Letters to the Seven Churches, Part 2: Ephesus and Smyrna

              

    In the beginning of the book of Revelation, Jesus gives John seven letters to send to seven churches existing at that time in Asia Minor, which is present day Turkey.  These letters contained words of encouragement, warning and promises that held meaning for not only for these specific churches, but also for the church and individual believer throughout the ages.

    Many scholars believe there are several levels of meaning contained within these letters. First, there is the local level, as these were written to literal churches in Asia Minor. Second, there is an admonitory level - as Jesus words of admonishment, warning and encouragement are edifying to the church throughout the ages. The third is a personal level, as the words within each letter - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit sayeth unto the churches" - are directions for the individual. You and I can choose to "hear" these same words today, whether we read them on the page or listen to them being preached. The forth level is a controversial one, but many scholars believe it to be valid - that these letters lay out the history of the church in advance. The letters are listed in a specific order by no mistake, and that order correlates with church history.  

    Today, we will look at the first two churches: Ephesus and Smyrna. 

                                                         The Church of Ephesus:

    The church name "Ephesus" is a term of endearment, meaning darling or desired one. The church of Ephesus represents the apostolic church, which had endured great hardship and was characterized by good works, patience and endurance. They were strong in doctrine, held to the truth, and separated themselves from the desires and lusts of the world. They rejected the ecclesiastical order that was creeping into the church, and as a result, rejected the teachings of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans' name comes from the Greek niko (conquer) and laos (laity) meaning "to overthrow the people." Nicolaitans denied the existence of absolute truth and believed in gross sensuality, akin to today's popular practice of postmodern compartmentalization. They also supported an idea unknown to the church until that time - a structure of ranks within the church whereby men would rule over others. This hierarchy ultimately divided the early church into two groups - the laity and the clergy. 

    Yet, Jesus brings a serious charge against them - that they had "left their first love."  He exhorts them to "repent, and do the first works" or else he will quickly remove them. The church of Ephesus had become legalistic, and although they were strong in correct doctrine and truth, they had neglected the most important thing - their love for God and others.  They were lacking the passion, fervor and love for God that they first had. They had forsaken the first commandment - "Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)

    In each letter, the church is given a promise to "he that overcometh." To those in Ephesus who overcame, were given the promise "to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (vs. 2:7) We first see the tree of life recorded back in Genesis, in the garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were thrown out of the garden, symbolizing sin being the cause of Man's separation from God. The tree of life shows up again in the last chapter of Revelation, symbolizing the believer's inheritance in Christ and full access to God the Father.

The Church of Smyrna:

    The church of Smyrna represents the persecuted church and its name means "myrrh." Myrrh was a highly valued spice primarily used to embalm the dead. The only way for myrrh to give off it's bitter, strong odor is to crush it, which is a fitting illustration of the suffering and persecution that Smyrna was enduring. Out of the seven churches, only two churches had no criticism. Smyrna is one of the two, as it was not accused of any wrongdoing.  

    The church of Smyrna considered itself poor, which, in an earthly sense, they were; but Jesus told them that they were actually rich. We are told throughout scripture that those who belong to Christ have spiritual riches and blessings that are eternal and heavenly. This spiritual wealth is far more precious than anything one can possess on earth. 

     When Jesus opens this letter, he described himself as "the first and the last, which was dead and is alive" (vs. 2:8).  This description was encouraging for these Christians who were facing intense persecution and death while looking for hope in the eternal.  Jesus indicated that their time of tribulation would last ten days, which historically correlates with ten Roman emperors who issued edicts to purge the world of Christians in the first few centuries. During that time, it is estimated that over five million Christians were killed for their faith. Today, it is estimated that over 70 million Christians have been executed for simply being followers of Christ since the first century AD. 

    The church of Smyrna is told that those who overcome will "not be hurt of the second death." (vs. 2:11). The second death is when death itself and hell are cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:14)  While this promise is the hope of every believer, it is significantly important to those who endure intense suffering, persecution and death for following Jesus Christ. The church of Smyrna is also told that if they are faithful unto death, they will be given "a crown of life." (vs. 2:10)  There are five crowns recorded in scripture, with the crown of life being the one specifically given to those who suffer persecution for the name of Christ. (James 1:12)