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The Suffering Church of Smyrna: Faith Amid Trials and Triumphs

This article explores the rich history of Smyrna, an ancient city known for its resilience and faith amid suffering. Founded as a Greek colony around 1000 BC and later rebuilt in 290 BC, Smyrna was a significant city in Asia Minor, holding temples for various deities and loyalty to Rome. The church in Smyrna, commended by Jesus in Revelation 2:8-11, faced persecution yet displayed remarkable faith, epitomized by martyrdom of Pastor Polycarp in 155 AD. The narrative connects ancient struggles with modern implications, highlighting the role of suffering in spiritual growth.

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The Suffering Church of Smyrna: Faith Amid Trials and Triumphs

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  1. FROM RAPTURE TO REVELATION

  2. Rev. 2:8-11 Smyrna: The suffering church

  3. Greek colony in 1000 BC/ destroyed in 600 • Resurrected with new plans in 290 BC • Rich/second only to Ephesus in Asia Minor • Temples: goddess Roma/Tiberius Caesar & 5 temples for Greek deities • Very loyal to Rome so a free city • Present day Izmir/ 1/3 of its 200,000 population is Christian/church survived much suffering even Islamic conquests in 1000 AD The Ancient City of Smyrna

  4. Smyrna means Myrrh/sweet perfume used in embalming dead bodies • Myrrh: Exodus 30:23; Song of Solomon 3:6; Psalm 45:8; Matt. 2:11 • Jesus only commends the church/no rebuke • Pastor Polycarp is martyred here in 155 AD • Refused to sacrifice to Caesar and showed deep Christ-like love towards his persecutors • Described as poor (ptocheia) yet rich The Ancient City Of Smyrna

  5. Scripture reveals various characteristics about suffering: • Corrective Discipline (1Cor. 11: 30-32; Hebrews 12: 3-13) • Preventative (2Cor. 12:7) Thorn in flesh • Knowledge (Heb. 5:8) Christ learned • Maturing (Rom. 5:3-5) Patience and hope • Witness (Acts 9: 16) Potent testimony • Perspective (Rev.2:8) Eternal view of life Why do the godly sometimes suffer?

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