BEWARE THE LAMB THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST Smyrna Rev 02:08-11 Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 1 A View of Church Ages Letter Church Age Dates (A.D.) Ephesus Apostolic Age < 100 Smyrna Age of Persecution 100 313 long. 27 25 E., lat. 38 28 N. Pergamos Imperial Church 313 590 long. 27 0 E., lat. 39 13 N. Thyatira Age of Papacy 590 Tribulation long. 27 49 E., lat. 38 16 N. Sardis Reformation long. 28 5 E., lat. 37 51 N. Philadelphia Missionary Church long. 28 15 E., lat. 38 28 N. 1517 - Tribulation 1730 Rapture Laodicea Apostate Church 1900 Tribulation Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 2
The seven churches: 20 th Century Map Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Smyrna Ephesus Philadelphia Laodicea Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 3 The seven churches: 1 st Century Map John writes from Patmos Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 4
Why These Seven Churches? 1) Local: actual churches; valid needs. 2) Admonitory: hear...churches...all seven letters apply to all seven churches. 3) Homiletic: personal: He that hath an ear... It applies to you and me personally 4) Prophetic: In their particular order, they lay out the entire history of the church..any other order--it doesn t fit! Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 5 For Reference Read Ahead 1) Ephesus Acts 18-20; Ephesians 3; 5 1 John written to Ephesus 2) Smyrna Acts 15 3) Pergamos Num 22-24; Balaam, Num 33; Acts15; 1 Cor 6 4) Thyatira 1 Kgs 16; 21; Jezebel and Naboth s vineyard; 2 Kgs 9:36 5) Sardis Galatians; Romans 6) Philadelphia Thessalonians 7) Laodicea Colossians Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 6
7 Churches Chart Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 7 Rev 2:8-11 [8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 8
Background History: Smyrna ~3,000 BC: Inhabited by the Asiatic Leleges [indications of later Hittite influence] ~1,000 BC: Aeolian colonists from Cyme settled in the area. ~ 900 BC: Fell into the hands of the Ionians from Colophon [per Herodotus] THE MOST GLORIOUS PHASE OF SMYRNA S HISTORY COMMENCED. During this period the poet Homer was born, lived and died in Smyrna. Smyrna stood at the entrance to the broad fertile valley of Mermus, at the mouth of the river Meles, and on the well sheltered gulf of Smyrna. Strategically placed for trade between Europe and Asia it was a rival to both Sardis and the Lydian kingdom. 300 years of greatness ended with the attacks by the Lydians. Gyges was defeated and driven back, but a later Alyattes, then king of Lydia, was successful in taking the city. Smyrna was devastated and ceased to exist for 300 years. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 9 Background History: Smyrna 4th century BC: Alexander the Great, in response to a dream, ordered Lysimachus, one of his four generals, to build a strong, well-planned city, the most beautiful in Ionia on the site. Smyrna became known as the Flower of Ionia and prospered into one of the greatest cities of the then known world 27 BC: Came under control of the Romans, having proved itself a faithful ally to Rome in the Syrian and Mithridatic wars. 27 BC to 324 AD: Enjoyed great material prosperity under Rome. Strabo described it as the most beautiful city in the world. It was about 40 miles north of Ephesus and possessed an excellent double harbor. The outer harbor was a deep water mooring ground; The inner harbor (now silted in) had a narrow entrance that could be blocked with a chain. Smyrna called itself "the first city of Asia." Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 10
Smyrna: Fortification Ruins Smyrna: Smyrna: Temple of Athena Ruins Smyrna: Izmir Harbor Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 11 Izmir (Smyrna) Agora 2000 Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 12
Izmir (Smyrna) Agora 2000 Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 13 Smyrna Agora (Marketplace) Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 14
Background History: Smyrna The city suffered many unexpected changes and disasters: During the reign of Tiberius (14-37 AD), it was almost blotted out by an earthquake. 178 to 180 AD: Suffered a series of seismic events again reduced the city to ruins Marcus Aurelius once more restored it (and parts of the new agora are still standing). 378 AD: Another earthquake demolished the city, The Smyrneans again rebuilt the city. The city has seen a large amount of death and trouble Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 15 Today: Smyrna is Izmir Smyrna today is called Izmir It is the 3 rd largest city in Turkey - population about 300,000 - NT population peaked at ~100,000 It exports tobacco, grapes, figs, cotton, olives, & olive oil. It still has an excellent harbor It is encircled by cypress-clad hills (Smyrna) Izmir has been called the Paris of the Levant. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 16
Pagan Worship: Smyrna Smyrna was richly embellished with temples and splendid buildings, The perfection and symmetry of those encircling Mount Pagos resulted in the title the crown of Smyrna. At the foot of the mountain stood the temple of Zeus, Thought to be the father of the gods, Reputed to be the lord of the sky, rain, clouds, and thunder. Along the Golden Street stood the shrines of: Apollo the sun-god, Aphrodite the goddess of love and beauty, Aesculapius the god of medicine, and Cybele, a Phrygian nature goddess, close to the sea. At the Agora (the commercial and political center) were statues of Poseidon the sea-god, and Demeter the goddess of corn. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 17 Pagan Worship: Smyrna The guardian of Smyrna was believed to be the goddess Cybele later, known as the Greek Rhea, the daughter of the sky and the earth and the mother of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. Her worship was wild and unrestrained. As the giver of wealth, she became recognized in the great cities as the goddess of the settled life and of towns, hence her crown of walled cities. She appears on Smyrnead coins depicted as enthroned and wearing a crown of battlements and towers. Goddess of fortresses = god of forces Daniel 11:38? Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 18
Pagan Worship: Smyrna The priests of the various deities were termed stephanophori, a reference to the laurel or golden crowns which they used to wear in public processions. They were awarded this honor at the end of their year of office. Jesus uses the term stephanos in Rev 2:10 describing the Crown of Life; a reward to the overcomer Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 19 Pagan Worship: Smyrna Smyrna readily accepted Caesar worship. 196 B.C. the Smyrneans erected a temple to Dea Roma, the goddess of Rome, and They subsequently built one to Tiberius. Each year a Roman citizen had to burn a pinch of incense on the altar and to acknowledge publicly that Caesar was supreme lord. This was a means of unifying and integrating the many and varied elements in the vast empire of Rome. In return, he received a formal certificate that he had done so. This act of worship was a vital test for the Christian, and many who refused perished at the stake or by wild beasts in the arena. Originally this was intended purely as proof of political loyalty The individual was permitted to worship whatever god or goddess he chose once he had offered to Caesar. Eventually, Worship of the emperor became compulsory. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 20
Pagan Worship: Smyrna 169 (155?) A.D., The bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp, refused to recant Jesus Christ as Lord and offer the pinch of incense to Ceasar. He is quoted as saying, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me wrong. How can I now speak evil of my King who has saved me? The old man was burned at the stake on the sabbath day As a Christian, he had become an object of Jewish and Roman hatred and had suffered great persecution as had all the Smyrnean Christians. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 21 Rev 2:8 : Title 8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive : Smyrna comes from the Greek word Smurna ; the Hebrew root that is translated myrrh. Myrrh: a bitter gum and costly perfume which is extracted from a certain tree or shrub in Arabia and Ethiopia, It is used as an antiseptic It was also an ingredient in perfume (Ps 45:8), prominent in Song of Solomon, etc. It was an ingredient in holy anointing oil for priests (Ex 30:23) It was used in the purification of women (Esther 2:12). It was used in embalming (Jn 19:39) and It was one of the gifts of the Magi at Christ s birth (Mt 2:11): Gold = royalty Frankincense = deity, priesthood Myrrh = suffering, death Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 22
Rev 2:8 : Title 8] And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive : At Jesus Second Coming gold and frankincense are offered, but NO myrrh (Isa 60:6) since his death is now behind him It was offered to Christ at cross (Mk 15:23). The body of Jesus was embalmed by Joseph & Nicodemus (Jn 19:39-40). Myrrh yields fragrance by being crushed. Note the death theme throughout this letter. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 23 Rev 2:9 : Commendation 9] I know thy works, and tribulation : Tribulation = thlipsis. G2347: 1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure. 2) metaphor for oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits. This is not the Great Tribulation We will all have tribulation, trouble, persecution if we live for Christ They that "live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33) The absence of tribulation from the world may either be a blessing from God or a sign of just how brightly our lampstand is holding up the Light Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 24
Rev 2:9 : Commendation 9] I know thy poverty, (but thou art rich) : Poverty but rich vs. Laodicea: rich but poor (Rev 3:17; 2 Cor 8:9). Two words for poverty in the Greek: penia, the state of having nothing superfluous; G4432 ptocheia: Beggary, poverty; the condition of one destitute of riches and abundance MATT 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (KJV) YOU CAN T T TAKE IT WITH YOU, BUT YOU CAN SEND IT AHEAD Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 25 Rev 2.9 and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Replacement Theology Reconstructionism Rom 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, Rom 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Rom 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 26
Rev 2:10 : Commendation 10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: I know your suffering : Jn 16:33; 2 Tim 3:12. It could have been relieved by simply a pinch of incense offered to Caesar... Blasphemy: Jews who are not (Synagogue of Satan). John knew about the blasphemy of Jews (Jn 8:44). The Jewish Christians demanded Gentile circumcision (Acts 15:1,10). Legalism: leaven of Galatians. Peter is rebuked by Paul (Gal 2:11,17,18; 3:1-3). Peter agrees (2 Pet 3:15-16). Early persecution was brought on by the Christian Jews, not the Romans in Antioch (Acts 13:50), Iconium (Acts 14:2, 5), Lystra (Acts 14:19), and in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5). Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 27 Rev 2:10 : Commendation 10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was burned alive on the Sabbath Day by the Jewish leadership for not pledging allegiance to Caesar cf. Acts 15:1-18; Gal 2:11-21; 3:1-6; 2 Pet 3:15-16 One of the most tragic heresies of the Church today is the view that Israel is over. Very early in Church history the Church became anti-semitic. Tragic for the Jews (who suffered atrocities under the banner of Christ ), but also for the Church because we lost our Jewish roots. The Church s knowledge of the Old Testament is tragically lacking. Do you feel Jewish? cf. Rom 2:28-29; Deut 10:16; 30:6. ROM 9:6-8 JOHN 8:39 MAT 7:20-24 MAT 7:15 Acts 20:29 2 COR 11:15 Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 28
Rev 2:10 : Commendation 10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was burned alive on the Sabbath Day by the Jewish leadership for not pledging allegiance to Caesar cf. Acts 15:1-18; Gal 2:11-21; 3:1-6; 2 Pet 3:15-16 Tragic heresies of the Church: the view that Israel is over. Very early in Church history the Church became anti-semitic. Tragic for the Jews (who suffered atrocities under the banner of Christ ), but also for the Church because we lost our Jewish roots. The Church s knowledge of the Old Testament is tragically lacking. ROM 2:28-29; DEUT 10:16; 30:6. ROM 9:6-8 JOHN 8:39 MAT 7:20-24 MAT 7:15 ACTS 20:29 2 COR 11:15 Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 29 Rev 2:10 : Commendation [10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; Diseases brought back from the Parthian wars devastated much of Rome; Inundation from the Tiber River put much of the grain storehouses under water; Famine and pestilence followed. The Christians were a convenient scapegoat: These disasters were brought on by the gods who were provoked by this new religion and so Christianity became a crime... Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 30
Rev 2:10 : Commendation affliction, persecution, pressure [10] and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 10 days of presecution 1. Nero (54-68): Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down. 2. Domitian (95-96): John exiled. 3. Trajan (104-117): Ignatius burned at the stake. 4. Marcus Aurelius (161-180): Polycarp martyred. 5. Septimus Severus (200-211): He killed Irenaeus. 6. Maximinus (235-237): He killed Ursula and Hippolytus. 7. Decius (249-251); 8. Valerian (257-260); 9. Aurelian (270-275); 10. Diocletian (303-313); The Worst! Ten total: 250 years! G2347 pressing, pressing together, pressure Many other Caesar s during the period 10 aggressively persecuted Christians Fox s Book of Martyrs: 5,000,000 believers died for Christ during this period. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 31 Rev 2:10 : Commendation affliction, persecution, pressure [10] and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 10 days of presecution 1. Nero (54-68): Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down. 2. Domitian (95-96): John exiled. 3. Trajan (104-117): Ignatius burned at the stake. 4. Marcus Aurelius (161-180): Polycarp martyred. 5. Septimus Severus (200-211): He killed Irenaeus. 6. Maximinus (235-237): He killed Ursula and Hippolytus. 7. Decius (249-251); 8. Valerian (257-260); 9. Aurelian (270-275); 10. Diocletian (303-313); The Worst! Ten total: 250 years! G2347 pressing, pressing together, pressure Many other Caesar s during the period 10 aggressively persecuted Christians Fox s Book of Martyrs: 5,000,000 believers died for Christ during this period. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 32
Rev 2:10 : Commendation affliction, persecution, pressure [10] and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 10 days of presecution 1. Nero (54-68): Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down. 2. Domitian (95-96): John exiled. 3. Trajan (104-117): Ignatius burned at the stake. 4. Marcus Aurelius (161-180): Polycarp martyred. 5. Septimus Severus (200-211): He killed Irenaeus. 6. Maximinus (235-237): He killed Ursula and Hippolytus. 7. Decius (249-251); 8. Valerian (257-260); 9. Aurelian (270-275); 10. Diocletian (303-313); The Worst! Ten total: 250 years! G2347 pressing, pressing together, pressure Many other Caesar s during the period 10 aggressively persecuted Christians Fox s Book of Martyrs: 5,000,000 believers died for Christ during this period. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 33 Rev 2:??? : Criticism!!! THERE IS NONE!!! Even though several major Tares or heresies had their start in the early Church period including: Legalism: denial of Christ s completed work Gnosticism: denial of Christ s humanity Caesar worship: denial of Christ s Lordship Worldliness: seeking power and riches [Nicolaitanism?? ] Compromise: tolerating and adopting pagan practices The Lord has NO word of complaint for Smyrna. They were satisfying His heart (2 Cor 8:9) Sardis would NOT compromise, down to a pinch of incense One of two letters (the other is Philadelphia) with no condemnation! They are the only two cities which have had a continuous existence! Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 34
Rev 2:10 : Exhortation 10]...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life : Note: There is not a single promise to them that they would escape their suffering. G4735 stephanos: victors crown a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games G1238 diadem: rulers crown a symbol of position the kingly ornament for the head, the crown Crown : Reward for their works; their faithfulnes in living Crown of life (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10) for those who have suffered for His sake; Crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8) for those who loved His appearing; Crown of glory (1Pet 5:4) for those who fed the lambs, sheep, flock; Crown incorruptible (1Cor 9:25) for those who press on steadfastly; Crown of rejoicing (1Thess 2:19) for those who win souls. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 35 Rev 2:11 : Close / Promise [11] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 36
Born once Die twice Born twice Die once 1 st birth Physical birth Physical, mortal life Happy Birthday to you 1 st death Physical death Separation of the Spirit from the Body - Temporary Ye must be born again John 3 2nd birth Spiritual birth; Eternal Life 2nd death Spiritual death Separation of the Spirit from God - Eternally Death is not the cessation of life It is separation!! Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 37 Rev 2:8-11 Free Translation: Smyrna 8 And to the messenger of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the First and the Last, who became dead and lived AGAIN. 9 I know thy tribulation and thy poverty, (but thou art rich); and the blasphemy from those who are saying they are Jews, when they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Have no fear of the things thou art going to suffer; behold the Devil is going to cast some from among you into prison, in order that ye may be tested; and you shall have tribulation ten days: become faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of the life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh cannot be hurt in any way by the second death. Acts 17:11 1 Thes 5:21 38