Bible Location

Smyrna

New Testament

Smyrna was an important port city on the Aegean coast of western Asia Minor. It possessed an excellent harbor and became a prosperous commercial center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Smyrna was one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. The Christian congregation there was commended for faithfulness despite affliction, poverty, opposition, and the prospect of persecution.

Ancient Smyrna lies within the modern Turkish city of Izmir.

Biblical Significance

Revelation addresses Smyrna as the second of the seven churches of Asia.

The risen Christ describes Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again, an especially appropriate introduction to a congregation facing persecution and possible death.

The believers at Smyrna are described as suffering affliction and material poverty while being spiritually rich. They are warned that some will be imprisoned and tested.

The message calls them to remain faithful unto death and promises the crown of life. Unlike several of the other seven churches, Smyrna receives no direct rebuke in the message.

Historical Background

Smyrna was an ancient Greek settlement that became one of the leading cities of Roman Asia. Its sheltered harbor and location on important commercial routes contributed greatly to its prosperity.

The city demonstrated strong loyalty to Rome and participated prominently in the imperial cult. Such civic and religious expectations formed part of the environment in which early Christians lived.

Early Christian tradition later associated Smyrna with Polycarp, bishop of the city, who was executed in the second century AD and became one of the best-documented early Christian martyrs.

Modern Identification

Ancient Smyrna is securely identified within modern Izmir on the western coast of Turkey.

Archaeological remains include the ancient agora and other portions of the Greek and Roman city, although extensive modern development covers much of ancient Smyrna.

The location of the city is certain, but no particular surviving building can presently be identified as the meeting place of the congregation addressed in Revelation.

Scripture References

Revelation 1:11 Revelation 2:8

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Revelation 1:11, Revelation 2:8-11; ancient Greek and Roman sources concerning Smyrna; archaeological studies of ancient Smyrna; early Christian sources concerning Polycarp and the church at Smyrna