The Second Church: was Smyrna: meaning “bitter” and is most appropriate in light of the persecutions which characterized the era.

An Important Preface to the Smyrna Period

“Brethren are not all historians, and the histories of the periods which cover the Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, and Sardis Churches, Seals, and Trumpets are particularly not well known except to historians who have made a point of studying them. A knowledge of this history is, however, imperative to an understanding of the symbols used in Revelation to describe these, Churches. Smyrna covers the period roughly from the fall of Jerusalem until the days of the emperor Constantine the Great.

Highlights of his period include the following:

1) The lack of authoritative influence of the Apostles gave immediate opportunity for the rise of power-grabbing leaders (Nicolaitans: Those who lord it over God’s people).

2) The end of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (and particularly the gift of discerning spirits) gave the opportunity for the “enemy” to plant pseudo-Christians (tares) in the midst of the flock.

3) Persecutions from Rome were various and severe – sometimes relatively mild, sometimes horrid (during which the Church was forced to be underground – even literally) – culminating in the deadliest decade under Diocletian (303-313 A.D.). The usual test to escape the persecutor was whether or not a person was willing to admit the deity of the emperor. The apostates worked diligently to compromise with Roman authorities. It was a period of great injustices – sometimes Christians betraying Christians to escape persecution or to win Roman favor.

4) Despite persecutions, Christianity (true and false) was flourishing dramatically. The new religion provided answers not available in Paganism. It provided importance to formerly unimportant people; and it provided an acceptance into a family such as was not previously known to pagans. Unfortunately, it also provided a new commercial outlet for those who wanted to take advantage of the Christian community. Since it provided something for nearly everyone, its growth was impossible to stop – even by persecutions. By the time of Constantine, it was a majority religion. Constantine’s so-called “conversion” was the last step in guaranteeing the elimination of pagan religion which had dominated the scene as the second century began.

5) The entry of pagans into the Christian religion RAPIDLY diluted its ideals and its doctrine. Gnosticism was rampant in this era. Pagan priests became Christian ministers. Individual power- struggles resulted in a dramatic use of excommunication of one bishop by another. There was, as yet, no central religious authority to excommunicate officially, but unofficial excommunications were popular tools of lordship in the growing apostate church.

6) This period saw the compiling of the New Testament. Revelation was frequently NOT accepted as part of the official canon of Scripture.

It is difficult to find a shining light during this period. When the Church was forced underground, it would have been difficult for a messenger to spread his influence to all the churches. Most significant bishops of the era seem to have genuine flaws in their understanding. This seems so strange for a period so closely linked to the Apostles by those living who had studied under them. Yet, we in the 20th century have seen how fast a movement can depart from the ideals and doctrine of one of the “angels.” Thus, most students have settled on the Apostle John as the messenger to Smyrna.

IF Matthew 13’s parables represent the seven Church periods (which they probably do), Smyrna might well begin with the DEATH of John (Matt. 13:25) as represented by the phrase “while men (the Apostles) slept . . .” If, however, this phrase means sleep in the sense of 1 Thess. 5:6, 7, then it is quite possible that this phase of the Church began earlier than John’s death.

Since Nero was, in essence, the beginner of bringing “bitterness” (persecutions) for the Church, the argument could well be made that this Church begins about Nero’s time or, at least, shortly thereafter when John would have been the last remaining Apostle. However, if it does begin with John’s death, it would not negate his being the angel to Smyrna. He yet lived through his writings and the memory of his life.

Since the main doctrinal error of his period was Gnosticism, it could well be argued that John gave the message necessary to combat the main doctrinal problem of Smyrna. His writings helped the Church combat these heresies. He obviously could see in his day the beginnings of this movement because the way he writes seems as if specifically AIMED against Gnosticism. Also, while Revelation was not readily accepted by many during the Smyrna period, it was accepted by many who, no doubt, gained great comfort from its prophecies regarding persecutions.” (N.A.N.O.R. Page 65-66)

“John one of the original twelve apostles who, with his brother James and Peter, composed the inner circle closest to Jesus. A fisherman with impulsive temperament, he was surname “Son of Thunder”. His early rash and selfish behavior (he and his brother desired chief places in the Kingdom) gave way to gentleness and kindly love.

John is referred to by Paul as a pillar of the early church (Gal.2:9). He remained loyal and zealous in defense of truth and endured much suffering as the last apostle (Rev.1:2,9).” (The Seven Churches of Revelation: C.F. Redeker)

We will take a look at the Second Seal in our next post.