The Church at Smyrna: Faithful in Suffering

In the security of the "Pax Romana" (the peace of the Roman empire), the city of Smyrna had seen great peace and prosperity. Smyrna was considered the most beautiful city ever built by the Greeks in Asia Minor. But Christians in the Church at Smyrna were persecuted and hated by most in Smyrna because they refused to participate in the emperor worship. Citizens were required to proclaim the Roman Caesar as "Lord". Since most citizens loved the Roman Empire, with their military strength and resultant prosperity, bowing to Caesar was not objectionable. But the believers in Smyrna remained strong in their exclusive worship to Jesus Christ. In spite of poverty and rejection, they did not bow to Caesar. In that light, Jesus commends them for their faithfulness to Him.