Smyrna,things got bad and things got worse Creedence Clearwater Revival-song Lodi contain these words things got bad and things got worse. Jesus does not remove the afflictions but instead gives them a heads-up more sufferings are coming. Brief summary: Excerpt from 1 Peter written by Cary Holbert p 19. 20 Josephus (Jewish historian, 37 to 100AD) does infer that the Jewish communities were granted special privileges by Rome while at the same time hated in the communities in which they lived. The Jews were known but this new sect, the Christian community, was viewed by many as an offshoot of Judaism and was rapidly expanding. It seems the seed was planted and no sooner had the dirt covered the seed, it bloomed. The world in Peter’s day was still not sure about this group of Jesus followers and there was a growing fear of the Christian movement. This fear and persecution would soon escalate throughout the world as we read the exchanges between Pliny the Younger and the future Emperor Trajan: Pliny the Younger was governor of Pontus/Bithynia from 111-113 AD. In these exchanges, Pliny tells Emperor Trajan he is executing Christians who refuse to deny Christ and those who are Roman citizens and refuse to recant are sent to Rome. Trajan encourages Pliny to pardon any who recant the faith. Then, in 155 AD, Bishop Polycarp is martyred in Smyrna. Sources: Flavius Josephus, Against Apion Book II, 4.sacred-texts/jud/josep... (Accessed Sept. 8, 2013) Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free, 29. Flavius Josephus, Josephus: The Complete Works, Antiquities of the Jews Book XVI, 6. ccel.org/ccel/josephus/com... (Accessed Jan. 18, 2014) “Letters of Pliny the Younger and the Emperor Trajan.” pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontli... (Accessed Nov. 1, 2013) Medieval Sourcebook: Pliny on the Christians. fordham.edu/halsall/source... (Accessed Nov. 1, 2013) Ibid Philip Schaff (1819-1893), History of the Christian Church, Volume II: Ante-Nicene Christianity. A.D. 100-325, ccel.org/ccel/schaff/hcc2.... (Accessed Jan.17, 2014) As noted, the Jewish communities under Roman rule were granted freedoms to conduct their cultic worship. However, the Christian community birthed from within the Jewish community and posed a threat to its status quo. Either you accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah or you must conclude he was a charlatan and those who worship him are Idolaters. The appropriate response under the Old Testament law then is to put the idolaters to death. While Rome is in control even free cities under Roman authority were not free to do anything. Dio Chrysostom reminded the assembly of Pursans, “nothing escaped the attention of the Roman authorities.” It appears from our text the way the Jews in Smyrna carried out the death penalty was by slander rather than sword (Jones, The Roman World of Dio Chrysostom, 99). To slander is to undermine the reputation of the church in Smyrna. The Jews drive a wedge between Judaism and Christianity. This puts a spotlight on the Christian Community allowing the Jews to cut the safety line that the Christian community was experiencing as being thought of as an offshoot of Judaism. The protections granted to the Jewish communities then are not afforded to the Christian community. The Lord’s response: “I know the slanders of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan” It is interesting to note in the Gospel of Mark (Chapter 1) when Jesus enters the synagogue in Capernaum the largest crowd that enjoyed the regular services were demons. However, when Jesus arrives the Synagogue of Satan is disbanded and for a moment, it is a place of true worship with the Messiah physically present. The Old Testament prophets foretold Jesus coming, John the Baptist heralded he is here, the Apostles were eyewitness and the tomb is empty and this Jesus “who died and came to life again” is sending the Smyrna church a love letter. Those who are Jewish will eventually call Jesus Messiah and Lord. The synagogue without Jesus as its head is a “synagogue of Satan.” The Lord’s promise: “do not be afraid…the devil will put some of you in prison to test you...10 days” Heads-up it is going to get worse, “do not be afraid.” Jesus reminded them of his journey, “who died and came to life.” Nothing can conquer those who are “in Christ.” The redemptive plan includes the Smyrna church suffering. The archenemy of God, the devil while whipped, he keeps on throwing out of control roundhouse punches. The devil’s plot is known and his time is fixed, 10 days. The 10 days is probably figurative rather than literal. The days of the devil are limited and in the backdrop of eternity, it is no more than 10 days. Our rest from the battle is coming. Jesus sufferings and afflictions are over and ours will be soon. Pliny the Younger was governor of Pontus/Bithynia from 111-113 AD. In these exchanges, Pliny tells Emperor Trajan he is executing Christians who refuse to deny Christ and those who are Roman citizens and refuse to recant are sent to Rome. Trajan encourages Pliny to pardon any who recant the faith. Then, in 155 AD, Bishop Polycarp is martyred in Smyrna.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:34:42 +0000
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