Seven churches

62
M. M. NINAN
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Smyrna was the last of the Christian cities to hold out against the Mohammedans. In
1424 it fell into the hands of the Turks.
Rev 2:9 I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the
slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Smyrna and Myrrh
Smyrna Shalom synagogue of Smyrna today.
Smyrna church was a persecuted church. The name Smyrna comes from the word myrrh,
the sweet smelling incense. The aroma permeated the space when myrrh is crushed. It is
used even today is incense. Smyrna church was sweet smelling sacrifice to God. Myrrh,
is being bitter in taste which is expressive of the bitter afflictions, and
persecutions, and deaths, the saints of Smyrna endured.
They were mercilessly put to death by fine Roman methods - lions, stakes, and torches. In
this the Jews played a vital role. They reported the Christians to the Romans Romans
were connoisseurs of torturing. To this tortured persecuted crushed church Jesus writes a
comforting letter. He introduces himself:
Myrrh: Also called balm of Gilead.
Myrrh is a resinous substance that comes from the broken branches of a low
shrub-like tree to be found in desert areas in the Middle East. The sap forms a