Pre Revelation 2 8-11 Symrna

Symrna was known for it's beauty, of all the cities of Asia, it was the most beautiful.  It was frequently called the crown of Asia or the flower of Asia.   There was a west wind that blew almost constantly through the streets of Symrna,  a type of gentle breeze.  However, the breeze sometimes contained the odor of the cities sewage which drained into the gulf.  In addition it would blow the sewage itself back into the city rather than out to the water.

Symrna was located at the end of a road that crossed Lydia and Phygia.  The road continued on east for trade with Hermus valley.  The city was in a land locked harbor and was noted to be one of the safest and most convenient of all harbors.  Symrna smartly figured out a way to chain the harbor off in time of war so access could be denied.

To add to the cities picturesque beauty, with the sea in front, and the rolling foothills surrounding, there was a back drop of the Pagos, (a hill covered with temples and buildings).  Symrna was actually a planned city, founded as a Greek colony around 1000 B.C.  Then about 600 B.C. the Lydians came in from the east and destroyed it.  For 400 years it laid as a collection of villages, no city. Then the Lysimachus rebuilt it, with wide, straight streets.  Most famous for the streets due to the care and planning put into them.  Highly noted was the Street of Gold which began at the Temple of Zeus and ended at the Temple of Cybele.

Symrna, in the life of a city, actually died and came back to life.  Symrna was a free city and placed it's undying loyalty in Rome.  It was the first city in the wold to build a temple to the goddess Roma.  In addition, it was granted permission to build a temple to the godhead of Tiberius.  Symrna had the games, had a public library, a theater and was the birthplace of Homer.

Symrna was numerous in the Jewish population and was especially hostile to Christians.  One of the most famous martyrdom occurred there.  Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna was the martyr.  It happened on a Saturday Feb. 23 155 A.D.  Polycarp did not flee, and would not say Ceasar is Lord reguardless of the numerous request from the citizens, friends and famly.  The proconsul gave him a choice of cursing the name of Christ  and a sacrifice to Caesar or, Death!  Polycarp's words were, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong.  How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"  At that, the proconsul was promising to burn him.  His reply, "You threaten me with the fire that burns for a time, and is quickly quenched, for you do not know the fire which awaits the wicked in the judgment to come and in everlasting punishment.  Why are you waiting?  Come, do what you will."  The crowds went wild, started gathering fire wood.  They went to bind Polycarp who said to leave him be, God would give him power to endure the fire!  So, they left him unbound.  Then Polycarp went into prayer, it is told the flames made a tent around him, not harming him.  Seeing this, the executioner stabbed him to death.  It was told a dove came out of his chest, and so much blood that killed the flames.  What is sure in the story is that Polycarp died a martyr for the faith.

Blessings to all !


Calabash