Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of Messiah’s community in Smyrna write: “Thus says the First and Last, who was dead and came to life.”

Yeshua said something very serious that is not to be taken likely: He said that he knows

“The slander of those who say they are Jewish and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Revelation 2:9.

He admonished the believers in the community in Smyrna for their loyalty; however, He knows that they are being attacked with lies, pressure, and deception from leaders in some synagogues who continue to slander the name of Yeshua; saying things like Yeshua is not the Messiah, and saying that he is a deceiver and a counterfeit. 

This is a reminder of the type of world we are living in today.  Yeshua warned us that

1: There will be many deceivers coming that give the illusion of freedom but behind the scenes; are planning complete destruction

Matthew 24:24 “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

2: A reminder Not to dilute your minds by saying you are a follower of Yeshua; but are living opposite to His rules and regulations; accepting and embracing the lie.

Matthew 7:21,23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.   Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

3: If you are with Yeshua, he reminds His community not to Fear.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The major theme to take away from the community of Smyrna is that like today, it was surrounded by pagan worship, aspirations of power by surrounding cities, and the deception of gaining freedom through the evil master plan of liberal Hellenistic thinking. The desire to live a calm faithful life was a challenge as it is in this day in age. In basic terms, Yeshua is calling every believer to stand for truth and righteousness.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach is saying to Messiah’s communities. The one who overcomes shall never be harmed by the second death.” Revelation 2:11.