THE SCROLL: Smyrna
(Study 5-B)

The word "Smyrna" in Greek means, "Myrrh." It is a fragrant resin that comes from a flowering plant, and is also known in the Bible as the "balm of Gilead." (Jer 8:22) This is the second church to be addressed by Christ through John the Revelator, and as always, in the Bible names mean something very significant.

As before, we will find the characteristics of this second church age reflected in other parts of Scripture, and my prayer is that we may "know to refuse the evil, and choose the good," (Isa 7:15) so that we may continue our walk of purification as we draw ever nearer to that great Day of the Lord.

QUESTIONS:
01) What were the three gifts given to Christ by the magi at His birth? (Mat 2:11)
02) What are some of the things the Bible says about myrrh's properties? (Pro 7:17, Songs 5:13, Jer 46:11)
03) How are the properties released from this substance? (Songs 1:131)
04) What needed to be done with a box of a similar balm before Christ could be anointed with it? (Mark 14:3)
05) What attributes does the Messiah ascribe to Himself when he speaks to the Smyrna Church? (Rev 2:8)
06) What connection does this description have to the myrrh? (John 19:39,40)
07) How does Christ describe Smyrna's condition regarding physical things? (Rev 2:9)
08) What does the Bible say in regards to true riches and poverty? (Mat 6:19-21, James 2:5, Luke 6:20)
09) How does the Bible describe those who are truly faithful "Jews?" (Rom 2:29, Deu 10:16, Gal 3:29, Eph 2:11-13)
10) What advice does Christ give to those who will be oppressed for the Gospel's sake? (John 16:32, Rev 2:10)
11) What does Yahweh say to those who love the truth more than their own lives and comforts? (Mat 5:12, Mark 8:35, Rev 7:13,14)
12) What are the characteristics of the symbol released at the breaking of the second seal? (Rev 6:3,4)
13) What does the color "red" and the sword symbol represent in Scripture? (2Ki 3:22,23; Isa 3:5)
14) What was the apostles' attitude toward suffering in this world? (Mat 5:10, 2Cor 7:4, Phil 4:11, 1Pet 4:12-142)
15) What is said of the faith of those who endure trials for doing the right thing? (1Pet 1:5-7, Zec 13:7-9)
16) How did Christ's Church respond to persecution in the 1st Century? (Acts 8:1,4)
17) How will it respond to persecution in the last days? (Deu 4:30,31; Dan 12:1,3)
18) What does Yahshua say specifically to the Smyrna Church regarding its trials, and what promise does He give to the members? (Rev 2:10,11)
19) What else is said about this Crown? (2Tim 4:8, 1Pet 5:4, James 1:12)
20) Is any negative attribute pointed out concerning this persecuted Church itself? (Rev 2:8-11)

Note1 We need to be careful with verses from this Book - nevertheless, we know this about myrrh - in order for it's sweet fragrance to be utilized, the resin must be warmed and crushed.
Note2 Here we see the significance of the name of this church. In the second age, following the death of the apostles, great persecution came upon the faithful due to the efforts of pagan Rome. This was one of the times of the fastest expansion of the membership of the faithful - truly Christians are like myrrh, when pressed, when the temperature is turned up, then the sweetness of Christ's glory is most clearly seen. (2Cor 12:9)

Regresar