Smyrna: A Truly Graced Church
Out of the seven churches, only two were commended without fault: the churches in Smyrna and that of Philadelphia. It will be good to consider the reasons for the commendation they received.
- The Church in Smyrna Rev 2:8-11- The church in Smyrna was afflicted (persecuted) and poor, yet in God’s eyes it was rich. It was a church that laid treasures toward God and was rich in His sight (Lk 12:21). The believers, one could imagine, did not pursue riches; they served one another with the little things God had blessed them with. It was not a church of independent people who cared only for themselves. Though poor, yet they thought and cared for one another. They helped and encouraged one another to stand and keep the faith.
They were persecuted by the false church- The Synagogue of Satan. This was an order of so-called believers who claimed to be people of God (Jews- not the ethnic ones though) but actually were serving the Devil by persecuting the true church. They were tares among wheat. They sought to choke life out of the wheat but God promised to give those who were steadfast in faith the crown of life if they did. Here is a church that didn’t get any promise of deliverance from trouble or tribulation. It was encouraged to hold to faith even to death. That was hard but it was to the glory of God.
One may ask, “Why has God chosen the path of suffering as the way to glory?” It is clear that God seemed pleased with this church. Is it just because they suffered? Is there something that their suffering indicated and accomplished? It is not clear from the passage what the answers are, but cross-referencing with other Scriptures, we can understand the importance and significance of suffering as follows (in no particular order):
- Suffering is the path to glory- no suffering, no glory Lk 24:26; Rm 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12
- It is following the steps of Jesus Acts 5:41; 17:3; 1 Pet 2:21
- It eliminates trusts in self and other worldly crutches and sharpens focus on Christ Phil 3:8; 1 Thess 2:2; 1 Pet 2:23; 1 Cor 6:7
- Suffering tutors in obedience that leads to righteousness Heb 5:8
- Accepting to suffer for Christ’s sake is denying self and is cross bearing. This is the way to overcoming sin 1 Pet 4:1
- Suffering strengthens and encourages other’s faith 2 Cor 1:6
- Suffering as a Christian is an indication that one is not aligned to the Evil one. Hardly would someone be persecuted for godlessness Gal 6:12; 2 Tim 3:12
- Suffering is a requirement for those who have believed in Christ Jesus Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 3:12
- Suffering is the consequence of effective witnessing and preaching of the Gospel 2 Tim 2:9; 3:12
- It is the will of God 1 Pet 3:12; 4:19
When one holds to faith (Christ and the Word of God) by conviction, testimony and practice, in any arena of life, suffering may be delayed but is inevitable. This is because the whole habitation of the world lies under the rule of the evil one 1 Jn 5:19. Suffering is a testament, a token to the believer who holds to faith through obedience to God and His Word, that he is aligned to God. This is what the church in Smyrna was commended for. A rejection of suffering for Christ’s sake is a rejection of Christ. It is a rejection of the glory that is prepared for those who love Christ. It is a misunderstanding of the essence of faith and the Gospel.
Those who receive the crown of life are those who suffer following the steps of Christ Jesus.