Glorified Christ to the seven churches knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians throughout history and still has meaningful application to us and our church today ID: 494745
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Slide1Slide2
We continue our study of the messages of the
Glorified
Christ to the seven churches, knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians throughout history and still has meaningful application to us and our church today.Slide3
We continue our study of the messages of the
Glorified
Christ to the seven churches, knowing that this message has had application to the church and Christians throughout history and still has meaningful application to us and our church today.Slide4
The Church at Smyrna
Revelation 2:8–11 “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, 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. Slide5
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.” ’ Slide6
With the passage containing Christ´s message to the church at Smyrna, we learn another valuable lesson about interpretation. While we can understand some of what is being said in this letter just by allowing the Scripture to speak and letting the
plain
sense make sense, there are some things that remain unclear. Slide7
With the passage containing Christ´s message to the church at Smyrna, we learn another valuable lesson about interpretation. While we can understand some of what is being said in this letter just by allowing the Scripture to speak and letting the
plain
sense make sense, there are some things that remain unclear. Slide8
For instance, what is this synagogue of Satan? If we search the whole Bible for where the words synagogue and Satan appear in the same verse, we only find this passage and the passage containing the letter to Philadelphia. Neither of these passages
explain
what the synagogue of Satan is.Slide9
For instance, what is this synagogue of Satan? If we search the whole Bible for where the words synagogue and Satan appear in the same verse, we only find this passage and the passage containing the letter to Philadelphia. Neither of these passages
explain
what the synagogue of Satan is.Slide10
Here is our trilemma:
We cannot discern the meaning just from the plain sense of the words.
The word
meanings
do not give a full explanation. We can look up synagogue and look up Satan, but putting those meanings together does not tell us what the synagogue of Satan was or who the people are who said they were Jews but are not.
We cannot find any other Scripture that gives us an explanation.Slide11
Here is our trilemma:
We cannot discern the meaning just from the plain sense of the words.
The word
meanings
do not give a full explanation. We can look up synagogue and look up Satan, but putting those meanings together does not tell us what the synagogue of Satan was or who the people are who said they were Jews but are not.
We cannot find any other Scripture that gives us an explanation.Slide12
However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to
understand
and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they
knew
something we don´t know.Slide13
However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to
understand
and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they
knew
something we don´t know.Slide14
However, because we know that Christ is sending this message to the church at Smyrna for them to
understand
and respond to His message, we know they did understand. That means they
knew
something we don´t know.Slide15
This tells us we must broaden our search of the
context
of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the
historical
context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around
100
A.D.Slide16
This tells us we must broaden our search of the
context
of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the
historical
context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around
100
A.D.Slide17
This tells us we must broaden our search of the
context
of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the
historical
context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around
100
A.D.Slide18
This tells us we must broaden our search of the
context
of this passage. We have read the Scriptures around it. Now we need to study the
historical
context of Smyrna up to and including the period of time in which the message was sent. For this passage, this means that we should do some reading about the history of Smyrna up to around
100
A.D.Slide19
This is not only something you can do, but is actually quite fun to do. You will learn a lot of interesting things. Many of the things you learn will not really have a bearing on the meaning of this passage, but they are interesting none the less. Those things may prove
valuable
in some other enterprise for you some day. Slide20
This is not only something you can do, but is actually quite fun to do. You will learn a lot of interesting things. Many of the things you learn will not really have a bearing on the meaning of this passage, but they are interesting none the less. Those things may prove
valuable
in some other enterprise for you some day. Slide21
When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down
questions
I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the
source
. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the
reliability
of what I have found.Slide22
When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down
questions
I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the
source
. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the
reliability
of what I have found.Slide23
When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down
questions
I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the
source
. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the
reliability
of what I have found.Slide24
When I am doing historical research, I usually keep a page (either paper or a digital page) handy on which to make notes. I often begin by jotting down
questions
I want to find answers to. As I find useful information, I write it on my page in the appropriate place and put a notation with it about the
source
. This allows me to go back to where I found the information, and it sometimes helps me to gauge the
reliability
of what I have found.Slide25
Remember when doing research
outside
of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a
godless
perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that
promote
evil or wickedness. Slide26
Remember when doing research
outside
of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a
godless
perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that
promote
evil or wickedness. Slide27
Remember when doing research
outside
of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a
godless
perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that
promote
evil or wickedness. Slide28
Remember when doing research
outside
of the Bible: only the Scriptures are inerrant. Everything else is subject to having mistakes or being written from a less than objective viewpoint. Even things that are written from a
godless
perspective may prove helpful in terms of understanding subject matter. However, be careful not to give yourself to reading things that
promote
evil or wickedness. Slide29
For instance, you may need to understand something of the practice of witchcraft during the days of King Saul to understand Saul´s interaction with a witch. But you do not want to start reading books or articles intended to draw people into the
practice
of witchcraft or sorcery. Slide30
For instance, you may need to understand something of the practice of witchcraft during the days of King Saul to understand Saul´s interaction with a witch. But you do not want to start reading books or articles intended to draw people into the
practice
of witchcraft or sorcery. Slide31
It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of
evil
in order to gain an understanding of God´s
Word
.
There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the
Roman
period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.Slide32
It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of
evil
in order to gain an understanding of God´s
Word
.
There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the
Roman
period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.Slide33
It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of
evil
in order to gain an understanding of God´s
Word
.
There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the
Roman
period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.Slide34
It is never necessary to pursue a knowledge of
evil
in order to gain an understanding of God´s
Word
.
There is no lack of material on the history of Smyrna during the
Roman
period. Books, journals, and the internet have tons of material. Below is a summary of my own notes on Smyrna, first done from several good books, later updated by internet.Slide35
Historical Notes On Smyrna And The Church In That City
Still exists as the modern city of Izmir, Turkey.Slide36
The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great
wealth
. Also like Ephesus, it was a
politically
important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.Slide37
The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great
wealth
. Also like Ephesus, it was a
politically
important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.Slide38
The ancient city, like Ephesus 35 mi. to the south, was also a great trade city. Its deep harbor led to commercial greatness, and it was a city of great
wealth
. Also like Ephesus, it was a
politically
important city – a free, assize town in the Roman Empire.Slide39
Because of its wealth and the pride of its citizens, Smyrna was a beautiful city as well. They called themselves “The Glory of Asia,” and it was a model of city planning. It had long, spacious streets that ran from the sea to the inland edge of the city. The most famous of these was called “Golden Street.”Slide40
Along this street, another characteristic of the city was revealed. At the harbor end stood the Temple of Cybele. As one journeyed along the way he came to the temples of Apollo,
Asklepios
, and Aphrodite. At the far end of this boulevard, where the hills began, was the Temple of
Zeus
.Slide41
Along this street, another characteristic of the city was revealed. At the harbor end stood the Temple of Cybele. As one journeyed along the way he came to the temples of Apollo,
Asklepios
, and Aphrodite. At the far end of this boulevard, where the hills began, was the Temple of
Zeus
.Slide42
Everywhere in Smyrna, the splendor of
pagan
worship was manifest
.Slide43
Everywhere in Smyrna, the splendor of
pagan
worship was manifest
.Slide44
Smyrna was a premier center for Caesar Worship in the Roman Empire
.
Caesar
worship did not begin
suddenly
and by mere official decree
.
Several
hundred years before, people began to admire and then to worship in a vague and informal manner the “spirit of Rome.” That spirit became personified in
Dea
Roma, the goddess of Rome, whom people began to worship in more tangible ways, as they did the other Greco/Roman
gods.Slide45
Smyrna was a premier center for Caesar Worship in the Roman Empire
.
Caesar
worship did not begin
suddenly
and by mere official decree
.
Several
hundred years before, people began to admire and then to worship in a vague and informal manner the “spirit of Rome.” That spirit became personified in
Dea
Roma, the goddess of Rome, whom people began to worship in more tangible ways, as they did the other Greco/Roman
gods.Slide46
The first temple erected for the worship of
Dea
Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D.
26
, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god.
Smyrna
won.Slide47
The first temple erected for the worship of
Dea
Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D.
26
, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god.
Smyrna
won.Slide48
The first temple erected for the worship of
Dea
Roma was built in 196 B.C. and was built in Smyrna. In A.D.
26
, around the time Jesus was beginning His public ministry, Smyrna competed with six other cities for the right to build a temple to the reigning emperor Tiberius as a god.
Smyrna
won.Slide49
By the end of the first century when Caesar worship became mandatory under the emperor
Domitian
, Smyrna was already an enthusiastic center for the worship of whatever monarch sat upon the throne of Rome.Slide50
By the end of the first century when Caesar worship became mandatory under the emperor
Domitian
, Smyrna was already an enthusiastic center for the worship of whatever monarch sat upon the throne of Rome.Slide51
The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is
lord
.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a
certificate
, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.Slide52
The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is
lord
.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a
certificate
, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.Slide53
The required worship of Caesar was simple. Annually, each person must, in the presence of officially designated witnesses, take a pinch of incense and burn it, saying with their mouth, “Caesar is
lord
.” With these few words said, the officials would give to them a
certificate
, good for a year, that they had done their religious duty. That being done, they were free to worship whatever gods they chose the rest of the year.Slide54
Most people in the empire
accepted
the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “
Pax
Romana
,” the Roman
Peace
, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.Slide55
Most people in the empire
accepted
the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “
Pax
Romana
,” the Roman
Peace
, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.Slide56
Most people in the empire
accepted
the requirement as one of the less burdensome things imposed by Rome. Many even did it gladly, grateful for the “
Pax
Romana
,” the Roman
Peace
, under which they lived, and which made life better in many ways and much more predictable.Slide57
Even many
Jews
did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were
persecuted
because of it.Slide58
Even many
Jews
did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were
persecuted
because of it.Slide59
Even many
Jews
did their political obligation to Rome with little more than grumbling among themselves. Faithful Jews, of course, considered it blasphemous to call a man “lord,” and some were
persecuted
because of it.Slide60
But by far, the one group of people who opposed even this little bit of worship of a human king was the community of believers – the Christians, the church. True believers would
not
offer incense to the emperor and the lips could only utter “
Jesus
is Lord.” Slide61
But by far, the one group of people who opposed even this little bit of worship of a human king was the community of believers – the Christians, the church. True believers would
not
offer incense to the emperor and the lips could only utter “
Jesus
is Lord.” Slide62
They were therefore outlaws by definition and subject to persecution at the hands of the state at any time. Persecution was not continuous everywhere, but it hung above the heads of believers like an axe suspended with a single thread.Slide63
The flames of enthusiasm for Rome and Caesar burned especially hot in Smyrna. In the days of Christ’s message through John the Apostle, the church at Smyrna was full of heroes, heroes who would not
compromise
their stand that Jesus, and Jesus alone was the Lord of their lives.Slide64
The flames of enthusiasm for Rome and Caesar burned especially hot in Smyrna. In the days of Christ’s message through John the Apostle, the church at Smyrna was full of heroes, heroes who would not
compromise
their stand that Jesus, and Jesus alone was the Lord of their lives.Slide65
Smyrna was also the residence of the “Synagogue of Satan.”
That
is not, of course, the name inscribed above the door of the building. If it were like virtually every other synagogue in the world at the time, its official title was “The Synagogue of the
Lord
.”Slide66
Smyrna was also the residence of the “Synagogue of Satan.”
That
is not, of course, the name inscribed above the door of the building. If it were like virtually every other synagogue in the world at the time, its official title was “The Synagogue of the
Lord
.”Slide67
This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to
accommodate
Caesar worship, but who also despised
Christians
because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.Slide68
This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to
accommodate
Caesar worship, but who also despised
Christians
because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.Slide69
This was the name given the synagogue in Smyrna which was filled with Jews who both were willing themselves to
accommodate
Caesar worship, but who also despised
Christians
because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah.Slide70
These Jews kept careful tabs on all the Christians and were more than eager to
tattle
to the Roman officials that this Christian or that had no certification of their required worship of Caesar.Slide71
These Jews kept careful tabs on all the Christians and were more than eager to
tattle
to the Roman officials that this Christian or that had no certification of their required worship of Caesar.Slide72
Polycarp, the
pastor
of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D.Slide73
Polycarp, the
pastor
of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D.Slide74
Polycarp, the
pastor
of the church at Smyrna was martyred in the city in 156 A.D
.
When
given the choice of sacrifice to Caesar or be burned alive, Polycarp said, “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”Slide75
Now we are ready to try to understand the meaning of these four verses.
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:
- Jesus is saying, “No matter what falls in between, it all begins and ends with me. Remember my
resurrection
. Know yours is coming.”Slide76
Now we are ready to try to understand the meaning of these four verses.
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:
- Jesus is saying, “No matter what falls in between, it all begins and ends with me. Remember my
resurrection
. Know yours is coming.”Slide77
9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);
-
Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their
faithfulness
in the midst of
adversity
. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse. Slide78
9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);
-
Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their
faithfulness
in the midst of
adversity
. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse. Slide79
9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);
-
Jesus was not unaware of their dire conditions. He knew their
faithfulness
in the midst of
adversity
. He knew their tribulation, literally “pressure,” with which they lived daily. He knew their poverty – and they were poor, literally; ostracized from society, excluded from jobs, their homes robbed and goods pilfered with little recourse. Slide80
Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are
rich
,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but
lost
citizens of Smyrna could not have!Slide81
Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are
rich
,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but
lost
citizens of Smyrna could not have!Slide82
Yet the exalted Jesus said, “But you are
rich
,” speaking of the things they had which money could not buy and the wealthy but
lost
citizens of Smyrna could not have!Slide83
and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
– Blasphemy is literally
slander
. They are not true Jews, and Satan himself has taken control of their synagogue.Slide84
and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
– Blasphemy is literally
slander
. They are not true Jews, and Satan himself has taken control of their synagogue.Slide85
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.
– Do not fear what you are about to suffer. More
persecution
is coming.Slide86
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.
– Do not fear what you are about to suffer. More
persecution
is coming.Slide87
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
– Be faithful even if it means death. Your reward will be the crown of life.Slide88
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.” ’
– They may inflict upon you the first death; but because your faith is in Jesus Christ, the second death (
hell
) cannot touch you.Slide89
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.” ’
– They may inflict upon you the first death; but because your faith is in Jesus Christ, the second death (
hell
) cannot touch you.Slide90
The Applications
The application to the church of Smyrna in John´s day is easy to see. Slide91
The Applications
Historically, the Smyrna period was from
A.D. 170 – 312.
While Smyrna was a center of Christian
persecution
, it was hardly alone. From the first persecution by Nero in 64 A.D. until 250 A.D., persecutions were usually local but nonetheless severe. The most severe, empire wide persecution came under Diocletian. Slide92
The Applications
Historically, the Smyrna period was from
A.D. 170 – 312.
While Smyrna was a center of Christian
persecution
, it was hardly alone. From the first persecution by Nero in 64 A.D. until 250 A.D., persecutions were usually local but nonetheless severe. The most severe, empire wide persecution came under Diocletian. Slide93
The Applications
It began in 303 A.D. and lasted for
10
years. (Rev. 2:10 “ten days”) This period produced both many martyrs and many “fall
aways
” who recanted their faith. The rise of Constantine to power and his military victory in 312 brought an end to the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire itself.Slide94
The Applications
It began in 303 A.D. and lasted for
10
years. (Rev. 2:10 “ten days”) This period produced both many martyrs and many “fall
aways
” who recanted their faith. The rise of Constantine to power and his military victory in 312 brought an end to the persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire itself.Slide95
The Applications
The application of these words to our church in our day may be more
literal
than we want to imagine.Slide96
The Applications
The application of these words to our church in our day may be more
literal
than we want to imagine.