John recorded a letter to Smyrna given to him directly by Jesus.
The Beloved Disciple recorded what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 2:
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
9 “I know your works, tribulation (persecutions), 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.
10 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.
11 “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.”‘
The word Smyrna comes from the Greek word Smurnaios (Hebrew root “Mur” ie myrrh) which means “death” by being crushed.
The outline of the entire Book of Revelation is provided to us in chapter 1:
19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.
The outline (past, present, and future):
Write the things which you have seen,
The Vision of Christ in chapter 1
and the things which are,
The Seven Churches in chapters 2 & 3
and the things which will take place after this.
What follows AFTER the Churches in chapters 4-22 (chapter 4 starts with the Greek phrase which means “hereafter”).
Chapters 2 & 3 impact you and me. Jesus makes an emphatic statement that must be heeded by all:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
This is why it is critical for us to focus on the condition of each church listed. There were many more churches than just these seven. However, these seven were representative of the various conditions found in churches then and now. Every one of these letters applied to every church to some extent.
What was right with Smyrna? Jesus said, “I know thy works” and was pleased. He knows our works as well and we should keep this in mind each day as we consider what opportunities lie ahead. Are we producing fruit daily? By the way, He knows our motivation behind our works.
These people thought they were poor but are actually rich. This is in contrast to the Laodiceans that thought they were rich but were actually poor. Jesus was also well aware of their suffering for Him. He commends them for their faith in Him.
Jesus acknowledges that some will be cast into prison and suffer but He did not suggest that He would spare them of this tribulation. Instead, He told them to “fear not” and remain faithful.
The crown mentioned here is a victor’s crown. There are five crowns promised:
Crown of Life for those who have suffered for His sake. (James 1:12, Rev 2:10)
Crown of Righteousness for those who Love His appearing. (2nd Timothy 4:8)
Crown of Glory for those who fed the flock. (1st Peter 5:4)
Crown Incorruptible for those who press on steadfastly. (1st Corinthians 9:25)
Crown of Rejoicing for those who win souls. (1st Thessalonians 2:19)
Jesus ends with a promise: He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Timothy chapter 3:
12 Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Jesus and Paul warn us of persecutions, and we will not be exempt. Those who are promoting perversion are attempting to use any means available to persecute the believers. They are attempting to redefine words in order to support their agendas. They are weaponizing the system in an attempt to stifle our freedoms. They want to divert our attention with all forms of entertainment to entice us. We must overcome all trials and tribulations so that we will receive our crowns.