Revelation 2:8-11 - Smyrna
Background on Smyrna:
Located on a bay of the Aegean Sea, Smyrna was one of the most important commercial cities in Asia Minor and remains so today. (Smith) Smyrna was located near a major road system, was very beautiful, and was a prime location for the Roman imperial cult with many temples located here. (Wright) A large church existed there fairly early on. Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna and is said to have known John the Apostle. He was martyred in 167 AD. (Smith, wikipedia)
"Self-styled Jews":
Who exactly were these self-styled Jews? The answer is up for debate, but likely Paul was referring to Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah, as the early church thought of itself as Jewish through and through. Jews had exemption from festivities associated with the imperial cult and were perhaps upset that Christians were also receiving this exemption. This may have led to the persecution. (Wright) It is also possible that the self-styled Jews were simply people claiming the heritage/religion of Judaism but had no faith/obedience to God.
Local illusions to Smyrna in the text:
- "dead and came to life" - Smyrna had been sacked in ~500 B.C. and since rebuilt. (Wright, Wikipedia)
- "crown of life" - potentially a reference to Smyrna - the acropolis of Smyrna was at the top of a hill and the architecture used the hill to appear somewhat like a crown. (Wright, Wikipedia)
Why were the Christians in Smyrna poor?
Poverty would have been an issue for Christians because employment was often found through trade guilds, which required participation in pagan activities. Without participation, money was hard to come by. (Wright)
A final observation:
Nothing negative is said about this church - solely encouragement and praise.
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