An observation on the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Of the seven churches, only two are not criticized by the risen Christ for moral shortcomings: only the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia. And Smyrna is undergoing severe persecution, even unto death. Among all seven churches, only Smyrna is under the intense fire of bodily suffering.
Now my question is this: Why is one of the only two faithful churches suffering the most severely? And this suffering, take note, as it is clear from the text, is ordered by the Lord to test the church of Smyrna. The answer is found, among many places, in Paul: "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). It is precisely those who follow in the Master's steps most closely who are going to suffer most. Faithfulness and fire go together. Perseverance always meets with persecution.
So let us hear Peter: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice with exultation" (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
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