TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11
Refers to the martry church from AD 100 to AD 300
Smyrna was seat of emperor Worship
Along with Ephesus and Pergamum is ranked as the "Fist of Asia"
It had beautiful paved streets "The Golden Street" with temples to Cybele and Zeus
Other temples to Apollo, Ascelpius, Aphrodite
In AD 23 it won the privilege of center of emperor worship from Roman senate over 11 other cities
It was at this time first temple was built to the Roman leader Tiberious
Under domitian (AD 81-96) emperor worship became compulsory for every Roman citizen under threat of death!
Once a year citizens had to burn incense to a godhed of "Ceaser" and after that issued a certificate
It was an expression of political loyalty
After burning the incense the citizen was required to declare "Ceaser is Lord"
The true Christian refused!
This city was the most dangerous for the child of God during this time of history
Around 156 AD polycarp was burned alive at age 86 becoming the 12th martyr of Smyrna
"Eighty six years have I served Christ, and he has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me?"
In addition a large HOSTILE Jewish community was instrumental in Polycarp's death
Apostate judaism fought the early church!!!
There would be Ten persecutions of Rome against the church - "Tribulation 10 days"
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