Letter to Smyrna
The Second Letter: Smyrna
Messenger - "Iraneaus"
Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna
The Messenger the Smyrna church age is believed to be Iraneaus. He was a disciple of Polycarp. He was strongly against any form of human organization. He had much manifestation of the Holy Ghost
The Word was taught with the original precepts. The Gifts of the Spirit manifested in his churches. The Saints spoke in tongues, prophesied, healed the sick, and raised the dead.
City - "Smyrna"
Smyrna was a commercial center and was distinguished for its schools of rhetoric, philosophy, medicine, sciences, and fine buildings
Many Jews lived in Smyrna and bitterly opposed Christianity. The meaning of the name "Smyrna" Myrrh-Bitter. Myrrh was used in embalming the dead.
It was a poor church in the midst of poverty - vs. 9,10
The Age lasted 170 to 312 AD
Commendation vs. 9
Their works - tribulation - poverty
They were rich spiritually "But thou art rich"
No complaint against this church
The key to this age was tribulation. You have to suffer to reign
"Ten days" - "Ten years" v. 10
Under Diocletian cruelest of all emperors 302-312
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