The Persecuted Church

      The second church addressed in Revelation chapter two is the one found in Smyrna. Like the others, this church was located in Asia Minor as well; what we now know as modern-day Turkey. This was a group of believers who were already facing hardship and were about to face increased persecution.

     And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things sayeth the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:8-11 KJV).

     These words came from the one who lives, but was dead, the one who is alive forevermore and holds the keys of hell and death (Rev 1:18). Jesus tells us to fear not. He warns us that persecution will come to those who follow Him (John 15:18-21). In fact, He assures us that persecution is a blessing, and tells us to rejoice when it happens (Matt 5:10-12).

     And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28 KJV). As we read above, Jesus has conquered death and the grave, and as a result, eternal life awaits those who overcome. Therefore, we should not let fear keep us from following Jesus. This life is temporary, and the hardships we face are only a moment in eternity. Those who are ashamed of Jesus will find that He is ashamed of them as well (Mark 8:38). However, we read the opposite of those who overcome,

     And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:11 KJV). 

     Multitudes of Christians have suffered persecution down through the ages, all around the world. Wherever the Church has suffered, it has also thrived in this way. This is the secret, to love not our lives unto death. We are told of a coming time of tribulation that will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. We must cast off fear, and rise in boldness, remembering the words of our Lord concerning persecution. He has warned us of it, and told us not to fear what man can do to us. We are to expect it, count ourselves blessed, and rejoice that we can suffer for His sake. 

     And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matt 10:22 KJV).

     He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7KJV).