To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: “‘The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this: 9 “I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death.”
Smyrna was a rich commercial center 30 miles north of Ephesus. It was devoted to the imperial cult of Rome which honored the emperor, and had a temple to the goddess Roma. Christians were being persecuted by the Roman authorities and members of the congregation at Smyrna were constantly in danger of being arrested and killed. John gave the message from Christ, the first and the last who was crucified and raised to new life, to the Christians at Smyrna. The suffering and resurrected Christ is a model for them during their persecution (Rom. 8:11).
The Christians at Smyrna might have been poor immigrants from Galilee or Judea who fled the Jewish war (AD 66-74). The conflict between Roman legions and the Jews was the culmination of the Jewish resistance to Roman oppression. Christ knows about their persecution and poverty but they are rich in Christ. The Jews and Christians were hostile to each other probably because of the Christian teaching. John tells them that the devil, the slanderer, and deceiver, is behind the Jews’ accusing the Christians at Smyrna before the Roman authorities (Acts 17:1-9). The Christians are to expect strong persecution over a short time and will be arrested, jailed, and tried and Some will be martyred. Those who are faithful unto death will receive the crown of life. They will not suffer eternal punishment or death of the soul/spirit (Mt. 10:28).
Almighty God, help us to be devoted to you and steadfast in our service to your Church, the Body of Christ. Grant that through her we may receive knowledge of divine things and be filled with the joy and peace of your heavenly grace. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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