unless they would compromise their beliefs. We will see a similarity later in Revelation to the Christians who will not be able to buy or sell unless they bow to the god of this world and take the Mark of the Beast.
