On the isle of Patmos, where he was exiled, John the apostle received a revelation from the Lord. He was directed to write down the revelation, in one writing sent to seven recipients (1:1-4). The second of the seven recipients was the church in the city of Smyrna, whose letter we will consider.
Introduction
First, notice some things about the letters to the seven churches of Asia.
There is a general pattern found in the writing of all the letters, divided into seven parts.
- A Greeting
- A Description
- A Commendation (except for the church at Laodicea)
- A Condemnation (except for the churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia)
- A Warning
- A Charge
- A Promise
The order of the charge and the promise begin with the charge first – in the first three letters – then in the last four the promise is placed first. The order of the letters themselves are in a sort of circular geographical order. Ephesus is the town nearest Patmos, then travel geographically north to Smyrna and Pergamos. Afterward move southeast to Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The symmetrical order of the letters is this:
Ephesus – a church standing on the verge of judgment, candlestick removed.
Smyrna – a poor suffering church not placed under condemnation.
Pergamos
Thyatira
Sardis
Philadelphia – a weak church with an open door.
Laodicea – a church standing on the verge of judgment, spewed out.
If you do not read the text of the letters to the seven churches in the King James Bible (and if you cannot read Greek) you will miss the subtle interplay between the second person singular (thy, thou, thee) and second person plural (you, ye).
Among other things, each letter is a lesson to all churches, then and now. They contain an admonition for churches to see themselves as God sees them.
Written to the church in Smyrna.
Sent from the Lord in heaven.
The first and last (1:5, 11, 17).
Was dead and is alive. (1:5, 18).
II. Smyrna is thoroughly known by the Lord, v. 9.
Thy works. Psalm 139:2; Matthew 7:22-23.
Thy tribulation. Romans 5:3.
Thy poverty. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
The opposition. Cf. Revelation 3:9; Romans 2:28-29.
III. Smyrna is securely sustained by the Lord, v. 10.
Fear not. Isaiah 35:4; 41:10.
Suffering. Phil 3:10; Romans 8:18.
Prison. (John Baptist, John, Peter, Paul, Silas)
Tribulation. John 16:33; Heb. 11:36-37.
Death. 2 Corinthians 2:10.
Be faithful. Heb 13:5-6; 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Receive a crown of life. (5 crowns)
IV. Smyrna is not the only church of the Lord, v 11.
(Cf. also Revelation 1:4, 11-13, 20; 2:1-3:22)
He that hath an ear. (spiritual capacity) Matt. 13:16. My sheep hear my voice, John
Let him hear. (individual responsibility) Rom. 14:12.
What to the Spirit saith. (divine revelation) 1 Cor. 2:10.
Unto the churches. (corporate responsibility) 1 Pet. 4:17.
He that overcometh. John 16:33.
Conclusion:
- The churches are local & visible, the gathered people of God in a certain place.
- The churches are independent but interconnected.
- Tribulation in the world is part of the lot of the Christian, 2 Timothy 4:12.
- In Christ we are more than conquerors, Romans 8:37-29.
Now is the accepted time (2 Cor. 6:2), exhort one another daily, while it is called To day (Heb. 3:13).
