Topical Bible: Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna

◄ Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical Context:
Smyrna, an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Izmir, Turkey, was one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Known for its beauty and strategic port, Smyrna was a significant center of trade and culture in the Roman Empire. The city was also renowned for its loyalty to Rome and its vibrant pagan worship, which often led to tensions with the early Christian community.

Biblical Reference:
The church in Smyrna is specifically mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, received a vision from Jesus Christ, who instructed him to write letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The letter to Smyrna is found in Revelation 2:8-11:

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. I know your afflictions and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death." (Revelation 2:8-11)

Characteristics of the Smyrna Church:
1. Persecution and Suffering: The church in Smyrna was commended for its endurance amidst severe persecution. The believers faced afflictions and poverty, yet they were spiritually rich. The reference to "the synagogue of Satan" indicates opposition from certain Jewish groups who were hostile to the Christian faith.

2. Faithfulness: Despite the trials, the church was encouraged to remain faithful, even to the point of death. The promise of the "crown of life" serves as a reward for their steadfastness and loyalty to Christ.

3. Encouragement and Promise: The message to Smyrna is one of encouragement. Jesus acknowledges their suffering and assures them of His presence and ultimate victory over death. The promise that "the one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death" offers hope of eternal life to those who remain faithful.

Significance in Early Christianity:
The church in Smyrna is often highlighted as a model of faithfulness under persecution. Unlike some of the other churches addressed in Revelation, Smyrna receives no rebuke, only commendation and encouragement. This reflects the purity and dedication of the believers in the face of external pressures and internal challenges.

Legacy:
The legacy of the Smyrna church is one of perseverance and faith. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the eternal rewards promised to those who remain true to their faith in Christ. The example of Smyrna continues to inspire Christians facing persecution around the world today.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 2:8
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century.
... When several congregations with a plurality of preaching elders existed ... a transition
period in the history of the Church. ... then goes on to give a list of others ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the constitution of.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... French Protestants in London and Eastern Christians in Armenia ... and more fervent spirit
in the list of those ... active services were lost to the Church of England ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... the Ritualistic practices of some congregations, speaks of 'the ... notified beforehand
in a printed list issued by ... characteristic of the English Church in general ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... a certain Noetus, who was a native of Smyrna, and lived ... work of the Holy Spirit in
the Church and the need of a stricter moral discipline among Christians. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Introduction
... his missionary responsibility, extended to such congregations as existed ... and Overthrow,
Irenaeus continues the list of Roman ... of the peace of the Church, as his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction 8.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... professed advocates, between nominal and real Christians, and by ... Our congregations,
sabbath schools, missionary collections, a church-building spirit ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... nonsectarian principles which made his ministry blessed, and will render his Works
equally acceptable to all evangelical Christians in every age of the church. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm