Church in Smyrna
Rev 2:8-9 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."
The Lord made an affirmation to the church leaders asserting that He is the omnipotent God who wields all powers and authorities in His hands. As believers in a living Christ, we no longer fear death for death could not hold Him.
He complimented them of their:
1. good works - preaching the gospel, caring and teaching the sheep, feeding the poor
2. tribulations – resistance and persecutions by the Gentiles, false brethren and the Jewish leadership.
3. poverty - suffered great financial losses by giving up all to follow Jesus.
Despite living in poverty, they are rich in the Lord because they have stored up for themselves treasures in heaven
Those who Say they are Jews
In this church, there was a group of Christians who considered themselves as Jews, possibly because they observed one or more of:-
1. Keep Jewish Feasts
2. Do not eat unclean food
3. Keep Saturday as Sabbath
4. Partially keep the Law
5. Do not keep Christmas, Good Friday and Easter
6. Believe in Circumcision
7. Perform animal sacrifices
Keeping all the above will not make one a Jew, when Israel is without the Levitical Priesthood and Temple of God.
Who were the Jews ?
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
The Mosaic Law was a covenant made specifically for the Israelites alone, to govern their lives in the promised land. At the death of Jesus, God left the temple when He tore the veil from top down. His death established the New Covenant that renders the Old Covenant (Judaism) obsolete.
Jews must believe in the gospel of grace to be saved, just like John, Peter, Paul and everyone else.
Heb 8:13 In that He says, "A new covenant ," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Synagogue of Satan
With Judaism made obsolete by the New Covenant of His blood, Jesus labelled the gatherings of these rebellious and heretic Christians, who partially keep the Law as synagogues of Satan.
The act of participating in the defunct Mosaic Law is one and the same as idolatry, which God hates. Instead of pleasing God with their sacrifices, unlearned Christians are cursed by God.
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Rev 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Out of love, God permits the devil to inflict pain and suffering on His mislead children who partake in Jewish traditions and feasts to gear them into repentance.
To the faithfuls, they will receive the heavenly reward of kingship, the crown.
Rev 2:11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."
For those who atone themselves of the heresy of keeping Jewish traditions and law, they will reign with Jesus during His Millennium Rule and as His priests in eternity.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
