To the Church in Smyrna

THE CHURCH

• "The Poor Rich Church" - no jobs, money - destitute
• Jesus says nothing bad about them
• No hypocrisy in church
• Real (existed), symbolic (persecuted church).

THE CITY

• Beautiful
• "The Crown of Asia"
• Still exists (faithful - honored by Christ)
• Loyal to Rome, patriotic
• Many temples, many gods, Caesar worship
• Believers very committed to Christ - persecuted
• "The Port of Fragrance"

THE AUTHOR

• Christ
• Picture of him ministering to his church
• Statement of deity (v.8)
• Statement of humanity (v.8)
• Encouraging sympathy

THE CHURCH

• Polycarp possible pastor
• Possible offshoot of Ephesus church

THE NAME

• Smyrna = "Myrrh" , same Greek word translated for both
• Thorny substance
• Perfume, religious ointment
• Present at Christ's birth, death and burial
• Typically refers to suffering - fitting for church there

JESUS UNDERSTANDING

• Christ knows church struggles by experience
• Christ sympathetic in every way

PERSECUTION

• Midst of pagan worship
• Midst of jews who rejected Jesus
• Polycarp burned alive

CONCLUSION

• Be faithful despite persecution
• Lean on eternal promises, rewards