Second church; Smyrna

Jesus sends a message to the second of Seven Churches on Western Coast of modern Turkey.

Smyrna, now called Ismir, is on the shore of the Aegean Sea and it is a rich city. About fifty miles, or eighty kilometers, south-east is the famous City of Ephesus which is also near the coast.

Guess who turns up from Genesis 3:1

Background Reading:

Revelation 2:8-11

2nd Church Smyrna

8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 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. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death."