Mensaje a la iglesia de Esmirna

Message to the Church of Smyrna

Introduction to the Message

• The message begins with a greeting and continues from previous discussions about the church in Smyrna. The dedication is similar to earlier messages, emphasizing its importance.

Christ's Self-Description

• Jesus describes Himself as "the first and the last," echoing language from Revelation 1, indicating His eternal nature. This description serves to remind believers of God's infinitude and eternity.

• The phrase "He who was dead and came to life" highlights Christ's victory over death, which is particularly significant for the suffering church in Smyrna facing persecution.

Encouragement Amid Persecution

• The church in Smyrna faces severe trials, including martyrdom; thus, Christ’s words serve as encouragement: He has conquered death and reigns eternally. This assurance provides hope amidst their struggles.

• Jesus acknowledges their tribulation and poverty but reassures them that they are spiritually rich despite their material hardships due to oppression in a prosperous city like Smyrna.

Approval of the Church

• In verse 9, Christ expresses His knowledge of their works, tribulations, and poverty while affirming their spiritual wealth despite economic struggles caused by societal rejection. This acknowledgment serves as validation for their faithfulness under pressure.

• The mention of blasphemy from those claiming to be Jews but are not indicates internal conflict within the community; these individuals are labeled as a "synagogue of Satan." This reflects on the challenges faced by Christians during this period.

Contextual Challenges Faced by Christians

• Smyrna was a cosmopolitan city opposed to Christian activities; Christians often faced job discrimination leading to economic hardship—highlighting an ironic contrast between the city's wealth and the church's poverty.

• Economic difficulties were exacerbated by societal pressures where Christians struggled more than non-believers for basic needs due to systemic oppression against them. Despite this, they maintained integrity in faithfulness towards God’s message.

Spiritual Richness vs Material Poverty

• Despite being materially poor, Jesus emphasizes that they are spiritually rich because they have preserved their faith amid adversity—a unique characteristic among churches addressed in Revelation that lacked any denunciation from Christ for wrongdoing or sinfulness.

• The absence of condemnation signifies purity and sincerity within this congregation compared to others mentioned throughout Revelation where issues such as lukewarmness or lack of love were present. Thus, they stand out positively among early Christian communities facing persecution.

Blasphemy Against Believers

• The blasphemy referenced likely pertains to Jewish proselytes or converts who pressured Christians into adhering strictly to Jewish customs—indicating a struggle between maintaining Christian identity versus returning to Judaism for safety amidst persecution threats from Roman authorities against Christianity viewed as a sect rather than an established religion like Judaism at that time.

Persecution and Accusations Against Early Christians

The Warning of Persecution

• The text discusses a warning to early Christians about impending persecution, emphasizing not to fear the suffering they will endure.

• It mentions that some believers would be imprisoned as part of their trials, with the term "diábolos" referring to an accuser or deceiver, highlighting the malicious nature of these accusations.

Reasons for Accusations

• Early Christians faced accusations primarily for three reasons: refusal to worship the Roman Emperor, which was seen as rebellion against authority.

• Their non-participation in emperor worship led them to be labeled as troublemakers by Roman authorities and common citizens alike.

Cultural Context of Polytheism

• The Roman Empire was predominantly polytheistic, with numerous gods representing various aspects of life. Christians' singular devotion to one God set them apart.

• This exclusivity resulted in blame during local disasters (e.g., droughts), where Christians were accused of angering pagan deities by not participating in their worship.

Misunderstandings and Moral Accusations

• Local calamities like famines and plagues were often attributed to Christians due to their refusal to appease multiple gods.

• Additionally, Christians were viewed as immoral because their private gatherings were misunderstood by outsiders who speculated about secretive practices.

Nature of Tribulation

• The text notes that these misunderstandings fueled a broader narrative against Christians, leading to significant persecution within communities like Smyrna.

• There are various interpretations regarding the "ten days" of tribulation mentioned; some view it allegorically while others suggest it refers literally to a specific period of suffering.

Encouragement Amidst Trials

• Despite warnings about persecution, there is no admonition for discipline towards the church in Smyrna; instead, they are encouraged to remain faithful until death.

• The promise given is that faithfulness will lead to receiving "the crown of life," indicating a reward for enduring trials faithfully.

The Promise of the Crown of Life

Faithfulness to God and Martyrdom

• The text discusses the commitment of believers to remain faithful to God, even to the point of facing violent death rather than denying their faith in Christ.

• The "crown of life" is likened to laurel crowns awarded to Olympic victors, symbolizing honor and recognition for those who endure trials for their faith.

• This crown represents a special acknowledgment distinct from eternal life, which all believers receive; it is specifically for those who face martyrdom or severe persecution.

• Jesus promises that those willing to suffer martyrdom will receive this precious reward, emphasizing the significance of enduring faith during extreme trials.

Understanding Death and Eternal Life

• The concept of physical death is explained as a separation between body and spirit, while spiritual death (the second death) signifies permanent separation from God.

• The second death is described as an eternal consequence executed in the lake of fire, contrasting with physical death which is temporary.

• Christ assures that those who overcome and remain faithful will never experience this second death, highlighting God's promise of eternal closeness with Him.