Smyrna
Smyrna is now known under the name "Izmir". Smyrna was very known for their perfumes and scents. Smyrna means a few things... At first it means myrrh, used for perfume. But the meaning of Myrrh is at the first place "persecution" or "bitterness". It's a bit like this passage says... There is a lot of persecution, but it also gives off a "lovely scent" for God, because they stand fast (see Rev. 8:3-5).
Smyrna means also pseudo, which stands for the earthly wealth (scents), that is pseudo (fake) comparing to the richness God gives.
Smyrna stands for the second phase in the history of the church, the years 170-313. See my comment with verse 10.
Created about 4 years ago
