Smyrna
Smyrna is one of the cities in Asia Minor that Ephesus had connection with. Out of all the seven
cities of the 7 churches written to in Revelation, it is the only city today that has anyone living in it. The city is located in the West of modern Turkey
and is called Izmir today.
The Greek city of Myrrh was the main city that was used for a lot of export of different goods over time.
Smyrna is also known for a lot of wealth in the region of Asia Minor. It was also a Heavy Greek colonised city as well back in 1000 BCE.
After
its near-total destruction in the sixth century BCE, it returned
to life and habitation under the regional administration of
Alexander the Great (4th century BCE).
When Jesus gave his message to this city he was understanding of what they were going through financially.
Many of the people of Smyrna were experiencing a lot of social and economic penalties. Some of the population was poor and others were rich. Many of the people that would follow Jesus and walk with him a lot would experience a lot of slander. This is known as making a false statement to ruin the reputation of someone. Later on at one time people that would practice things not of Our Heavenly Father would turn to him and repent of the actions and walk with him. Many of the jewish people in the city of Smyrna thought they were the followers of Our Heavenly Father, but eventually christians became the followers.
Appostle Paul taught that “a man is a
Jew if he is one inwardly; and
circumcision is circumcision of the heart,
by the Spirit.
Many of the jews back in time were not as spiritual as they are getting to be today. In fact one of the reasons for conflict of Jewish and christian is because of thier levels with the spirit. This also led to conflict synagogues and churches. Around 155 CE,
Polycarp became a leader and offered his life in Smyrna. He denied Jesus at one point. Later he decided to accept him and walk with him and let him lead his life. The story of Polycarp is also looked at a version of the story of the passion of Christ. Many Jewish people were looked at as they would worship the adversary back then. Many places of worship for the Jewish people were the synagogues. Many Christians later would oppose a lot of the worshipers in synagogues. Many of the jewish people changed from being Greek and later became christian followers. Messiah tells the faithful in the city of
Smyrna to prepare for real suffering
that was yet ahead.
Revelation 2:9 I know your hardships and your poverty, and — though you are rich — the slander of the people who falsely claim to be Jews but are really members of the synagogue of Satan.
I also know the slander
against you by those who
call themselves Jews
those who say they are Jews
and are not, but are a synagogue
of Satan.” (Rev 2:9)
Revelation 2:10
Do not be afraid of the sufferings that are coming to you. Look, the devil will send some of you to prison to put you to the test, and you must face hardship for ten days. Even if you have to die, keep faithful, and I will give you the crown of life for your prize.
Revelation 2:8-9 Thus says the one
who is the first and
the last, the one
who was dead, but
came to life:
I know the distress
you are suffering
and your poverty,
but you are rich.
Romans 2:29 The real Jew is the one who is inwardly a Jew, and real circumcision is in the heart, a thing not of the letter but of the spirit. He may not be praised by any human being, but he will be praised by God.
James 2:2 Now suppose a man comes into your synagogue, well-dressed and with a gold ring on, and at the same time a poor man comes in, in shabby clothes.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the First and the Last (2:8)! You are worthy of all praise and honour and glory and power, for you made us; you give us each breath; you hold our futures in your hands. Help us to draw closer to you and have a deep relationship and walk with you right. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Salvation to become a child of Our Heavenly Father. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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