The poor, rich church
As Christ walked in the midst of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, His fiery eyes beheld the assembly at Smyrna. Among the seven churches described in these two chapters, this gathering of God’s people was clearly outstanding. Along with the church at Philadelphia, Smyrna is noteworthy in that it had no serious issues identified for which the Lord has words of admonition.
Smyrna’s name comes from the same root as “myrrh,” a costly perfume that was often used in the burial process. It is related to a word that is frequently translated as “ointment” in the Gospels, as in Matthew 26:12 where we read of our Lord in the house of Simon the Leper. Matthew tells us of a woman who entered this home and anointed the Lord with such ointment. As its fragrance filled the home, Christ drew the connection between this precious ointment and His future sufferings and death. How fittingly Smyrna is named, as the believers there would clearly be identified with suffering even to the point of death for Christ’s sake.
Interestingly, Ironside adds that in order for the natural fragrance of myrrh to be released it was necessary to be crushed. The fellowship at Smyrna were well acquainted with the weight of suffering; difficult days lay ahead. But through these trials the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ was being manifest in this local testimony. Amidst much adversity and the filthy atmosphere of a typical seaport city in the middle of the Roman Empire, the believers at Smyrna were the “fragrance of Christ to God.”
The First and the Last
Christ begins His words to the Smyrna believers with a description of Himself: “The first and the last, who was dead and has come to life.” In chapter 1, when John was confronted with the glorious vision of Christ, he appropriately fell to the ground, overcome with fear. And as Christ rested His reassuring hand on John, He comforted him with very similar words: “Fear not; I am the first and the last” (v. 17). This description of Himself to the saints at Smyrna was intended to provide comfort and instill confidence. Christ, “the First”—the source of all creation: “For by Him were all things created” (Col. 1:16). Christ, “the Last,” who by His spoken word will bring about its conflagration: “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 3:7). He encompasses time from “beginning to end” (Rev. 22:13). And if Christ can say, “I am the first and the last,” then His all-powerful hand must reign over all the events in between. Even in times of persecution the Lord Jesus was sovereign. Christ then links this title to the glorious truth of His resurrection: “who was dead and has now come to life.” These are not words in memory of a martyred religious leader; these are the words of the living Lord of the Church. In His death Christ rendered powerless the one who had the power of death, that is Satan (Heb. 2:14). In His resurrection, God the Father declared Him to be the Son of God with power (Rom. 1:4). He is the glorious conqueror over the grave who will reign until all enemies are placed under His authority (Ps. 110:1). And ultimately this Victor will abolish death itself (1 Cor. 15:26). His own resurrection was a foretaste of that final victory.
The Persecution of Smyrna
How appropriate that Christ should introduce Himself in this manner to the believers at Smyrna in light of their present suffering and in preparation for their future persecution. Christ spoke knowingly of what they had already endured, and thus brought reassurance to their hearts. Their Lord was intimately acquainted with their sufferings. Their difficulties had not escaped the eye of the omniscient Master.
Bearing up under the weight of much persecution and opposition, these believers had prospered. By any earthly measure they may have been viewed as paupers. But by Christ’s estimation they were spiritually rich. But what could bring significance to these trials? The knowledge that the one whose name is first and last was in complete control of all the events of their lives and, ultimately, He would have the last word.
If the tribulation they had already endured wasn’t enough, Christ speaks of future times of testing—even to the point of imprisonment and death. Christ reassured them to fear not, which hearkens back to Hebrews 13:5, NASB: “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” The Smyrna believers could likewise respond, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6, NKJV).
Christ’s words, “Be thou faithful unto death” (v. 10) would seem to imply that some of these believers would even lose their lives in serving Christ. But what fear could death hold? The very One who rose triumphantly from the grave—the One for whom it was impossible that He be held in death’s power—this is the One who said, “Fear none of these things”! And like the results of His words to the troubled disciples battered by the waves on the Sea of Galilee in Mark 6, these words of death’s Conqueror would bring a supernatural peace. Physical death was not the end but the beginning of the crowning life for the faithful servant.
Ultimately, the saints in Smyrna had the peerless example of the life of their Lord. His public ministry was marked by opposition. His life was characterized by constant sacrifice, putting the needs of others before His own. On numerous occasions men sought to end His life. His suffering eventually led Him to Calvary where He died via Roman crucifixion at the hands of cruel men. The believers at Smyrna could well take up the exhortation of the Hebrew writer to “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3, NASB). But Christ is not only the ultimate human example of suffering; He is the ultimate overcomer. He overcame hell, death, sin, and the grave, and sits exalted at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
The Tribulations of Today
How do we endure life’s trials and tribulations, particularly those suffered for the sake of righteousness? The Lord, in His address to the saints at Smyrna, provides us with the wisdom to bring eternal significance to earthly difficulties. As we come to appreciate that time itself, and all of the intervening events of human history, have been set in motion by Christ and will be concluded at His word, the little suffering we may endure along this pilgrim journey takes on eternal perspective. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). Our Saviour has allowed such trials, and ultimately His plans are being worked out in our lives.
This world is not our home; we’re simply passing through. When this earthly life is over, the One who has conquered death will welcome us to our true home. And the long-forgotten difficulties that refined and proved our character will be rewarded by the Crown of Life. Today, around the world, myriads of local gatherings of God’s children meet in Christ’s name, remember His Son, edify the saints, and further His kingdom. The work of New Testament life is fraught with challenges and is often uphill. What comfort to our hearts that He knows all our sorrows. No tears of His children fall to the ground uncounted; no reproaches endured for Christ are forgotten; no sufferings for righteousness’ sake are overlooked; and the martyr’s death is precious in the sight of the Lord.
Along this pilgrim way what a privilege it is to be identified with Him in “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). And when this life is over, what a joy to hear the Righteous Judge say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and to receive His reward. “Behold, I come quickly and My reward is with Me.” How this life’s difficulties will pale when we see His lovely face and dwell at last in His presence.
Written by Sam Ooman