What Was the Church in Smyrna Known For?

Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) was one of the most beautiful cities in Asia Minor during the first century. It had gorgeous landscapes, ports, and harbors - the kind of place you'd want to visit on vacation. But for Christians living there, life was anything but a vacation.

The church in Smyrna was known for one primary thing: suffering. In fact, the name "Smyrna" in Greek is the same word for "myrrh" - a substance used to anoint dead bodies. Imagine living in a city named after embalming fluid!

Interestingly, Smyrna is one of only two churches in Revelation that doesn't receive any rebuke from Jesus. Despite their hardships, they were living faithfully.

Why Were Christians in Smyrna Persecuted?

The primary religion in Smyrna was Roman Emperor worship. Citizens were required to offer yearly sacrifices to the emperor, and it was a capital offense not to do so. Christians refused to worship anyone but God, making them targets for persecution.

When Rome conquered territories, people could typically continue worshiping their own gods but were expected to adopt Roman ones too. Christians committed to worshiping only one God were seen as defiant and rebellious. They were blamed for society's problems and treated as less than human.

Jesus mentions in His letter that the church also faced persecution from "those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." These religious leaders were likely informing on Christians to Roman authorities to protect themselves.

Does Following Jesus Mean We Will Suffer?

This is where we need to pause and consider a difficult truth: the church of Jesus Christ grows in persecution. Followers of Jesus are actually strengthened in opposition.

Scripture makes this clear:

"In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33)

"We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22)

"Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial" (James 1:12)

As believers, we need to normalize suffering and hardships. Instead of asking "what's wrong?" when persecution happens, we should ask "where's God working in this?"

What Makes a Church Different Today?

The Journey Church, like many faithful congregations, stands for biblical principles that sometimes bring criticism:

• Faith and deeds informed by Jesus, not politics
• Care and compassion for others regardless of label, status, or situation
• Intentional pursuit of diversity that reflects heaven
• Comfort in uncomfortable situations
• Prioritizing people over opinions, preferences, and offenses
• Biblical conflict resolution
• Recognizing everyone is on a unique spiritual journey
• Love and unity as our greatest witness
• Embracing both clear teachings and mysteries of faith
• Understanding that Jesus often works through people

When we stand for these truths, we can expect some level of opposition - sometimes even from other religious people.

How Should Christians Respond to Suffering?

From Jesus' letter to Smyrna, we can learn three important principles about suffering:

1. Jesus Sees and Knows Our Suffering

"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!" Jesus tells them. He doesn't just see their suffering from a distance; He intimately knows it. He understands the reality of suffering, injustice, and pain because He experienced it Himself.

When we face hardship, we might wonder if we're doing something wrong or if God has abandoned us. But Jesus assures us that He knows our hearts and the hearts of those who oppose us. Sometimes it's not you - it's them.

2. The Best (Suffering) Is Yet to Come

Jesus doesn't tell the church their suffering is about to end. Instead, He says, "Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer." He warns them of coming imprisonment and testing.

This is a prophetic word for us today: when we believe the best is yet to come, we must also recognize that the best suffering is yet to come. Greater levels mean greater devils. But Jesus says, "Don't be afraid."

We prepare for future suffering by getting closer to Jesus now, when we're not suffering. Building spiritual disciplines during peaceful times creates muscles that will sustain us when hardship comes.

3. Faithfulness in Suffering Is the Victory

"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." When we remain faithful to Jesus in our suffering, we will be rewarded. It will not be for nothing.

Persecution demands a choice: Will we stand with Jesus or deny Him to avoid suffering? Jesus promises, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Remarkably, of the seven churches in Revelation, only two remain today - Ephesus and Smyrna (now called Izmir). Despite all the persecution, the church in Smyrna stood the test of time. There is still a Christian presence there 2,000 years later.

Life Application

As we face our own trials and suffering, remember these three truths:

Our acts of love will sometimes be rejected. Anticipate this and remember that our God is bigger than any obstacle we face. When people come against you, they're not just coming against you - they're coming against your God. And you're on the winning side.

We're in this together. One of the greatest ways to win a fight is to not fight alone. This is why small groups and church community are so important - to have people by your side who will encourage you when you're discouraged and hopeless.

Remain faithful to the way of Jesus, not your own way. One day, we will stand together in heaven and hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Questions to Consider:

1. On a scale of 1-10, what's your current suffering level? Have you been looking for Jesus in the midst of it?
2. Which of the church principles mentioned do you find most challenging to live out? Why?
3. How have you prepared spiritually for future trials? What disciplines need strengthening?
4. Is there someone in your life who is suffering and needs you to come alongside them?

Remember: I'd rather suffer with Jesus than have a life free of suffering without Jesus. The truth is that suffering comes either way - why not have the Savior of the world in your corner?

Pastor Tim