The Church Under Pressure - Symrna Series

C. THREE THINGS THOSE AT SMYRNA FACED

In the segment of Scripture, there were some things the Lord stated that He knew the church at Smyrna faced.

1) THE AFFLICATION THEY FACED

The word used in this context is ‘thlipsis’. The word is used here to give indication to the pressure of stones used to grind wheat or to crush grapes. It is a word that throbs with meaning. This church was being pressed even to their own deaths because of their devotion to God.

"I know your ‘thlipsis’, the crushing, the pressure of persecution and sorrow and death." (v9)

2) THE POVERTY THEY FACED

The word used here in this context is ‘ptochoeia’. The word actually means ‘beggarly.’ The Christians at Smyrna had been reduced to poverty.

The question arises: Why were these saints so destitute? Smyrna was one of the richest cities in Ancient Rome, yet the saints at Smyrna had been reduced to being beggars.

They were almost without exception poor anyway. Far too many account success and greatness in terms of riches, fame and fortune. God just needs ordinary, plain people whom He can fill with His power to do extraordinary things.

They were severely persecuted. They were deprived of the right to work. No trade union would have them. No business would hire them. They were boycotted on every hand. They lived in destitution.

“I know (your ‘thilipsis’) the pressure unto death and the agony under which you live.”

“… In addition, I know (your ‘ptocheia’) your destruction and your absolute want and need.”

In all of this there is a parenthetical statement (“but you are rich”) in Revelation 2:9. It is though as if the Lord bends over them and whispers to them the great truth:

- Smyrna counts you poor

- The slander of the Jews has defiled you

- The persecution of the pagans has robbed you

- I know the pain of poverty

- I know the plight of being penniless

But:

- You have not lost anything

- You have not forfeited the riches of spiritual wealth

When we look to the principles of the Scripture, there are things that come to light:

- True wealth is the wealth that never tarnishes, never decays, and never fades

- The true fullness of a man's life is determined by his fellowship with God

- True wealth is the enrichment of character not the possession of gold

3) THE SLANDER THEY FACED

The Lord says lastly, "I know the slander that you face." The word used here in this context is BLASPHEMIA. This word is usually associated with slander against God. However, in this setting it refers to the slander that the ‘synagogue of Satan’ stirs against the Church.

The Emperor Nero had an actor, Aliturus, whom he admired very much. He also had another vile friendship with another man named Popaea. Both of these men were Jews. They used their contact with the Emperor to feed the slander against the early church. It was because they were convicted of their sins that they fought the early church so vigorously. The result was the first stages of Christian persecution.