The term "Smyrneans" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Smyrna, a significant location in early Christianity. Smyrna is one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, and its Christian community is noted for its faithfulness amidst persecution.

Historical Context

Smyrna, located in modern-day Izmir, Turkey, was a prosperous port city in the Roman province of Asia. Known for its beauty and strategic location, Smyrna was a center of trade and culture. The city was also a hub for the imperial cult, which often led to tensions between Christians and the Roman authorities.

Biblical Reference

The primary biblical reference to the Smyrneans is found in Revelation 2:8-11. In this passage, the risen Christ addresses the church in Smyrna through the Apostle John:

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. I know your afflictions and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be harmed by the second death." (Revelation 2:8-11)

Characteristics of the Smyrnean Church

1. Faithfulness Amidst Persecution: The church in Smyrna is commended for its steadfastness despite facing severe trials. The believers are described as enduring afflictions and poverty, yet they are spiritually rich. This highlights the paradox of their situation—materially poor but rich in faith and spiritual wealth.

2. Slander and Opposition: The Smyrneans faced slander from those who claimed to be Jews but were described as a "synagogue of Satan." This indicates the presence of hostile forces within the city that opposed the Christian community, possibly referring to both Jewish and pagan adversaries.

3. Encouragement and Promise: The message to Smyrna includes a call to remain faithful even unto death, with the promise of the "crown of life" as a reward. This crown symbolizes eternal life and victory over spiritual death, offering hope and encouragement to the persecuted believers.

4. Testing and Tribulation: The reference to a period of tribulation lasting "ten days" suggests a limited time of intense persecution. This period serves as a test of faith, with the assurance that those who endure will not be harmed by the "second death," which refers to eternal separation from God.

Legacy and Influence

The church in Smyrna is often seen as a model of faithfulness and perseverance under persecution. Its example has inspired countless Christians throughout history to remain steadfast in their faith despite external pressures and trials. The message to the Smyrneans continues to resonate with believers facing persecution today, reminding them of the eternal rewards promised to those who remain faithful to Christ.

Ignatius
... To the Magnesians, a third To the Trallians, a fourth To the Romans, and going thence,
he wrote To the Philadelphians and To the Smyrneans and especially To ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xvi ignatius.htm

Letter ccxl. To the Presbyters of Nicopolis.
... the use of kataxaino (=card or comb) in the Letter of the Smyrneans on the Martyrdom
of Polycarp, 2, "They were so torn by lashes that the mechanism of their ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxl to the presbyters.htm

Smyrneans (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smyrneans (1 Occurrence). Revelation 2:8 And to
the messenger of the assembly of the Smyrneans write: These ...
/s/smyrneans.htm - 6k

Snail (2 Occurrences)

/s/snail.htm - 10k

Smyrna (2 Occurrences)

/s/smyrna.htm - 12k

Subapostolic
... 3) the shorter Greek edition, containing 7 letters of intermediate length, to the
Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans, Romans, and ...
/s/subapostolic.htm - 38k

Sub-apostolic
... 3) the shorter Greek edition, containing 7 letters of intermediate length, to the
Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans, Romans, and ...
/s/sub-apostolic.htm - 38k

According (7613 Occurrences)
... 5. Time of Composition: If we could be sure that Ignatius in his Epistle to the
Smyrneans derived the striking saying attributed to our Lord, "Take, handle me ...
/a/according.htm - 62k

Literature (2 Occurrences)
... 3) the shorter Greek edition, containing 7 letters of intermediate length, to the
Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrneans, Romans, and ...
/l/literature.htm - 82k

Gospel (108 Occurrences)
... 5. Time of Composition: If we could be sure that Ignatius in his Epistle to the
Smyrneans derived the striking saying attributed to our Lord, "Take, handle me ...
/g/gospel.htm - 101k

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)
... 5. Time of Composition: If we could be sure that Ignatius in his Epistle to the
Smyrneans derived the striking saying attributed to our Lord, "Take, handle me ...
/h/hebrews.htm - 70k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus