#24 – Suffering Like Smyrna

In Smyrna, the people were very active in the worship of idols. The city built a temple to the goddess Roma in 195 B.C.. There were also temples dedicated to Zeus, Cybele, Asklepios, Apollo, Athena, Aphrodite and others. In fact, there was a street paved with gold that ran from the temple of Zeus to the temple of Diana. Cesar (emperor) worship was popular and accepted as the city that was intensely loyal to Rome. The Jews had a synagogue here as well, of which they teamed up with the idolaters against the Christians in most things.

Again notice – how Jesus describes Himself to the Church (Its messenger) of Smyrna, “These things says the “First and the Last,” also declared in (1:17), Jesus is the eternal God (John 8:58) (Colossians 1:17). Again – it’s important for the church of Smyrna to hear that Jesus is the “First and the Last.” That he is the Sovereign God in control of everything, even the persecution they are about to face. Again, notice what Jesus says now of Himself – “Who was dead, and came to life. Why would that be important for those in Smryrna to hear? Because if you were suffering persecution for your faith, even to the point of death, you would be encouraged that Jesus has conquered death, that resurrection was found in Him (John 11:25-26) (Acts 2:23-24) (Acts 10:39-41) (Romans 1:4) (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Men and women who walk with Jesus have paid a terrible price for their faith. The disciples were warned that they would be delivered up to the “councils.” Every one of the disciples – with the exception John – died a horrible death for their testimony.

1. Bartholomew (Nethaniel) – Bartholomew traveled to India to preach the gospel to the people there – it is generally believed that he was flayed to death with a whip

2. James son of Alphaeus – James son of Alphaeus – according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs – was beaten – stoned and clubbed to death

3. Andrew – Thrust through with pine spears – tormented with red-hot plates – and burned alive

4. Peter – It is believed that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome around 60 AD

5. John – John is believed to have died of natural causes – and he might have been the only Apostle to have done so

6. Thomas – Thomas was killed with a spear – according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs

7. James – the martyrdom of James son of Zebedee is recorded in – (Acts 12:1-2) – He was executed – with a sword – by order of King Herod Agrippa I in the year 44 AD

8. Philip – Philip was tortred and crucified – according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs: “He labored diligently in Upper Asia – and suffered martyrdom at Heliopolis – in Phrygia – he was scourged – thrown into prison – and afterwards crucified

9. Matthew – Matthew was killed with a spear, according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs

10. Thaddeus (Jude) – Jude was crucified – according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs – the brother of James – he was commonly called Thaddeus

11. Simon – Simon was crucified – according to Foxs’ Book of Martyrs – surnamed Zelotes, preached the Gospel in Mauritania – Africa – and what became Britain – in which he was crucified in A.D. 7

12. James the Less – Thrown down from the temple mount and then beaten to death with a club

13. Matthias – Stoned will hanging on a cross

Paul is stoned and left for dead at Lystra – (Acts 14:19)Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi – (Acts 16:19-24)

Paul is persecuted in Macedonia – (Acts 18:12-17)

1. Paul is arrested and tried in Ephesus – (Acts 19)
2. Paul is arrested and held for trial in Jerusalem – (Acts 21)
3. Paul is tried before Felix – (Acts 24)
4. Paul is tried before Festus and King Agrippa – (Acts 26)
5. Here is Paul’s own testimony (2 Corinthians 11:21-29)
6. Finally – Paul was beheaded for his faith in Rome

Smyrna’s faith had purchased for them more than just a testimony on earth – their faith had purchased eternal life for them in Heaven. The Bible tells us five crowns that are available as rewards to the faithful saint of God

• The Incorruptible Crown – Awarded for faithfulness to the Lord – (1 Corinthians 9:25)
• The Crown Of Rejoicing – This is the soul winners crown – (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
• The Crown Of Righteousness – This will be given to those who anticipate and live in the light of the return of Jesus – (2 Timothy 4:8)
• The Crown Of Glory -This will be given to the faithful ministers who give themselves to lead and feed the flock of God – (1 Peter 5:4)
• The Crown Of Life – This is the crown that was promised to the church of Smyrna

By his innocent suffering and his atoning death on the cross – Jesus paid the price we owed – died the death we deserve – and obtained the forgiveness we so desperately need. The Crown of Life awaits those who persevere to the end so “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” Will you get there? Can you do it? Yes because Christ is given us everything we need to be faithful and to finish the race