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87. What the Bible Says About the 7 Churches (pt3) - Smyrna
What The Bible Says.
Fortnightly bible study.
Episode 87 - 10/10/25
Led by Akin George
Tonight, we continue with our study of the seven churches of Revelation - The church of Smyrna.
1) Christ the First and the Last—Lord of Life and Death
Jesus identifies Himself as “the First and the Last, who was dead and has come to life” (Rev 2:8). He alone is eternal, sovereign over history, and victorious over death (Isa 44:6; Rev 1:17-18). His words remind believers that every beginning and ending—our birth, suffering, and even death—are in His hands. Those who trust the risen Lord have nothing finally to fear (John 11:25-26).
2) Christ Knows Our Tribulation and Poverty
The Lord’s words, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)” (Rev 2:9), reveal His intimate awareness of His people’s suffering. Smyrna’s believers were poor because faithfulness to Christ cost them their livelihoods and status. Yet heaven counted them rich, for true wealth is measured in spiritual faithfulness, not possessions (Luke 12:15; James 2:5). God sees every unseen act of endurance and service.
3) Faithfulness in Persecution Is True Riches
Smyrna’s Christians were despised and slandered, yet Christ called them rich. The poor widow who gave her two coins (Mark 12:43-44) and the joyful sufferers in Hebrews 10:34 show that earthly loss often proves spiritual gain. When believers lose comfort, position, or freedom for Christ, they display the surpassing worth of knowing Him (Phil 3:8-10).
4) The Source of Persecution Is Spiritual
Jesus names their persecutors “a synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2:9). Though hostility came through people, its true origin was the devil (Eph 6:12). Christians must discern that opposition to truth is ultimately spiritual, resisting darkness with prayer, love, and the armour of God (Eph 6:13-18). Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of deception that oppose Christ.
5) Do Not Fear: Testing Refines Faith
The Lord forewarns, “The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested… be faithful unto death” (Rev 2:10). Testing is not to destroy but to purify faith (1 Pet 1:6-7; Jas 1:2-4). Fear is the enemy’s weapon, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Christ prepares His church beforehand so that when trials come, we may stand firm, knowing our suffering is brief compared to eternal glory (2 Cor 4:17-18).
6) Be Faithful unto Death—Christ Rewards Endurance
Smyrna’s believers were promised “the crown of life.” Crowns in Scripture symbolise victory and eternal reward (2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12). Faithfulness is not mere endurance but trustful obedience sustained by the Spirit. Like Polycarp, who said, “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong,” believers are called to steadfast loyalty even when it costs everything.
7) Overcoming Leads to Eternal Life
“He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” (Rev 2:11). The first death ends earthly life; the second death is eternal separation from God (Rev 20:14-15). Those born again through faith in Christ die only once, but those who reject Him die twice. Overcoming means remaining in Christ to the end, conquering fear, compromise, and self through His strength (Rom 8:37; 1 John 5:4-5). The promise of resurrection life gives courage to persevere.
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By WTBS - What The Bible SaysWhat The Bible Says.
Fortnightly bible study.
Episode 87 - 10/10/25
Led by Akin George
Tonight, we continue with our study of the seven churches of Revelation - The church of Smyrna.
1) Christ the First and the Last—Lord of Life and Death
Jesus identifies Himself as “the First and the Last, who was dead and has come to life” (Rev 2:8). He alone is eternal, sovereign over history, and victorious over death (Isa 44:6; Rev 1:17-18). His words remind believers that every beginning and ending—our birth, suffering, and even death—are in His hands. Those who trust the risen Lord have nothing finally to fear (John 11:25-26).
2) Christ Knows Our Tribulation and Poverty
The Lord’s words, “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)” (Rev 2:9), reveal His intimate awareness of His people’s suffering. Smyrna’s believers were poor because faithfulness to Christ cost them their livelihoods and status. Yet heaven counted them rich, for true wealth is measured in spiritual faithfulness, not possessions (Luke 12:15; James 2:5). God sees every unseen act of endurance and service.
3) Faithfulness in Persecution Is True Riches
Smyrna’s Christians were despised and slandered, yet Christ called them rich. The poor widow who gave her two coins (Mark 12:43-44) and the joyful sufferers in Hebrews 10:34 show that earthly loss often proves spiritual gain. When believers lose comfort, position, or freedom for Christ, they display the surpassing worth of knowing Him (Phil 3:8-10).
4) The Source of Persecution Is Spiritual
Jesus names their persecutors “a synagogue of Satan” (Rev 2:9). Though hostility came through people, its true origin was the devil (Eph 6:12). Christians must discern that opposition to truth is ultimately spiritual, resisting darkness with prayer, love, and the armour of God (Eph 6:13-18). Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of deception that oppose Christ.
5) Do Not Fear: Testing Refines Faith
The Lord forewarns, “The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested… be faithful unto death” (Rev 2:10). Testing is not to destroy but to purify faith (1 Pet 1:6-7; Jas 1:2-4). Fear is the enemy’s weapon, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Christ prepares His church beforehand so that when trials come, we may stand firm, knowing our suffering is brief compared to eternal glory (2 Cor 4:17-18).
6) Be Faithful unto Death—Christ Rewards Endurance
Smyrna’s believers were promised “the crown of life.” Crowns in Scripture symbolise victory and eternal reward (2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12). Faithfulness is not mere endurance but trustful obedience sustained by the Spirit. Like Polycarp, who said, “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong,” believers are called to steadfast loyalty even when it costs everything.
7) Overcoming Leads to Eternal Life
“He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” (Rev 2:11). The first death ends earthly life; the second death is eternal separation from God (Rev 20:14-15). Those born again through faith in Christ die only once, but those who reject Him die twice. Overcoming means remaining in Christ to the end, conquering fear, compromise, and self through His strength (Rom 8:37; 1 John 5:4-5). The promise of resurrection life gives courage to persevere.