We continue to reflect on the messages to the churches in this episode with Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan. We see God speaking to the church in Smyrna through St. John. In modern times, this is Izmer in Turkey. 

This is a church that is in good shape and Jesus is telling the church that it is going to face persecution and martyrdom. The city was founded, destroyed, and rebuilt; Jesus identifies the city as the one who has died and risen again; they are materially poor but spiritually rich. 

The true source of anything that tries to destroy the church is satan. Whoever chooses darkness and hate becomes an instrument of satan. The church is told to expect a 10-day trial to see if they are heaven-worthy and can be given the Stephanos.

So, what are we to do in the face of persecution? 

1. Be faithful until death
2. Bear witness to the one who bore witness before all the world on a cross

Jesus won us the crown of glory because he accepted the crown of thorns. Jesus says to the church in Smyrna that they will not have to face the second death if they pass the trials. We all have two births, two deaths, and two resurrections. 

Bible References:

• Rev. 2:8-11 - Message to the church in Smyrna
• Col. 3:1-4 - Look to heavenly things
• Dan. 3 - The three men in the fiery furnace
• Luke 21:12-18 - At the time of persecution, we are to bear witness
• Acts 7 - St. Stephen, the first martyr of the church, bears witness to the Sanhedrin
• Acts 24 - St. Paul bears witness to a very hostile Jew and Gentile audience
• Phil. 3 - St.Paul is running for the prize for which Christ called him
• Rev. 2:11 - If you are capable of listening, listen
• Rev. 2:12-17 - The message to the church in Pergamum

Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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