Revelation 2

I chose to comment on Revelations 2. The format of this chapter is a series of letters to Angles of different churches with “Here is the message of (insert different names of Jesus)” Then the speaker comments on the perseverance and faithfulness of the people of each church. After praising each church, the speaker comments on the sins of the people of each church which range from adultery to worshipping false gods. The speaker calls the people of each church to repent for their sins. The speaker explains that in each situation, the repentance will come with suffering. Finally, the speaker closes each letter assuring that if the people repent, they will be members of the Kingdom of God. I believe in these letters, the speaker is meant to be Jesus. Jesus seems to be offering advice to the angels of each church, and the angels are meant to act as messengers and convey Jesus’ message to the people of each church. The letter I will be discussing is the letter to Smyrna 2:12. The structure follows what I wrote above. The letter begins with a request by Jesus to write to the angel of Smyrna. Jesus’ name in this letter is “First and Last”, which speaks to how he is the center of Salvation History (all parts of salvation including the first and last revolve around him). Then Jesus comments on Smyrna’s material poverty and contrasts it with spiritual richness. He then points out how they claim to be Jews, which is inaccurate because the Church of Jesus Christ is the true center of the Jewish religion and Smyrna’s people do not yet place Jesus at the center of their faith lives. Jesus then explains that they will experience suffering because of their false worship, but that this suffering is only temporary. Jesus uses “ten days” of suffering not literally, but to demonstrate that the suffering will be short lived in comparison with one’s lifespan on Earth and in Heaven. Although, He does not minimize the pain the people of Smyrna will soon face. Jesus acknowledges that this suffering may even bring about an earthly death, but he follows that by saying an earthy death if one keeps their faith is not an ending. Finally Jesus says if through this suffering, the people of Smyrna keep their faith they will be rewarded with the “Crown of Life” or eternal life. Being prized with the Crown of Life ensures a resurrection to the Kingdom of Heaven during the Second Coming of Christ. The message of this letter, to me, is faith can bring about suffering, but that suffering is only temporary. Steadfast faith will bring about eternal rewards.