2. Smyrna – Persecution (Rev. 2: 8 – 11)
Christ is not only the Commencer and Consummator of life as the First and Last, but also the conqueror of death. Where death reigns as the enemy`s power, all mankind are held in bondage. But Christ is the Originator of life as the First and the Overseer as the Last. He is also the Overcomer who was dead and is alive. So He presents Himself as the prevailing Victor that He may make His people victorious also.
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
these things says the First & Last, who was dead, & came to life:..”
(Rev. 2: 8)
In the martyr age (& for martyrs down through the centuries) the Church was confronted by the cruel power of the devil. Thus Christ unveiled Himself as not merely alive, but also immune from death`s power, and assures the same immunity to His people.
“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.
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.”
(Rev. 2: 9 & 10)
10 – Gk. Word `deka` - fig. for law, testing
Day – Gk. Word `hemera` - fig. meaning a period of time, judgement.
The `10 days` is symbolic of a period of testing time that the believers through the centuries will have to undergo until God brings judgement. To be an overcomer we are not to fear suffering but be faithful even unto death. Man may take our physical life, but it is the Lord who gives eternal life.
The second death refers not to the physical death but to the spiritual `death` of the unrepentant who will be cast from God`s presence forever.
“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.
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.”
(Rev. 2: 11)
Christ is not only the Commencer and Consummator of life as the First and Last, but also the conqueror of death. Where death reigns as the enemy`s power, all mankind are held in bondage. But Christ is the Originator of life as the First and the Overseer as the Last. He is also the Overcomer who was dead and is alive. So He presents Himself as the prevailing Victor that He may make His people victorious also.
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
these things says the First & Last, who was dead, & came to life:..”
(Rev. 2: 8)
In the martyr age (& for martyrs down through the centuries) the Church was confronted by the cruel power of the devil. Thus Christ unveiled Himself as not merely alive, but also immune from death`s power, and assures the same immunity to His people.
“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.
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.”
(Rev. 2: 9 & 10)
10 – Gk. Word `deka` - fig. for law, testing
Day – Gk. Word `hemera` - fig. meaning a period of time, judgement.
The `10 days` is symbolic of a period of testing time that the believers through the centuries will have to undergo until God brings judgement. To be an overcomer we are not to fear suffering but be faithful even unto death. Man may take our physical life, but it is the Lord who gives eternal life.
The second death refers not to the physical death but to the spiritual `death` of the unrepentant who will be cast from God`s presence forever.
“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.
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.”
(Rev. 2: 11)
