The third church on Jesus’ list of letters that John is commanded to write is Smyrna. The “angel” of this church is most likely Polycarp, who was ultimately martyred several decades later:
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life’” (Rev 2:8).
Jesus opens with comforting words, to the effect that whatever persecutions are being endured in Smyrna, Jesus is "the first," paving the path to eternal life. Jesus is also "the last" because he is the source of eternal life for all who believe:
“’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’” (Rev 2:9).
Jesus acknowledges the heavy persecution they are enduring by “Jews” who cannot be real Jewish children under the Law of Moses, as shown by their vicious acts in Smyrna that defy the love of God for his chosen people. There is no end in sight to this persecution except through martyrdom, and Jesus wants to encourage them:
“’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’” (Rev 2:10).
Polycarp was martyred in 186 A.D., so he did survive the initial jail term and ten days of tribulation, although the ten days was likely ten years. Jesus is promising the crown of a king to those severely persecuted!
“’He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death’” (Rev 2:11).
The first death, be it by old age or persecution, is inevitable thanks to our fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. But the second death, the judgment of God that throws non-repentant sinners into the lake of fire, will not be experienced by the true children of Jesus!
This is the App for “How Grace Shall Reign” in perfect unity with Jesus!
Download it through prayer and repentance, and share it on your Jesus feed.
Hurry back for the letter to the Church in Pergamum.