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 …

Notice in (Revelation 2:10) that Jesus tells them that there is more trouble ahead, they will face more persecution. That is certainly not what anyone would want to hear from the Lord, but whatever meant by these ten days is not clear, but it does imply their persecution was severe but brief. Prison in that day was nothing like it is today. When people went to prison under the Roman system they did not receive a college education, learn a skill, or spend their days writing books and watching …

Smyrna was located 35 miles from Ephesus – a port city – called “The Crown City” or the “Crown of Asia” because it was surrounded by hills that resembled a crown. When the city chose a motto to be imprinted on their coinage, they stamped it, “The Flower Of Asia.” They chose this phrase because Smyrna was considered “First in Size and Beauty.” Smyrna was a planned city most cities of that day just sprang up without design, but its streets were planned down to the last detail. Considered …

(Revelation 2:8-11)…..⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ⁹ “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may …

(Revelation 2:1-7)…..“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have …

(Revelation 2:2-3)…..“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. The church in Ephesus was commended from the Lord for several things, things that would make any church body happy if they were to hear these same things from the LORD. I wonder …