Summary of Revelation 2:8-11
Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11
12a) Jesus faced abundant persecution from everyone, really. Since Jesus was persecuted, his followers should expect to face the same. They will face ostracism from the church and even death. 2 Timothy 3:12, “ In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
b) Very similar. Some Christians around the world can face death. Christians can be ousted from the church, shunned by their friends and family, and persecuted for their beliefs, such as not patronizing Christian businesses. Any discrimination based on Christianity is a form of persecution.
13) Their suffering would be for a limited time. And, they would receive the victor’s crown or eternal life for their faithfulness. Their rewards (and ours) are in heaven, not here.
14a) Knowing Jesus gives believers hope for the future and strength to persevere for the long run. Sufferings are temporary. When our lives end, we are in heaven celebrating! Having an eternal perspective makes the trials less challenging. Jesus provides us with the hope, strength, and knowledge to keep moving for his sake. He gives us purpose, which can fuel our days. He is there when we need him. He is our rock and our shelter. What could be better?!
b) Good question. I always feel like I have a pretty cushy life in comparison to many and especially to the early Christians 2000 years ago. I would say I hold to my beliefs, and I’ve lost jobs and friends over that.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11
Great questions to explore! I love how Jesus is always in our corner when no one else is.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.
Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).
He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).
Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.
All of us are rich because we have Jesus!
The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)
If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.
The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)
Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.
Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!
Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.
Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.
Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.
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