Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Revelation Study Class 8
The Second Epistle: Smyrna (2:8-11)
The Second Epistle was addressed to the angel (leader) of the Assembly in Smyrna. It is marked by a definite period of trial mentioned, viz., “ten days,” and answers to the second stage of Israel’s history, which was marked by a definite period of trial- “40 years.”
The First Epistle (Ephesus) began with a reference to the day of Israel’s Espousals, and reminds those people of their “first love.” The second (Smyrna), in its definite days of trial, reminds us of the definite period of 40 years in the wilderness.
v.8: And unto the angel of the Assembly in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last[Yahshua] This is one of the Titles used in the Introduction (1:17); as it is used in the Old Testament, of deity (Isa. 41:4; 44:6;48:12.).
who was (lit., became) dead, and returned to life (1:17,18). The verb (ezesen)means more than merely to live or to be alive. (See Rom. 14:9, Revelation 13:14 (where it is used of and throws light upon the Beast being raised);20:4,5). It means to live again in resurrection life. (See John 4:50; Mark 16:11.)
v.9 I know thy tribulation and thy poverty This is the outcome of 13:16,17, for when they will not be allowed to buy or sell by the Beast, great poverty must necessarily ensue. …nevertheless thou art rich Poor in one sense, yet rich in another. … and I know the blasphemy coming from those who say that they themselves are Jews, and they are not, but are Satan’s synagogue. This refers to Jews that follow G-d’s Torah and non-Jews who transgress G-d’s Law, His Torah. (See 1 John 3,4 for the definition of sin). This last sentence has led to all sorts of misunderstanding on the part of Christians. Virtually all of the commentators ignore the obvious and straightforward interpretation that Yochanan is talking about Gentiles in this context who pretend to be Jews( See Rom. 2-3 for the definition of a “true Jew). The same kind of expression is used in v. 2: “ you tested those who call themselves emissaries but aren’t- and you found them to be liars.” It obviously refers to false apostles, and at this point the commentators accept the literal sense without any opposition. But even here they opt for the metaphorical interpretation that Yochanan is talking about Jews who reject Yahshua as the Messiah instead of the literal understanding that these are non-Jews who lie and say that they are Jews but in fact are Gentiles. In this way a verse which says nothing about Jews is given a virulently anti-Semitic significance. The result is that over the centuries Jews have had the epithet “synagogue of Satan” hurled at them by Christians who thought they understood the Bible based on what Christian clergy taught them to believe. Here is just one of numerous examples of what happens when man does not learn or use his ability to critically think. This skill takes time and most people will not take such time to research the Bible for the truth of it, let alone anything else they read or hear. Throughout their lives. Those who teach, live or promote such disinformation have branded Jews as such based on this one reading. But nowhere in the B’rit Chadashah (“New” Testament)are unbelieving Jews called “non-Jews.”
The only explanation I can see for its nearly universal disregard in this case is the anti- Jewish mindset that infects the Church, including its theologians and commentators, to the extent that even those without anti-Semitic feelings is simply following the traditions and authority of the Catholic Church since its inception in an attempt to separate themselves from Jews without any use of critical thinking about the absurdity and irony of such a theology held by all of Christianity which extends from the Catholic Church to Protestant Christianity. A good rule of interpretation is that when the literal sense makes sense, do not use an eisegesis approach by which one infuses their own thoughts and beliefs into Scripture to attempt to prove a point.
Most likely Yochanan is taking about what I call “messianity.” That is Gentiles who have adopted a smattering of Jewish practices but remain “Christians” in all their other practices and beliefs. Most likely they have subjected themselves to legalistic perversion of G-d’s Torah. They apparently have organized a pseudo-Messianic synagogue but have failed to understand that they must become partakers of the covenants of Israel, following G-d’s Torah, grafted in as Sha’ul says in Romans. They say they are Messianic Jews but still follow the Hellenistic pagan practices of Christianity such as celebrating Easter and Christmas as just two examples. They may as I have seen in my own experience, drawn Gentile Christians away from the truth with an attitude and philosophy that you can have your cake and eat it too. That is to say that they want to claim they are free from G-d’s Law/Torah when Yahshua was crucified, yet they are taught to believe they will be the Bride of “Christ” when He returns. This is an oxymoron. Yahshua/G-d cannot look upon sin, let alone take a “bride” who follows pagan customs and disregards His Torah. Again I encourage you to review the definition of sin in 1 John 3-4 and then Examine John 14, Romans 2-3, and the Seven-fold witness which is the definition of a true believer found seven times in the book of Revelation. To locate the specific verse, go to https://www.rabdavis.org and choose the link “Teachings.” Scroll down the menu to see “Definition of a true believer.” If you are one of those people who never consider the critical important of hearing, learning, and following G-d’s Torah, this would be a great time to start. The final destination of our souls depends on our observance to or choice to ignore G-d’s Word. We cannot ride the fence between two religions and expect that G-d will turn a blind eye to our indecision and inconsistent lifestyles. Indeed, He says as much in Revelation 3:15-17 that we will visit later: “ I know tour deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth….” Other translations of “spit” include “spew” (Revised Geneva Translation), “vomit” (New Testament for Everyone). No matter which word you choose to use, the result is the same; rejection and eternal separation from YHVH/Yahshua.
In the first century, the Jewish religion/faith system was highly regarded; many Gentiles became Jewish proselytes. It is not surprising that other Gentiles preferred a “short-cut, “ reaping the advantage of Jewish identification without adherence to G-d’s Torah. Paul had already encountered such types in Galatia (See Gal.6:12-13).
Should it nevertheless be thought improbable that Gentiles would call themselves Jews, Hebrew, or Israelites? Consider the following modern examples: The “British Israelites” regard the British as the Ten Lost Tribes. The Mormons not only consider themselves to be the Ten Lost Tribes but regard themselves as Jews and everyone else (real Jews included) as Gentiles! The Church of the Latter-Day Saints founder Joseph Smith, which includes the Mormon movement even state that he received a vision in 1831 whereby he was told that the center of the New Jerusalem with its temple would be built in Independence Missouri.
A sect of mostly African Americans consider themselves the true Hebrews; several thousand living in Israel. All of these are outside the pale of Christianity. In addition there are well -meaning Gentile Christians scattered about whose strong identification with and love for the Jewish people has made them believe- without a shred of evidence- that they are actually Jews (See. 1 Tim. 1:3-4). In fact some years ago a congregation was once expelled from the American Lutheran Church as well as from a Baptist conference because, along with a general drift into weirdness, its pastor and dozens of its members claimed to have heard from G-d that they were really Jews; many even claiming to know their tribal identification. These groups who isolate themselves, neither obeying G-d’s Torah nor embracing Yahshua’s true followers, cause a great deal of confusion and distrust leading to problems for true Messianic Judaism assembles. We can easily see through this study and all of G-d’s Torah that Yahshua does not regard them as harmlessly neutral but as synagogues of Satan.
Another perspective we need to identify and discuss. When have you heard of people who professed to be Jews in order to join a Christian church? This question alone should be sufficient to prove the true Jewish character of these assemblies and that the Epistles are directed to Jewish assemblies and not the “Church.”
v.10 Fear not the things which thou are about to suffer: lo, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days What trial and tribulation is this, if not exactly that foretold by the L-rd in Matthew 10:22?” And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Compare Matthew 24:9,10, and John 16:1-4. In these passages the specific trials are mentioned; and in Revelation 13:5-7 we see the specific circumstances described in which those who are thus addressed will be placed. In this special case, the tribulation is limited to “ten days.” And why not? Why should we seek to make these words mean anything other than the literal meaning? In Esth. 3:13 a decree went forth that the whole nation was to be destroyed; a first attempt at Jewish genocide, “ in one day.” Why should not such a decree go forth again for “ten days”? G-d is very specific when referring to days, weeks, and years (See Gen. 7:4,12; 40:12,13,20; Matt.12:40; Ezek.4:1-8) for additional examples.
be… (lit.,become) thou faithful unto death Most likely a violent death is meant. And I will give thee the crown of life Here we have not the standing of the church “in Messiah.” That standing does not depend on our faithfulness, but on the faithfulness of Him who has already given us life in Himself- eternal life. This life rests on no conditions but upon the unalterable gift of G-d in Messiah. Compare the Epistle addressed “to the twelve Tribes,” (James 1:1).
The faithfulness mentioned here refers to that which is the subject of 20:4,11. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the Assemblies. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. This is mentioned again in 20:6,14; 21:8, as the fulfillment of this promise in those who have passed through the great Tribulation and have not worshipped the beast nor received his mark. Those who are faithful unto death and die a violent death, then for Messiah’s sake, are promised that they “shall not be hurt of the second death,” which shall finally destroy their enemies.
Note how the titles of Messiah in verse 8 (“ I am He that was dead and returned to life”) agree with the exhortation of verse 10 (“be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life”), and the promise of verse 11 )” shall not be hurt of the second death.”
Next week The Third Epistle- Pergamos (2;12-17)
Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart