Asian Churches — Smyrna

Date written: December 19th, 2004
Scripture ref: Revelation 2:8-11

SUBJECT: Church History

TITLE: Asian Churches — Smyrna

PROPOSITION: In the letter to the church at Symrna, we have Jesus’: 1) Description 2) Knowledge, 3) Prophecy, 4) Command.

OBJECTIVES:

AIM:

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: Revelation 2:8-11

2. About the city of Smyrna

1) It is located about 45 miles North of Ephesus along the western coast of modern day Turkey.

2) The city was founded as a Greek colony around 1000 B.C.

3) The city has been destroyed (by both natural and manmade catastrophes) several times.

4) Near the city was Mount Pagos at the summit of which was a citadel called “The Crown.”

5) During the time of John, the city’s population was near 200,000.

6) Today, the city hosts over 2,000,000 people and is now named Izmir

3. Religion in Smyrna

1) The city had a temple for Athena that was built very early on (c600 B.C.)

2) The city built a temple to the goddess Roma in 195 B.C.

3) Cesar worship was popular as the city was loyal to Rome.

4) The Jews had a synagogue here as well.

4. About the Church

1) Smyrna was the second church to which Jesus had John write the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:11).

2) The church in Smyrna was likely established between 53 and 56 A.D. during the work of Paul at Ephesus.

3) Acts 19:10