Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Smyrna"

Revelation 2:8 (AMP):

"And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again:" 

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Smyrna: The First and the Last, who died and came back to life again!

The name Smyrna comes from the word ”myrrh” which was a common perfume in the ancient world. It was also used to embalm and perfume dead bodies {John 19:39}. The meaning of Smyrna is a coincidental undertone to the fact that the church there faced tremendous persecution. As a result, Jesus Christ’s letter to them revolves around themes of death and resurrection. 

Jesus Christ introduces Himself along these lines, saying: “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of Him who is “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again”{Revelation 2:8}.

Because the believers in Smyrna were suffering persecution from local Jewish leaders, their biggest concern was the question of resurrection. If they were martyred, would they experience eternal life? In this life-and-death context, Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the one who has already experienced death and has been resurrected into eternal life; His death and resurrection is also a promise, as Paul said to the church in Corinth:  “If only for this life we have hope in Jesus Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. However, Jesus Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Jesus Christ, all will be made alive” {1 Corinthians 15:19–22}.

Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, His followers would also be resurrected! This was a powerful and comforting promise to the believers in Smyrna. He could identify with their plight. He too had suffered persecution and been martyred, and He had overcome death on their behalf. Because of His presence with them, though they might physically die, they would live forever with God.

Jesus Christ promises that resurrection awaits the faithful; He gives believers this promise: “…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death” {Revelation 2:10–11}.