Letters to Young Churches

“Be fearless and faithful … even to death.” That’s the message Jesus Christ writes to the church in Smyrna who suffered for Christ.

Letter #2, to the Church in Smyrna

Smyrna, called “the crown of all Asia,” was majestic with noble buildings and beautiful temples—to Zeus, to Diana, to Aphrodite, and to Apollo. In its stadium, Polycarp (bishop of Smyrna and student of the apostle John) was martyred, burned alive in 155 A.D.

Yes, Smyrna has seen its suffering. In His letter, the Lord Jesus said He knew all about it. Their experience reflects the church period from 100-314 A.D., when more than five million Christians died for their faith. But Jesus said He was triumphant over death and can save to the uttermost those who endure persecution and martyrdom.

Everything the Lord Jesus says to the church at Smyrna is praise.

To these brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord describes Himself as “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” Jesus has the final word. These dear, persecuted believers needed to know He was in charge and this suffering had its place in God’s purposes.

“I know you’re suffering,” He said to them. This church was made up mostly of slaves, ex-slaves, runaway slaves, freed slaves, and poor people. When the wealthy believed in Christ, their property was confiscated. They were blessed with all spiritual blessings, but lost their earthly goods.

“Even so,” the Lord said, “be faithful to death”—and they were. To all those who suffer, Jesus promises “the crown of life.” You who have suffered will get something in eternity no one else will get (see James 1:12).

Jesus ends His message to Smyrna with a favorite expression. “He who has an ear, let him hear (v. 11) … pay attention.” Have you heard Him today?

Letter #3, to the Church in Pergamum

A little over 250 years after Jesus left the earth, the world at large moved away from believing in Jesus Christ. We could call this season, paganism unlimited. It’s this age we can link with the church at Pergamum, one of the most famous cities of Asia, certainly the most royal of the first century. In the winter when Rome got cold, Caesar Augustus would vacation here. Pergamum was the center of false religion, specifically emperor worship. The only way it could be reached was by the Word of God—a sharp sword with two edges that can divide truth from error.

The Lord commends the church in Pergamum for how they lived for Him in a difficult place. At the time, their city was a satanic stronghold. No wonder false religion was big business there. Jesus knew the church in Pergamum faithfully defended His deity in this dark place and didn’t deny their faith.

That said, Pergamum also willingly put up with doctrinal error. The false doctrine that the church in Ephesus hated, the church in Pergamum didn’t think was so bad. It allowed great sensuality in the church and returned religious rituals to the clergy, ignoring that we are all on equal footing at the Cross.

Jesus called the church at Pergamum to repent, and if they didn’t, He would fight against them with the sword of His mouth, the Word of God. What a mistake if we think the church has the authority to decide right and wrong, not the Word of God.

“To him who overcomes,” Jesus promised two gifts—hidden manna, speaking of His own body, crucified for us, and a white stone with a new name written it. In the day, people gave close friends a tessera, a cube of stone or ivory with words or symbols engraved on it as a secret, private gift. Jesus says He is going to give to each of His own a stone with a new name engraved on it, perhaps a new name for Him that relates something different to each one of us. It will be His personal and intimate name to each of us.

Next: Who was a light in the Dark Ages?