The Church in Smyrna
| The second church that John wrote about in Revelation 2 is the Church in Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11). The word Smyrna is derived from the Hebrew word “Myrrh” which speaks of an ingredient from a gum tree when it has been cut and bitter drops flow out from the tree. Smyrna was an impoverished church when it came to finances and money, but to God they were the richest (Rev. 2:9). The church of Smyrna was in tribulation and poverty, but Jesus told them not to fear what they were going to suffer. Revelation 2:10 says , “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.” Smyrna was already going through, but they had to go through ten more days. In the present, out of all of the 7 churches, the church of Smyrna has thrived more than any other. Tribulation and persecution are not because God wants to punish us, but according to Romans 5:3-5, “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts…” The church of Smyrna shows how there may be bitterness in this life, but if we go through right, we can have glory in the next life! |
