Trinity Church of Benicia
Faithful Unto Death: Smyrna's Martyrs - Ryan Rippee

      • Psalm 18:1–3ESV

  • How Great Thou Art
  • The Goodness Of Jesus

      • Matthew 5.1-5ESV

      • Matthew 5.6-9ESV

      • Matthew 5.10-12ESV

      • Matthew 5.13-14ESV

      • Matthew 5.15-16ESV

  • Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

  • Introduction

    Tertullian’s Apology and de Spectaculis Tertullian: Apology

    13But nothing whatever is accomplished by your cruelties, each more exquisite than the last. It is the bait that wins men for our school. We multiply whenever we are mown down by you; the blood of Christians is seed

    Patmos and the Seven Churches
    It is worth repeating, the Revelation was given not simply to impart information about the future but to help God’s people in the present (Rev 1:3).
    In our suffering and hardship, God is on his throne and Christ is at his right hand. We can look to Jesus and find encouragement to persevere and worship.
    Not only that, it gives us hope in our mission strategy. These seven church were strategic for advancing the gospel effort in Asia Minor. Our ongoing mission will be a recurring theme throughout revelation. (e.g., Rev 5 every nation, tribe, people, and tongue)
    They should turn us away from false sources of security in our own culture and world, from complacency, and welcome us into the heavenly worship around the throne: Spirit-empowered worship of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb!
    The only city to continue to the present day - Izmir.
    Renowned for its beauty and civic pride.
    It experienced a resurrection of its own, it had been destroyed in 700B.C. and not rebuilt until 300B.C.
    It was famed for its games.
    It alone in Asia Minor had the privilege of building a temple to the Emperor Tiberias in 26A.D.
    The church at Smyrna was founded either by travelers present at Pentecost or (more likely) during Paul’s work at Ephesus in Acts 19.
    It had a large Jewish population that were incredibly opposed to Christians.
    Emperor worship under Domitian made it easy to persecute Christians, and the Jews were active in denouncing Christians to the authorities.
    In the 80s, Judaism excommunicated Christian “heretics” from their synagogues.
    In A.D. 155, the famous bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp, was burned alive for refusing to call Caesar “Lord” during an extensive persecution instigated by the Jews.

    I. Christ is the Eternal One who Offers Resurrection Hope (Rev 2:8)

    The characteristics of Christ are specifically chosen to address the needs of the church in Smyrna.

    A. Christ is the Eternal One

    First, Jesus is described as the “first and the last”.  Borrows from Rev 1:17. Christ is sovereign over history, in control not only of the past but of the future. Christ is the eternal one guaranteeing vindication for his suffering followers. From Isaiah 44:6 and Isa 48:12. They needed to hear that Jesus was still preeminent and watching over them.
    Isaiah 44:6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.”
    Isaiah 48:12 ““Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am he; I am the first, and I am the last.”

    B. The Resurrection of Christ Offers Hope in Persecution

    Second, “who was dead and came alive.” Borrows from 1:18. Christ has revealed his divine traits by his resurrection. Smyrna can take away one’s present life, but Jesus guarantees one’s future life.

    II. Christ Commends their Faithfulness (Rev 2:9)

    One of only two churches with no weakness. The other is Philadelphia.
    They are intended to be read as a unit - Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’”
    a b c c c b’ a’ form
    a - in danger of losing their identity as a Christian church
    b - proved themselves faithful and loyal
    c - mix of faithful and compromising
    It is remarkable that everyone of these churches are told that they can overcome. This means as the Spirit is speaking through the Scriptures to us, we can overcome. I will say it stronger. If you have believed in Jesus and have been born again by the Holy Spirit, you will overcome.
    They were also the two least influential churches in Asia Minor. It is more important to be faithful, than to be powerful.
    It is also only one of two churches, the other Pergamum, where Jesus doesn’t say, “I know your deeds.”
    Instead, he is aware of their situation. Three things:

    A. Tribulation and Persecution

    Philippians 3:10 ESV
    that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
    “fellowship of his sufferings.” Suffering for Christ was a privilege, not just a sorrow. When we suffer, we have communion, fellowship with Jesus!

    B. Poverty 

    Poverty was one particular aspect of their suffering. 
    Mobs destroying or taking their possessions. Or loss of jobs and imprisonment.
    Jewish opposition meant that they would lose the protection of the Roman government as well. Jews had a right to worship their God as an exception. Once Christianity was no longer considered a Jewish sect, Christians weren’t free to worship God according to the law. 
    Every time poor occurs in Revelation, it is contrasted with “rich.” Though they are poor physically, they are rich spiritually.
    When I was a seminary student, I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda for 2-1/2 weeks with my mom. I taught pastors from the source of the Nile to the border of the Congo, but the most meaningful day was when I went with a church deacon and visited the widows and the orphans.
    James 2:5 ESV
    Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
    Luke 6:20 ESV
    And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
    This is the way of Christ
    Philippians 3:10 ESV
    that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
    1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV
    Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
    It is in contrast to what we will see with Laodicea who is rich physically but poor spiritually.

    C. Slander 

    This is another particular aspect of their suffering. 
    Elsewhere in the book, it is used of blasphemy toward God
    The beast from the sea is a blasphemer (Rev 13:1,5,6; 17:3). 
    Slandering the people of God is one form of blasphemy against God. 
    “synagogue of Satan” Once commentator, Collins, believes this was a specific group of Jews who instigated legal action in the Roman courts against the Smyrna Christians.
     Even though they claim to be God’s people, they are tools of Satan against God’s true people, the church. (cf. John 8:31-47; Rom 2:28-29; Gal 6:15; Rom 11:17-21). 
    Choice of the word Satan is deliberate. “adversary”, the enemy of God and his people filled with hatred and slander. 

    III. Christ’s Resurrection Gives Us Confidence (Rev 2:10)

    Both a prophecy and a word of encouragement.

    A. “Do Not Fear”

    “Do not fear” Doesn’t mean the absence of dread, but rather the refusal to succumb to intimidation, and turn from obedience to Christ.  
    Psalm 46:1–3 ESV
    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
    Matthew 10:28 ESV
    And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
    “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” Their suffering is imminent and unavoidable. 
    We can be assured of divine comfort and blessing in the midst of suffering. 
    Also, the suffering is imprisonment and death for some. 
    The change of title from Satan to the devil is deliberate. It is a synonym which means adversary, slanderer. He is the adversary of God’s people. 
    Roman prisons weren’t used for punishment typically.  They were for detention awaiting trial, and detention awaiting execution. The purpose of this suffering/imprisonment is for testing. Satan’s purpose was to tempt them to apostatize, but God’s purpose was to “test” their faith. 
    “10 days” - reference to Daniel 1:12-15, where they were tested for 10 days with the meat. They refused to give Nebuchadnezzar the honor due to God alone. 
    Same with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Daniel 3:16-18. Or even Daniel later in the lions den. 

    B. “Be Faithful”

    Second, “be faithful” - faithfulness is a key characteristic of this book that speaks of the saints in the midst of opposition from the world. 
    It is used of Jesus (Rev 1:5; 3:14; 14:12; 19:11) in his “faithfulness” to his followers and of the “faithful” words of the book itself (Rev 21:5; 22:6). 
    Then it is applied to saints in their faithful walk (Rev 2:19; 14:12; 17:14) especially to the point of martyrdom (Rev 2:10, 13; 13:10). 
    “Faith” in the book of Revelation is the way we persevere, by putting our trust in the God who is sovereign over history and will indeed vindicate his people for all their suffering. 
    This suffering for Smyrna was to the point of death. (cf. Mark 8:34). 
    Mark 8:34 ESV
    And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
    The promised reward is a gift, the crown of life. This is a victor’s crown(A garland wreath was placed on the head of the victorious athlete at the games), an athletic and military metaphor linked with the idea of overcoming in Rev 2:11. It is eternal life. It is the reward of Jas 1:12 and 1 Pet 5:4 (see 1 Pet 4:19-5:7).  Christ will bring “life” out of “death.” 
    These Christians in Smyrna were the nobodies. They were poor. Smyrna was famous for their games, but the Christians would never would have received an Olympic crown. Yes Jesus says, if they are faithful they will receive the greatest crown! Eternal life.

    IV. We Conquer in Christ (Rev 2:11)

    A. “Let Him Hear”

    First, “Let him hear” - the call to listen challenges the participant in the life of Christ to be willing to obey. Echoes Isa 6:9-10 and Jesus words in Matt 13:9-17. 
    Hear the word today to not grow weary in well doing. Keep believing, keep trusting. You are rich in Christ!

    B. Won't Be Hurt By the Second Death

    Second, “never hurt by the second death.” - They are overcomers. 
    It is ironic, just as the Christ’s victory of Rev 5:5-6 is ironic. 
    All true Christians are overcomers (cf. 1 John 4:4).
    1 John 4:4 ESV
    Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
    What was stated positively in v.10 “crown of life” that is, eternal life is now stated negatively; never experience “the second death.” The second death is spoken of in (Rev 20:6, 14; 21:8).
    Revelation 20:6 ESV
    Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
    Revelation 21:8 ESV
    But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
    It is the “lake of fire”, the final eternal “death” beyond mere physical death. They might be “hurt” by the first death (martyrdom), but they could not be destroyed by it. Their true life was guaranteed by the Lord Jesus. 

    Conclusion

    Polycarp is an example of the same kind of persecution in this very city. It may be that he himself was one of the hearers/readers of this letter, since he became bishop/pastor of Smyrna in 115A.D., and was particularly encouraged by its message right before his death.
    His disciple Irenaeus said that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John. He was greatly loved by his church and the neighboring churches.
    He was arrested in 155A.D.
    The armed soldiers who came to arrest him
    [7] they found him in bed in an upstairs room in a small cottage; and though he still could have escaped from there to another place, he refused, saying, “May God’s will be done.” 2 So when he heard that they had arrived, he went down and talked with them, and those who were present marveled at his age and his composure and wondered why there was so much eagerness for the arrest of an old man like him.
    [8] Herod, the police captain, and his father, Nicetes, came out to meet him. After transferring him to their carriage and sitting down at his side, they tried to persuade him, saying, “Why, what harm is there in saying, ‘Caesar is Lord,’ and offering incense” (and other words to this effect) “and thereby saving yourself?” Now at first he gave them no answer. But when they persisted, he said: “I am not about to do what you are suggesting to me.” 3 Thus failing to persuade him, they began to utter threats and made him dismount in such a hurry that he bruised his shin as he got down from the carriage.
    He was led to the stadium, there was such an uproar in the stadium that no one could even be heard.
    [9] Therefore, when he was brought before him, the proconsul asked if he were Polycarp. And when he confessed that he was, the proconsul tried to persuade him to recant, saying, “Have respect for your age,” and other such things as they are accustomed to say: “Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent; say, ‘Away with the atheists!’” So Polycarp solemnly looked at the whole crowd of lawless heathen who were in the stadium, motioned toward them with his hand, and then (groaning as he looked up to heaven) said, “Away with the atheists!” 3 But when the magistrate persisted and said, “Swear the oath, and I will release you; revile Christ,” Polycarp replied, “For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
    [11] So the proconsul said: “I have wild beasts; I will throw you to them, unless you change your mind.” But he said: “Call for them! For the repentance from better to worse is a change impossible for us; but it is a noble thing to change from that which is evil to righteousness.” 2 Then he said to him again: “I will have you consumed by fire, since you despise the wild beasts, unless you change your mind.” But Polycarp said: “You threaten with a fire that burns only briefly and after just a little while is extinguished, for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you wish.”
    They decided to burn him at the stake.
    [14] So they did not nail him, but tied him instead. Then, having placed his hands behind himself and having been bound, like a splendid ram chosen from a great flock for a sacrifice, a burnt offering prepared and acceptable to God, he looked up to heaven and said: “O Lord God Almighty, Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of you, the God of angels and powers and of all creation, and of the whole race of the righteous who live in your presence, 2 I bless you because you have considered me worthy of this day and hour, so that I might receive a place among the number of the martyrs in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and of body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among them in your presence today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you have prepared and revealed beforehand, and have now accomplished, you who are the undeceiving and true God. 3 For this reason, indeed for all things, I praise you, I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal and heavenly high priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be glory to you, with him and the Holy Spirit, both now and for the ages to come. Amen.”[1]
    [1]  Holmes, and W Michael. [2006] 2006. The Apostolic Fathers in English. 3rd ed. Baker Academic. https://www.perlego.com/book/2051290.
    What a picture of endurance from almost 1900 years ago!
    “For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

      • Philippians 3:10NASB95

      • James 2:5NASB95

      • Luke 6:20NASB95

      • Philippians 3:10NASB95

      • 1 Peter 4:12–19NASB95

      • Psalm 46:1–3NASB95

      • Matthew 10:28NASB95

      • Mark 8:34NASB95

      • 1 John 4:4NASB95

      • Revelation 20:6NASB95

      • Revelation 21:8NASB95

  • Nicene Creed
  • All I Have Is Christ
  • Almost Home

      • Isaiah 43:1–3aESV

Trinity Church of Benicia
info@trinitybenicia.com
http://www.trinitybenicia.com
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