Revelation 2:8

Angel. See on ch. 1:20.

Smyrna. This name was long thought to be derived from muron, the name of an aromatic gum derived from the Arabian tree Balsamodendron myrrha. This gum was used for embalming the dead, and medicinally as an unguent, or salve, and was burned as incense. See on Matt. 2:11. More recently, scholars tend to favor a derivation from the name of an Anatolian goddess, Samorna, who was worshiped in the city (see p. 93). Concerning the ancient city of Smyrna see p. 91; John’s Literary Productions.There is no record as to when or under whose ministry the church in Smyrna was established. This church is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.

Historically, the Smyrna period of the church may be thought of as beginning about the close of the 1st century (c. A.D. 100) and continuing until about A.D. 313, when Constantine espoused the cause of the church (see Additional Note at end of chapter; see on v. 10). Some suggest A.D. 323 or 325 as the date of his supposed conversion to Christianity. Actually, the prophecies of chs. 2 and 3 are not, strictly speaking, time prophecies, and dates are suggested simply to facilitate an approximate correlation of prophecy with history.

The first and the last. See on ch. 1:8, 17.

Was dead. See on chs. 1:18; 2:1. To a church facing persecution and death for its faith, emphasis on life in Christ would be especially meaningful.