As human beings, we naturally avoid suffering—no one wants to endure it. Yet, God provides profound spiritual guidance on the subject. In the Book of Revelation, the Lord addresses seven churches, each with its unique character. One of these, the Church of Smyrna, is known as the “Suffering Church.” Through the example of Smyrna, we gain valuable insights into enduring and overcoming suffering.
In the Book of Revelation, Smyrna is one of the seven churches addressed by Jesus through the Apostle John. Known as the “Suffering Church,” Smyrna endured intense persecution, and its story provides insights into resilience, faithfulness, and spiritual endurance. The name Smyrna comes from the word myrrh, a sweet-smelling perfume used in embalming dead bodies
If you are going through intense suffering as a follower of Christ, take encouragement from the experience of the Church of Smyrna. Reflect on their journey, and find comfort in how He can support and strengthen you in your trials.
These are the words of John on Chruch of Smyrna
Revelation 2:9 'I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. '
The Church of Smyrna endured significant trials and hardships. When God says, “I know your afflictions,” He acknowledges their suffering and the weight of their tribulations.
This church remained steadfast, rejecting false teachings circulating at the time, and would be spared from the great tribulation.
The Lord was pleased with Smyrna’s unwavering faithfulness, allowing these trials to purify and strengthen them. Through suffering, the church became spiritually rich.
The Christians in Smyrna experienced material poverty due to persecution—they were robbed, dismissed from their jobs, and marginalized for their faith. Yet, as Hebrews 10:34 reminds us, “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” They found joy in knowing their true wealth was secured in heaven.
When the Lord says, “your poverty—yet you are rich,” His words challenge the conventional view of wealth.
According to history, Smyrna was a prosperous city. Yet the Christians there were poor.
What God Means by “You Are Rich”
This contrast highlights that true wealth isn’t found in material abundance but in spiritual riches. The Christians in Smyrna were materially poor but spiritually rich, a reminder that material wealth doesn’t equate to spiritual depth.
Though impoverished in worldly terms, they were rich in God’s eyes. If Jesus declared them rich, they truly were rich.
Material wealth can be an obstacle to the Kingdom of God, as Jesus warns in Mark 10:23-25. Possessing money isn’t the issue—it’s when money possesses us that problems arise.
The church at Smyrna was also rich in leadership. One of the pastors of that church was named Polycarp
Synagogue of Satan - they were being persecuted by people who called themself jews (the people of God) but were actually the synagogue of Satan. Its like people who call Christians persecuting fellow Godly people, these people are “Church of Satan”
Comfort of suffering
Revelation 2:10 'Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. '
Do Not Fear the Suffering
Jesus begins with reassurance: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” He provides us with the strength to confront suffering boldly.
His words offer comfort even today: “The devil may throw you into prison, but don’t be afraid.”
Satan might bring accusations against you, even through other “Christians” , “Friends & Family” who oppose you. If you are imprisoned, remember that the devil can only act with God’s permission.
Prison to test
According to Jesus, the persecution about to come against the Christians of Smyrna was from the devil. At the same time it was measured and limited by God.
The prison permission is to test each of us, how we fair in these suffering by God, without God providing approval he cannot touch you.
In Job’s case - he sought permission 2 times with Lord
First, to strip Job of all possessions (as all earthly powers fall under Satan’s temporary control) - Job 1:12 'The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord . '
Second, to affect Job directly, but sparing his life- Job 2:6 'The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” '
God has a purpose in allowing suffering; He uses it to refine us and purify us 1 Peter 1:6-7 'In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. '
Suffering reveals glory of Christ to us, as Christ’s glory was revealed after He conquered death on the cross - Romans 8:17 'Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. '
How long does this suffering last ?
Many of us dread the question, “When will this end?” The answer can be found in Revelation 2:10: “…you will suffer persecution for ten days…”
Every period of suffering is temporary; Satan does not have indefinite permission to inflict pain. Its for a set time - you will suffer persecution for ten days , Its like a police asking a set time for their custody for someone in prison
There is no strong reason to interpret this as anything other than ten days of intense persecution, emphasizing that it is a limited timeframe.
Remember that God knows the outcome of the trial, it’s not good for us to know when the trial will be over.
You overcome suffering with the fruit of Spirit to wait on God to rescue, God’s Fruit of Spirit will keep us in action.
Joy : Seeing the opportunity to serve God faithfully during these challenging times.
Peace : Finding comfort in God’s promise of rescue and leaning on Him for strength.
Faithfulness: Trusting that God will deliver us soon, as He has set a time limit on our suffering; our faith in Jesus reassures us.
Self-Control: Relying on God and surrendering ourselves so that we avoid making poor decisions during difficult times.
Gentleness: Choosing not to retaliate or complain during the test, but yielding to God to fight our battles for us.
As stated in Galatians 5:22-23 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. '
We find encouragement in the call to “Be faithful, even to the point of death.”
Even in death, He promises to rescue us.
Jesus promised a special crown — the crown of life - “I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
Receiving a crown from Jesus is truly special; it’s akin to being recognized for outstanding achievement by a president or prime minister, a mark of exceptional honor.
Reward for the Sufferers
Revelation 2:11 ' 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. '
This promise is reserved for over comers: they will not face the second death.
Overcomer's are people who overcome the struggles and endure in seeking Christ as their protection and suffering in a righteous way.
The second death refers to hell, specifically the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Although Satan may threaten and attack their lives, Jesus assures His over comers that death has been conquered on their behalf.
Revelation 20:14 'Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. '
Revelation 21:8 'But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” '
We can assert that our victory comes from our close relationship with Jesus, the ultimate overcomer. As He said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
How to Overcome sufferings ?
Devil makes us feel we are a looser in this world when we suffer. He shows the world and others who live happy etc. This breeds a sense of jealousy, tempting us to abandon God. As Paul sates 2 Timothy 3:13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
The world will go worse to worst as children of God in struggles let’s not compare the world and lower our guard to endure the struggles. Don’t fall for this worldly jealousy that other Guy is better off let me do something to shortcut this and get away. God’s kingdom doesn’t work that way. He is a righteous God even if an angel committed sin he will condemn.
The word is clear when we have these temptations you submit this to God your challenges / struggles, the lamentation ,attitude you have / the self desire to break out etc. God will give the power so you can endure the suffering and he will give a way out. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Pray more ,talk to God without you talking to him it’s impossible to walk the valley lonely. Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Promise is clear his rod and staff will comfort us. The Rod is his Holy Spirit will comfort us, the staff is his word will correct us the areas we need to get corrected in our life.
Prayer and Word only are the two powerful tools we have to overcome them. Jesus prayed everyday in solitude to overcome the troubles.
Gods word also teaches us not to be afraid when these troubles come. His promise is these suffering is only for a small time and he will give us victory. Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
What a great honour to get a crown from Lord than to forsake him and miss the crown. The time we live we will be given troubles quite often to go step by step. Every step you cross ,there is righteous credits given to you . it’s recorded in book of life. When we meet God we will be showered by the righteous credits to judge our actions. Promise for endurance is Revelation 2:11 “.. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death “. So God says we will be victors.
Amen