Today we continue our series on the book of Revelation, moving to the message to the church at Smyrna.
As a quick refresher, we are examining the messages to the churches on multiple levels—Sunday School, inductively, and through the historical-critical lens. It’s important to remember that Revelation was not written in a vacuum. John uses symbols to communicate hope to contemporary readers, lifting the curtain on the spiritual battle being fought, while also warning many. There is a reason for the language he chooses, and that is what we will be digging into.
Smyrna: Historical Context
Smyrna was an important city in ancient Anatolia, located on the western coast of what is now modern-day İzmir, Turkey. Its prime location on the Aegean Sea made it a hub for trade and commerce. The city is believed to have existed as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE but flourished under Greek influence from around the 7th century BCE onward.
Smyrna was a bustling port city, with an economy heavily based on maritime trade. Exports included olive oil, wine, ceramics, and textiles; imports included metals, luxury items, and grain. The surrounding countryside supported agriculture, with olives, grapes, and figs as key products. The city also became known for crafts and small-scale manufacturing, particularly pottery and textiles.
Life in Smyrna centered around commerce, religious practices, and civic events. Social gatherings included marketplaces (agoras), public performances, and festivals. The city had a reputation for cultural sophistication, producing notable poets and thinkers in the Greek period.
Part of Smyrna’s church-historical importance is that its bishop, Polycarp—one of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, a disciple of the apostles’ disciples—was martyred there in AD 153, though this occurred long after Revelation was written.
In 195 BC, Smyrna built a temple to Roma, the goddess of Rome. The Roman Senate further rewarded its loyalty by allowing the construction of a temple in honor of Emperor Tiberius. The city was wealthy and commercially prosperous, yet local Christians did not benefit from this prosperity.
The reasons for their literal poverty are unclear. One possibility is that the church drew primarily from the lower economic classes. Another is economic discrimination against Christians, which was common, because refusal to worship pagan gods—Rome and many other city-states were polytheistic—was often treated as atheism and intolerable.
The Message to Smyrna
The message to the church of Smyrna is one of only two that does not contain criticism. It is entirely praise, warning, and encouragement.
Revelation 2:8–11
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful 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 conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’”
Christ’s Titles: Encouragement in Suffering
Jesus begins by identifying Himself as “the first and the last, who died and came to life.” These titles highlight two important aspects of Christ:
- Eternality – “The first and the last” affirms His timeless authority.
- Victory over death – “Who died and came to life” offers hope to those enduring suffering.
This is meant to reassure the Smyrna church: Christ has endured suffering and conquered death; He is with them in their trials.
Persecution and Slander
Historical records confirm severe persecution of the church in Smyrna, particularly from the local Jewish community. Some members reportedly aided in gathering wood for Polycarp’s martyrdom and even celebrated his death.
This is why John describes these opponents as a “synagogue of Satan.” They claimed to be servants of God but acted contrary to His will.
It’s important to note: John is not condemning all Jews, nor Judaism as a whole. He is specifically addressing those in Smyrna (and later, Philadelphia) who were actively hostile toward Christians.
The Roman Empire often grouped Judaism and Christianity together legally, granting protections to both. When local Jewish leaders denounced Christians as non-Jews, these protections were removed. Christians, refusing to participate in the Imperial cult, became vulnerable to additional persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
Tribulation and Faithfulness
John warns the Smyrna church that their suffering is imminent but temporary. The “ten days” of tribulation is likely symbolic of a short, indeterminate period. Some may face death, but those who remain faithful will receive the crown of life and will not experience the second death—exclusion from participation in God’s final kingdom.
This encouragement balances warning and hope, assuring the church that faithfulness in the present leads to eternal reward.
Historical-Literary Note
Unlike other churches in Revelation, Smyrna’s message contains no symbolic references to the Roman Empire. Understanding the historical context clarifies the passage. As we move through the remaining churches—next is Pergamum—we will see John employ more direct imagery referencing contemporary political realities.
Rooted & Reckoned 
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