The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

sorrow. She then raised up the fainting and mortally wounded Felicitas, and the cruelty of
the populace being for a time appeased, they were permitted to retire. Perpetua seemed
rapt in ecstasy, and as if awakening from sleep, inquired when she was to be exposed to
the beast. She could scarcely be made to believe what had taken place. Her last words
tenderly admonished her brother to be steadfast in the faith."
The historian concludes: "We may close the scene by intimating that all were speedily
released from their suffering, and entered into their glory." We would say, to rest in sleep,
awaiting the First Resurrection, at our Lord's parousia.
We have given this little item of history, only one of very many, in order to give emphasis
to the terrible trials that befell the footstep followers of Christ during the period from St.
John's day, 100 AD, to the Edict of Milan in 313. The last ten years of this period constitutes
evidently the special time referred to by Christ in this message to Smyrna. We shall have
occasion to refer to the sufferings of Christ's followers in this period more particularly
when we come to consider those visions that have special reference to the momentous
events of those closing days of Pagan Roman history.
The words of the Master, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer," "Be thou
faithful unto death," were in the possession of Christ's suffering ones during those trying
years; indeed, it was then customary to have these messages read in the churches. It is
quite essential to note that the Savior did not promise them exemption from suffering.
They understood that to follow in His footsteps, to testify of Him, would bring suffering;
and like the Apostles in earlier years, they "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to
suffer for His name." It was certainly comforting as well as encouraging to them to realize
that He foresaw their sufferings, that He foresaw that these were necessary, and that He
was not unmindful of their faithfulness. He exhorts and encourages them not to be afraid;
and they laid hold by faith on the promise that He would be with them. Their sufferings
were permitted that they might be tried, that their faith might be subjected to a test to
prove its genuineness. The permission and design of the sufferings were of the Savior,
even though Satan was allowed to be the agent in bringing them.
The words of the Master, "Be thou faithful unto death," meant to them literal martyrdom.
It is, however, true of all sincere Christians, even to those who do not suffer martyrdom,
that the same injunction and the same promise is applicable: Faithfulness to Christ until
death, no matter how death may come, will bring the "crown of life"--immortality. The
overcomer is the one who by faith realizes the sustaining power of Christ, the sustaining
power of the Gospel, at all times, under all conditions, in all circumstances, whether it be
in times of persecution, or otherwise; who will not yield his principles when opposed or
persecuted, even though the taking of such a stand may be in the face of death. These
Smyrna believers were faithful to the utmost, and if we are now living in the "parousia,"
the Second Presence of Christ, as many have come to believe, these faithful ones of Smyrna
may now be enjoying the reward promised--immortality. As one has truthfully said,