Letter to the Underground Church

A less-than-literal translation of Revelation 2:8-11

John, take this dictation:

To the Power of the congregation of God’s people underground in China:

I am the ruler of all things from the least to the greatest.

And I am the one who was killed unjustly, but God vindicated me by raising me from the dead.

O My people, I know your great suffering and your poverty in the sight of all around you—

Yet, here with Me, you have great wealth!

I know about the traditionalists, the so-called “congregation of God” who speak terrible slander about You

But they are not of God’s congregation, but Satan’s.

Don’t be afraid of your suffering—that which you have received nor what is coming.

The Great Liar and Evil Prosecutor is going to throw some of you into prison

For a limited period of time.

This is done to test your faith.

If you remain true to me—even to death—then I will give you the reward of life that never ends.

If anyone can hear, then pay attention to the Spirit’s word to the people of Jesus.

The Victor may die, but won’t be touched by the death which comes at the judgment of all people.

Synagogue of Satan

Jesus is not calling all Jews of Satan, but certain ones.

"Satan" is not a name, but a title, which means "accuser" or "prosecutor".  He is the one who judges all people, whether guilty or innocent.

Thus, when Jesus calls a group of Jewish people the "synagogue of Satan" he means that they act like Satan-- they are persecuting and judging the innocent.  There are other synagogues who do not act this way, but any church or synagogue or mosque that acts in judgment on others and persecutes them is of the spirit of Satan. 

Riches in Poverty

Notes on sections from the Letter to Smyrna:

Who was dead and came to life—Jesus himself suffered under human courts and died.  Yet he was vindicated by God the Father which is what Jesus expects for the Smyrnans.

Suffering, poverty—The Smyrnans are being persecuted and they are enduring severe poverty.  It is likely that the poverty is a result of economic sanctions because of their stand with Christ.  If they stand with Jesus, they are being considered "atheists" by their Roman neighbors and business people.  Thus, they can't gain any economic gain because of their "immoral" position.

But you are rich—The Smyrnans are obtaining more honor and riches before God.  So their state on earth doesn’t reflect their true status in the heavens.  This is as Jesus said, that the lowly would be raised.  Note that this is the opposite of the church at Laodikia, who is wealthy, but Jesus said that they are in poverty.

First and Last

"First and Last" is a title for an emperor, like this Chinese one. 

Jesus' title reminds the Smyrnans that he alone is the King of kings.   Jesus alone is the one with all authority to make determinations.  Even though the Symernans are suffering humiliation in the human courts—even those that claim to speak for God—Jesus will vindicate them.

Smyrna

Smyrna was a significant city in the Hellenistic period, but dwarfed by Ephesus’ importance in Romans times.  It was situated on Mt. Pagos, near the Gulf of Smyrna.  It had a huge open market/teaching area called the Agora. Smyra had a significant Jewish community, out of which came the Christian congregation, which was significant to the Asian church throughout the second century.

For more information about Smyrna, click here.

Modern day Izmir, near the location of ancient Smyrna.

The Letter to Smyrna: A Literal Translation

And to the angel which is in the fellowship of Smyrna write: 

This says the first and the last, who was dead and came to life:  

I know your suffering and your poverty, but you are rich, and the blasphemy from those who call themselves Judeans and are not but of the synagogue of Satan.  Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold the devil is about to cast of you into prison in order to test and you will have suffering for ten days.  

Be faithful unto death and I will give to you the crown of life.  He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the fellowships.  He who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.