Smyrna is the only city of the seven that is still a major city today. Izmir (its modern name) has a population of over 3 million. It’s been an urban city for over 3500 years, with archaeological ruins dating back 5000 years.

Smyrna competed with Ephesus and Pergamum for the right of being called the most important city in Asia. No city could claim a closer tie with Rome, however. The Roman politician Cicero called Smyrna one of Rome’s “most loyal allies.” Eleven cities in Asia competed for the right to build a temple to Tiberius, but it was Smyrna that was chosen.

An example of the persecution the church faced is the account of the martyrdom of Polycarp in the second century. Here’s how I tell the story in Letters from the Lamb:

When the soldiers arrived to arrest Polycarp, he insisted that a table be spread for them and that they enjoy a feast, while he prayed in the next room. As Polycarp was led toward the stadium, his captors encouraged him to save himself by saying “Caesar is Lord” and offering a bit of incense. He politely told them that he would not do as they advised. The stadium was packed when they arrived, for the enemies of the Christians knew that Polycarp was a leader in the church. The magistrate who tried Polycarp again urged him to save himself: “Swear the oath, and you’ll go free. Revile Christ!” Polycarp replied: “Eighty and six years have I been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” When the Roman official warned Polycarp that he would be burned at the stake, Polycarp replied: “You threaten that fire which burns for a season and after a little while is quenched: for you are ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why do you delay? Come, do what you will.” So they burned Polycarp at the stake, with many of the Jews gathering wood for the fire, even though it was the Sabbath. Polycarp died with words of praise upon his lips. Such was life for a Christian in the province of Asia soon after the writing of the book of Revelation. Polycarp’s name was the 12th in a list of martyrs from Smyrna and Philadelphia; his story, though more dramatic than most, was not an uncommon one in the province of Asia.

(Letters From The Lamb, pp. 65-66)

Reading the story of Polycarp helps prepare us for reading the letter to the church in Smyrna.