NOTES ON THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION – PART II: SMYRNA

INTRODUCTION: Christ and the Seven Churches

PART I: Ephesus – The Loveless Church

PART II: SMYRNA – THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

PART III: Pergamos – The Compromising Church

PART IV: Thyatira – The Corrupt Church

PART V: Sardis – The Dead Church

PART VI: Philadelphia – The Faithful Church

PART VII: Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church

EPILOGUE: America’s Two Churches

SCRIPTURE. “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’” – REVELATION 2:8-11, NKJV

Selah.

QUOTATIONS

“When Christ calls a man, He bids him, ‘Come and die.’ It may be a death like that of the first disciples who had to leave home and work to follow Him, or it may be a death like Luther’s, who had to leave the monastery and go out into the world. But it is the same death every time—Death in Jesus Christ, the death of the old man at His Call.” – DIETRICH BONHOEFFER, ‘The Cost of Discipleship,’ 1937; edited

“First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” – FRIEDRICH GUSTAV EMIL MARTIN NIEMÖLLER, “First They Came,” 1946; edited

“It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the Communists’] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.” – RICHARD WURMBRAND, ‘Tortured for Christ,’ 1967; edited

Selah.

1. FIRST THOUGHTS

If there were ever a primary universal fear, it is clearly the Fear of Death. Or, perhaps, the manner of it. But overwhelmingly, with a few ideologies as exceptions, this General Maxim proclaims:

All living beings want to live! And rightly so, beloved. Rightly so.

Most of us are familiar, as example, with the common Hebrew phrase upon celebration of some important matter: ‘L’chaim!’ RABBI MENACHEM POSNER, refers to a rather fascinating Origin of this ancient saying found in the ‘Midrash,’ the leading Text of Interpretation (or Commentary) on the contents of the ‘Talmud,’ or Ceremonial Law.

NOTE. Both of these are two steps removed from the Original Text of the Jewish Bible, or ‘Tanakh.’ No small point from which we can learn, since the “Traditions of Men” too easily replace the Traditions of HaShem in Jewish life and thought. Selah.

“After the Judges of the Jewish Court would deliberate on capital cases, they would turn one last time to those whom they sent to question the witnesses and ask for their opinion: ‘Savri meranan,’ ‘Attention, gentleman …” If they opined that the plaintiff should live, they would reply, ‘L’chaim,’ ‘To life!’ If, however, it was death, they would reply, ‘L’mitah,’ ‘To death!’ If the Judges found the defendant guilty, he would be given very strong wine in order to diminish the pain of the execution. And so, when we drink our wine, we wish that it be ‘To life!’ unlike the strong wine drunk by the person about to be executed.” – “What is a ‘L’chaim’?” ‘Chabad,’ November 2016; edited

There are of course many theological and philosophical reasons why this ‘Drive Toward Life’ is so powerful. The will to live, or ‘Wille zum Leben’ is a concept developed by the German philosopher, ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER, ‘Will’ being what he conceived as an irrational ‘blind incessant impulse without knowledge’ that drives instinctive behaviors, causing an endless insatiable striving in human existence, which Nature could not exist without.”

THE SCRIPTURES. The Biblical Text, of course, offers the only true rendering of the Origins of this ‘Life-Motive’ in all human beings. As always, let’s trace this Life Force, to its proper Origin as well.

“This is the history of [the origin of] the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day [that is, days of creation] that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens—no shrub or plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprouted, for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground, but a mist (fog, dew, vapor) used to rise from the land and water the entire surface of the ground—then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the BREATH OF LIFE; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit].” – GENESIS 2:4-7, AMP; emphasis my own

Once again, we see that the first use of the term ‘Life’ in proto-Hebrew was indeed, ‘Chay’ [חַי], translated at its very beginning as: “From a root word that literally means, ‘To live, to exist, to enjoy life and live prosperously;’ to quicken the body, mind and spirit to a unified whole; associated with good health and wellbeing; to be revived.”

Therefore is ‘Death’ considered to be The Enemy of the Divine Life Force in virtually all cultures of the earth. But it is more complex than that, as we shall see by the end of our Teaching on Smyrna – The Persecuted, or ‘Martyred’ Church.

1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

I found a superb Summary of the history and cultural profile of Smyrna that I think you can appreciate. It is by P.J. WENTZEL, a self-described “follower of Christ, a writer, a teacher, a professional politico, an aspiring theologian, a Baptist Deacon, a seminary student, a Star Wars junkie,” and businessman.

HE WRITES THIS about Smyrna and its Church; quoted at considerable length for its well written and powerful establishment of rich Context.

“The Church in Smyrna was likely founded during Paul’s third missionary journey. Smyrna was one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. A rival to Ephesus, they considered themselves the ‘First City of Asia’ and were happily situated on the Aegean Sea. [WILLIAM] HENDRICKSEN describes the scene:

A gloriously picturesque city, is sloped up from the sea, and its splendid public building on the rounded top of the hill, Pagos, formed what was known as ‘the Crown of Smyrna’. The westerly breeze, the zephyr, comes from the sea and blows through every part of the city rendering it fresh and cool even during the summer.

Apparently, the people of Smyrna had always been loyal to Rome – so much so that their faithfulness became proverbial throughout the Roman Empire. And it is the only of the seven cities of ancient Asia written to here in Revelation that still remain today (now called Izmir).

There was a substantial colony of Jews who must have been living in Smyrna at this time, and we know from history that they were very hostile – along with other Gentiles – to the Christian message. This was the city where it is believed POLYCARP was Bishop. Polycarp was a disciple of John, and a famous Martyr. John Foxe wrote of him as follows:

‘After a respite, the Christians again came under persecution, this time from Marcus Aurelius, in AD 161. One of those who suffered this time was Polycarp, the venerable bishop of Smyrna …

Hearing his captors had arrived one evening, Polycarp left his bed to welcome them, ordered a meal prepared for them, and then asked for an hour alone to pray. The soldiers were so impressed by Polycarp’s advanced age and composure that they began to wonder why they had been sent to take him; but as soon as he had finished his prayer, they put him on a donkey and brought him to the city.

As he entered the stadium with is guards, a voice from heaven was heard to say, “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.” No one nearby saw anyone speaking, but many people heard the voice.

Brought before the tribunal and the crowd, Polycarp refused to deny Christ, although the proconsul begged him: “Consider yourself and have pity on your great age. Reproach Christ and I will release you.”

Polycarp replied, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never once wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” Threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp stood his ground. “What are you waiting for? Do whatever you please.” The crowd demanded Polycarp’s death, gathering wood for the fire and preparing to tie him to the stake.

“Leave me,” he said. “He who will give me strength to sustain the fire will help me not flinch from the pile.” So they bound him but didn’t nail him to the stake. As soon as Polycarp finished his prayer the fire was lit, but it leaped up around him, leaving him unburned, until the people convinced a soldier to plunge a sword into him. When he did, so much blood gushed out that the fire was immediately extinguished. The soldiers then placed his body into a fire and burned it to ashes, which some Christians later gathered up and buried properly.’

Hendriksen, Macarthur (in an extended treatment), and Ladd all mention this Story as well because it offers us Context for understanding the kind of Persecution that the Early Church faced. This is why John’s Letter was so important to them.” – ‘Disciples for Life,’ February 2, 2015; edited

DK’S TAKE. I take such rich personal encouragement from the Example of Polycarp, and pray that I would have even a fraction of his fierce, loving Courage to live – and to die – for His Jesus. Selah.

1. THE TEACHING

SCRIPTURE. “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’” – REVELATION 2:8-11, NKJV

Let us move directly to a discussion of some KEY TERMS that define this magnificent passage from which we are about to learn so very much. Not only about John’s Times, but all the more for these Last Times.

• LIFE. Here is a massive store of Christian Theology that is difficult to fully appreciate, as it describes the Messiah moving from being “Dead” to a supernatural Resurrection to real “Life.” As is the case with all of us who fully follow in His Footsteps. “Life” here is defined by the Greek, ‘Zaó’ [ζάω]: “To live, experience God’s gift of life; lit., to be warm with natural, spiritual and eternal life; a vivifying, quickening into vitality; denotes a particular manner of living or lifestyle, ‘in the Spirit’ and not only in the natural.” DK: And yet Paul wrote: “For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].” Selah.

• POVERTY. Here is the hallmark of so many early Church leaders and the laity ‘Faithful.’ This was the norm, not riches and material wealth! From the Greek, ‘Ptócheia’ [πτωχεία]: “Beggary, destitution; indigence; deep, extreme poverty; want of convenient means of subsistence; arrenness of sentiment or ornament; the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions.” DK: This is in almost violent doctrinal contrast to the American drive toward personal wealth and accumulated resources.

• BLASPHEMY. From the Greek, ‘Blasphémia’ [βλασφημία]: “Slander; abusive, careless or scurrilous language [against the Godhead]; literally, slow (sluggish) to call something good (that really is good) – and slow to identify what is truly bad (that really is evil); specifically, impious and reproachful speech injurious to the Divine Majesty; denotes the very worst kind of slander that a person can commit; the deep wounding of a reputation [or testimony]; speaking evil of that which is holy (or speaking well of that which is wretched); it can be lodged at God or the Holy Spirit, or sustained resistance against Him for which there is no redemption.” DK ON JANUARY 6, 2021: I am convinced that all Unrepentant Christians who either participated in, or who did not fervently speak out against this Abomination, are very likely bound for Hellfire. That is what The Text indicates. Selah.

• SUFFERING. Along with their abject poverty by the world’s standards – men and women with no social or financial station – they are also appointed to what the Greek describes as ‘Paschó’ [πάσχω], or lives characterized by: “Acted upon [or against] in a certain way; to experience ill treatment, suffer (at the hands of others); properly, to feel heavy emotion; being deeply affected, experiencing deep feeling of the mind, emotion, or passion; to experience evil.” DK: None of us wants to suffer, as with some religious systems that make us desire a horrid, painful and bloody death. No. But for Christians who are willing to Trust God with our lives or deaths, we are ‘free to suffer’ for Him with honor and strength. I think of WILLIAM WALLACE about here; read his biography.

• FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. Finally, they are called, though all of this affliction, to ‘Be Faithful’ – the very highest form of courage and honor in absolute conformity to His Will. From the Greek, ‘Pistos’ [πιστός], meaning: “Reliable, trustworthy, believing; sure, true; worthy to be believed [as with a righteous teacher]; observant of and steadfast in the Way of God; giving credit to another [as a mark of humility].” DK: They counted their lives cheap compared to the duty of obedience of the Master, though it cost them all. – cf. Revelation 12:11

COMMENTARY. “‘Be thou faithful unto death’ – Implying, perhaps, that though, in regard to the Church, the affliction would be brief, yet that it might be fatal to some of them, and they who were thus about to die should remain faithful to their Saviour until the hour of death. In relation to all, whether they were to suffer a violent death or not, the same Injunction and the same Promise was applicable. It is true of everyone who is a Christian, in whatever manner he is to die, that if he is faithful unto death, a Crown of Life awaits him. Compare the notes on 2 Timothy 4:8.”  DK: The Highest Call: ‘Martyrdom.’

From all this we derive the Ultimate Question that every true follower of Christ must answer at some point soon. That is the subject of the next section.

1. THE APPLICATION

CALLED TO MARTYRDOM? To get to the center of this Question, I want us to consider the careful work of DR. JOHN BECHTLE, in an article entitled, “Martus: A Call to Martyrdom?” published for ‘The Ezra Project’ on December 26, 2020; edited.

Here are some of his credentials, from his Bio. “Dr. Bechtle majored in New Testament at Talbot Seminary, then completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary.  His doctoral program focused on New Testament Greek, with an emphasis on educational psychology and its application to the learning of ancient languages.  As part of the program, he wrote a self-teaching textbook for beginning Greek, ‘Greek Behind the Prof’s Back.’”

THE REQUIREMENT. Now to the Barebones of what is it to truly, unequivocally be a genuine, spiritually born again Follower of the Jewish Messiah (John 3:16). This is virtually never taught any longer in the American Church. Therefore, do I dare to resurrect it here, for your loving, sober contemplation and prayerful reflection.

“We live in an increasingly pagan world.  America is following Europe in careening toward a Post-Christian Worldview, and the effects are increasingly obvious. ‘Biblical Illiteracy’ is as epidemic as the Coronavirus, and hostile voices are becoming more shrill.  Worldwide, Christians are being martyred for their faith in Christ.

That is the world we face when we read CHRIST’S COMMISSION in Acts 1:8: ‘And you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’ You may be tempted to despair when you consider the global situation. But remember the state of the world when Jesus first spoke these words …

The Greek word for ‘Witness’ is ‘Martus,’ the root of our word ‘Martyr.’  And there were times when it was used to describe people who died for their faith in Christ. So, we may legitimately ask, ‘Is Christ calling His people to be Martyrs?’

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of ‘Martus.’ The common theme in all of its uses is ‘one who attests to the facts, one who confirms the Truth of something.’ The word was originally used in a courtroom setting.  A witness would describe the facts of a case, stating what he knew from personal experience. The law of Moses demanded the testimony of at least two or three witnesses to condemn a person (Deuteronomy 19:18; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 10:28) and the New Testament refers to witnesses in legal proceedings (Matthew 26:65; Acts 6:13; 7:58) or in a church setting (1 Timothy 5:19).

A ‘Martus’ is not normally a martyr. It is ‘a witness’ who is willing to testify about the facts of a case, or to confirm the truth of a statement.  In Acts 1:8, Jesus was not calling his followers to be slaughtered for their testimony. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of persecution and death.

An ‘Uncompromising Witness’ giving testimony for the Truth can get in deep trouble. In the New Testament, ‘Martus’ primarily focused on giving clear testimony.  Martyrdom was a possible result, but it wasn’t until the Second Century Persecutions that the word took on the specialized meaning of ‘one who loses his or her life because of their stand for Christ.’”

DOES GOD WANT ME TO BE A MARTYR?  Probably not. But beloved, as with Abraham and Isaac, He wants to know you will ‘Be willing,’ should He call on you to lay down your life for Him. And that, beloved, is what shall constitute ‘The Final Sifting’ of Wheat from the Chaff, in this Last Hour.

“And already the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire … His winnowing fan (shovel, fork) is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out and clean His threshing floor and gather and store His wheat in His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.” – MATTHEW 3:10, 12, AMPC

Selah.

• LAST THOUGHTS

Now this too shall comprise some fresh thought on my part concerning the entire notion of my preference for ‘The Church Militant,’ as over against the current American preference for ‘The Church Polite’ that frankly I have come to detest for its grossly unbalanced Christology.

THESIS. To this point, by which I shall close out our discussion of the Persecuted Church at Smyrna. All of us are called to be ‘Soldiers of the Cross,’ with unequivocal devotion to the crucified, resurrected Christ. All of us, no exceptions.

However, I read that CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON taught long ago – though I could not find the source – that God allocates to each of His disciples a personally designed ‘measure of suffering.’ Some are fitted to some tribulation; others to the ultimate sacrifice.

This is in line with the distinction made by Dr. Bechtel, and the Canon.

THE SCRIPTURE. “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].” – 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13, AMP

• THE COMMENTARY. “‘There hath no temptation taken you.’—What is meant by a ‘temptation common to man’ (or rather, ‘suited to man’) is explained further on as a temptation which one is ‘able to bear.’ From the warning and exhortation of the previous verse the Apostle passes on to words of encouragement, ‘You need not be hopeless or despairing.’ God permits the temptation by allowing the circumstances which create temptation to arise, but He takes care that No Fate bars the path of retreat. With each temptation he makes a way to Escape from it. And that is so, must be so, because God is faithful.” – CHARLES ELLICOTT, ‘Commentary on the Whole Bible,’ c. 1905; edited

• DK’S TAKE. Do not fear, beloved! He has the afflictions limited to what you can bear, so you shall never be called to a test or temptation larger than His Design for you. But since He asks that all ‘be willing’ to suffer the ultimate sacrifice, we are already being prepared for it, and shall not fail that Test.

My sense is, therefore, while every one of us are called as ‘Soldiers of the Cross,’ a select few, only a few, are designated as full-on ‘Warriors of the Cross’ – a step above the faithful foot soldier. I call these, the “One Percenters,” Generals and Field Marshalls, if you will, always at the ready to risk all for Christ. – cf. C.W. Kelly, ‘The Sixth Seal,’ 2017, p. 94; Revelation 7:14, 19; 13:7; 20:4

I love this Definition from DR. EDWARD TICK, author of ‘War and the Soul: Healing our Nation’s Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder,’ published in 2005.

 “A Warrior is not just one who has been to war and returned. A Warriorhas been recognized as a basic ideal, pattern of thinking and behaving, and social role that has occurred since the beginning of time. Becoming a Warrior is an achievement of Character …

He continues: What are the characteristics of the Warrior? The ideal Warrior is assertive, active and energized. He or she is clear-minded, strategic, and alert. A Warrior uses both body and mind in harmony and cooperation. A warrior is disciplined. A Warrior assesses both his own resources and skills and those arrayed against him. A Warrior is a servant of civilization and its future, guiding, protecting, and passing on information and wisdom. A Warrior is devoted to causes he judges to be more important and greater than himself or any personal relationships or gain. Having confronted death, a warrior knows how precious and fragile life is and does not abuse or profane it.”

SOME NAMES. As I reflect on this passage, I think of such individuals as Stephen, Andrew, Peter, Polycarp again, Wycliffe, Huss, Tyndale, Bonhoeffer, Elliott. And Carey, Judson, Taylor, Livingstone, Müller, Liddell, and countless others. Some of these were killed for their faith, others not.

 But all were ‘Intrepid Warriors’ for Christ, ‘Leaders’ in the truest sense of the term. Tips of the Royal Sword, as it were.

CODA. To close our discussion then, here is what Jesus Promised to such as these, beloved. Note it well, and let us all pray we can rise to THIS STANDARD.

“Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life. He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] will not be hurt by the second death (the lake of fire).”’ – REVELATION 2:10-11, AMP

I like what JEREMY MYERS defines as ‘The Crown of Life’ in practical terms, clarifying some misunderstandings that exist concerning this One of Five Crowns true servants may receive at the Bema Judgment, should they qualify.

“Jesus gives the Crown of Life to those who persevere in Faith through temptation, tribulation, and persecution. Therefore, the Crown of Life is a reward for a life well-lived. It is an honor that Jesus bestows upon those who endure the trials and temptations of this life.” – ‘Redeeming God,’ 2014; edited

BOTTOM LINE CODICIL. “And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].” – REVELATION 12:11, AMPC

This, beloved, is ‘The Right Stuff’ of The Martyrs, fully armed and armored Warriors and Soldiers to the Faith, holding indeed their lives cheap in the midst of an ocean of compromise, convenience and timidity.

I am not yet one of these Warriors, but I aspire to it. I do. For Him. 

Ever your servant, DK

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