Signs of the Second Coming: The Seven Churches Part 2 Smyrna, Pergamos and Thyatira

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Understanding the Second Coming: The Seven Churches, Part 2

Smyrna, Pergamos and Thyatira

Smyrna

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things

saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know

thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I

know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are

the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:

behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and

ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give

you a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches, He that overcomes will not be hurt of the second death”

(Revelation 2:8-11).

Smyrna represents the church from about A.D. 100 to 313. This was a

period of severe persecution for the people of God. Therefore, Smyrna has

been called the “persecuted church.” The word Smyrna means “sweet smelling.”

It is one of the two churches among the seven for which Jesus has no

words of reproof or correction. Christ was well-pleased with the faithfulness

of His people during this trying period.

Tribulation for Ten Days

It is not God’s will that His people suffer, but He is greatly honored if

they remain faithful during trial. Jesus warned that the church of

Smyrna would suffer imprisonment and even death. But He promised them a

crown of eternal life if they would maintain their loyalty to Him.

There would be one period of tribulation that would be especially severe and would last for ten days, or ten years, given a day for a year as is the

rule in prophecy (see Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6). From A.D. 303 to

313 we find the fulfillment of this ten-year period of severe persecution. In 303

Diocletian and his assistant, Galerius, passed what has been called the “Edict of

Persecution.”

For ten years the edict was enforced. Many Christians suffered imprisonment

and death.

Poor Yet Rich

During this time the church was made up largely of those who were poor in

this world’s estimation. But Jesus reminds the church of Smyrna that they are

rich spiritually. Solomon struck a high note of wisdom when he said, “There is

that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet

hath great riches” (Proverbs 13:7). The apostle Paul speaks of being “poor, yet

making many rich; as having nothing and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians

6:10).

Those who are rich in this earth’s goods are often self-confident to such an

extent that they feel no need of a Savior. On the other hand, poverty instills in the

human heart a great sense of need. The riches of this world will fade away and be

worth nothing someday. But there is another kind of wealth that is eternal:

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this

world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them

that love Him?” (James 2:5).

It is the faith by which we receive eternal life that constitutes the true riches

that will endure forever.

The Second Death

Jesus promises His people that they will not be hurt of the second death.

According to Revelation 20:6,

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