3 Bible Tips: Lessons From Smyrna—Endure Persecution
Last time we looked at the message to Ephesus. The second message to the churches of Asia Minor was addressed to Smyrna. Smyrna was a center of the cult of Roman emperor worship. What lessons does this message have for those who will hear today?
1. Determination to remain faithful to God in the face of trials and persecution was important for the members at Smyrna, and it is an important lesson for God's people today.
"I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9).
2. The same comfort and help God gave believers then is available today to all who are faithful to God's instructions.
"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
3. If we persevere, Jesus promises us "the crown of life" and that we will "not be hurt by the second death."
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" (Revelation 2:11).
For more background information and biblical study of how this applies today, see "The Message to Smyrna: Endure Persecution," a carefully researched article by David Treybig.