SUNDAY LESSON, 6/27/21
THE CHURCH: SMYRNA, THE SUFFERING CHURCH
Revelation 2:8-11
The apostle Paul, from a Roman prison awaiting execution for preaching Jesus as the Christ, reminds Timothy that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
That emphatic statement made by Paul is hard for American churches to grasp. Although we may have experienced some pushback and hateful comments for our faith (some worse than others), I don’t think I would it call it “persecution”. American churches certainly have not experienced what many believers go through in other parts of the world where governments are hostile toward Christianity (i.e. ridicule, confiscation of property, rape, torture, death, etc.).
The church of Smyrna, however, understood all too well the words of Paul to the young preacher. They were experiencing intense pressure from both the Jews and Greeks (Romans), and the glorified Christ tells them that it will get worse. But He urges them to remain faithful even if leads to death, and He will give them “the crown of life”.
REVELATION 2:8-11
8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
