Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna Church
Prologue Smyrna Rev 2:8-11
Noted for its beauty, this city had a superb natural harbor making it a commercial center. As early as 195 B.C.
Smyrna allied herself to Rome, building a shrine for pagan Roman worship. The city was given the honor of erecting a temple to the Emperor Tiberius in A. D. 23, thus becoming a center for the cult of emperor worship.
Smyrna claimed to be the first city in Asia—first in beauty, first in literature and first in loyalty to Rome. The church at Smyrna may have been founded by Paul during his third journey (cf. Acts 19:10). Polycarp, a pupil of John, was martyred here, burned at the stake in A.D. 155.
Study Questions
1a)What does Smyrna mean ? Compare Song of Solomon 3:6; Matthew 2:11
1b) How do you think these relate to their experience?
2a) How does Christ describe Himself to this church ? Refer Rev 1:17b Discuss the commendation given by Christ to the Church of Smyrna verse 9 ?
2b)Which two promises are given to this Church and how do you intend to apply the truth learnt personally? James 1:12;Revelation 2:10-11