THE CHURCH * "The Poor Rich Church" - no jobs, money - destitute * Jesus says nothing bad about them * No hypocrisy in church * Real (existed), symbolic (persecuted church).
THE CITY * Beautiful * "The Crown of Asia" * Still exists (faithful - honored by Christ) * Loyal to Rome, patriotic * Many temples, many gods, Caesar worship * Believers very committed to Christ - persecuted * "The Port of Fragrance"
THE AUTHOR * Christ * Picture of him ministering to his church * Statement of deity (v.8) * Statement of humanity (v.8) * Encouraging sympathy
THE CHURCH * Polycarp possible pastor * Possible offshoot of Ephesus church
THE NAME * Smyrna = "Myrrh" , same Greek word translated for both * Thorny substance * Perfume, religious ointment * Present at Christ's birth, death and burial * Typically refers to suffering - fitting for church there
JESUS UNDERSTANDING * Christ knows church struggles by experience * Christ sympathetic in every way
PERSECUTION * Midst of pagan worship * Midst of jews who rejected Jesus * Polycarp burned alive
CONCLUSION * Be faithful despite persecution * Lean on eternal promises, rewards
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