Revelation: A Suffering Church

Jason Roach speaks on "A suffering church" from Revelation 2:8-11.

The future of the church – at least in Asia Minor – was threatened from without by persecution and within by false teaching, idolatry and immorality. The words of the risen Christ come, with similar pattern, in every letter. Although rooted in history, and particular, yet they are meant for wider audience and they are very contemporary.

Smyrna is the subject of Revelation 2:8-11. There is no criticism of the church; there is a radical reconstruction of what constitutes true poverty and riches, and a reassurance of eternal security in the face of terrible suffering.