How did persecution affect the church at Smyrna?
Persecution crushed the believers at Smyrna like myrrh, but instead of destroying them it caused them to exude a stronger testimony. The more they were persecuted, the more the church thrived, which is why Satan had to abandon that tactic.
Les explains that Smyrna means myrrh, and myrrh does not release its fragrance until it is crushed. That pictured the church at Smyrna: the more persecution crushed those believers, the more they exuded their testimony. Persecution did not destroy the early church; the more Satan persecuted, the more it thrived. So he gave up persecution and took the 'office attack'—joining them—and Christianity began to slide. In Revelation 2:9-10, the letter to Smyrna says, 'I know thy works, and tribulation.'
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
More Questions
Why was the church of Smyrna poor?
The church of Smyrna was materially poor because persecution took away their income, jobs, and wealth.
What does the name Smyrna mean and why does the meaning matter?
The name Smyrna means "myrrh," and myrrh does not release its fragrance until it is crushed.