Faithful Witness

July 20th, 2025

Revelation 2:8-11.

A careful interpretation of Revelation will be mindful that John the revelator was speaking to Christians in a real time and place. This was a message for the church in Smyrna, one of only two churches in Revelation to receive a message without condemnation. These were faithful believers living in a difficult situation.

Smyrna was an economically affluent city because of its location on a major trade route. However, it seems the believers did not benefit from the city’s wealth. They were rich spiritually (v. 9), but economically poor. They were warned about an impending affliction and told to remain faithful. They were promised the crown of life (v. 10), which is eternal life, a poignant reminder of the risk of earthly death they faced.

There are two potential lessons for us today. First, will we be faithful witnesses by embodying God’s self-giving love? Second, let’s not be quick to assume our own faithfulness. The Jews in verse 9 thought themselves right, when they were actually working against God. Let us posture our hearts in humility before God before we ever speak a word to or about other people.

Author: Deanna Hayden