Of the seven churches this one in Smyrna was the most afflicted and oppressed. It was poor; it was much reviled by false pretenders; it was sorely persecuted. Satan's attacks seemed to have taken on special fierceness against it, casting some of its members into prison and raising fiery storms against its venerable pastor, Polycarp. The church of Ephesus was in peril from inward weakening and the decay of love, but the church of Smyrna was in peril from its external enemies and the afflictions that were upon it from without. And to this state of sorrow and suffering the Savior chiefly speaks in this Letter. The angel of the church at Smyrna was in a good state. No such great things, indeed, are recorded of him as of that at Ephesus; but still the angel at Ephesus, with all that was spoken in his commendation, had to repent, while the angel at Smyrna, considering that great things are not said of him, is yet not called to repent. It is only said to him, Fear not, be faithful. Nothing even is mentioned about great works, but only about fidelity to Jesus during the physical trials.
Smyrna means "myrrh," which is associated with death and embalming (John 19:39). Thus, the historical-prophetic interpretation of this church becomes fitting with the Roman persecution. This one of only two of the seven churches that has no condemnation.
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#42 - Top Played Video (48-Hours) week of 9/28/2023
