Lesson 6: The Letter to the Church at Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Jesus’ description of Himself – He is the “first and the last, who died and came to life.” Jesus is someone who understands all that we go through in this life. He suffered, He died, but He also rose from the dead.

Conditions – This church was located in a city that had been destroyed by a large earthquake but had been rebuilt into a beautiful city. This church was about to undergo a period of great persecution. Jesus told them not to be afraid of what they would suffer; He described some of the ways they would be suffering just so they would know that He knew it ahead of time.

Commendation – Jesus commended them that while these believers thought they were poor and suffering they were still faithful to Him.

Concern – An interesting thing to note in this letter is that there is no concern from Jesus for them. Does this mean that this church had no sin, that the people were perfect? Of course not. It simply means that Jesus did not pile guilt on top of suffering for them. He knew the suffering would bring them closer to Himself.


Command – the command from Jesus is that they are not to fear what will happen. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 we read that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

Counsel – The advice Jesus gave to this church was that they should be faithful unto death and He would give them eternal life.

The church in history, from after the time the apostles had died until about 313 A.D., was a time of great persecution for Christians. All of us have read stories of Christians being killed in sports arenas as lions were sent in to kill them as thousands of people watched.

The church today sees greater persecution in many countries than ever before in history. Jesus’ command to us too is that we must not fear. He will still give us eternal life in Himself.