The letter to Smyrna was probably written about 60 years before Polycarp’s martyrdom. Poverty, slanders and suffering were the common fate of the followers of YaHUsha in all seven of the Assemblies, and Smyrna was no exception, but it was written to them to be not afraid of suffering for it was promised that it would not last long: “Only be faithful till death, and I will give you the crown of life …. He who is victorious cannot be harmed by the second death” Rev. 2:10 – 11.

These videos of both Our Daily Bread and the Fig Tree Ministries, explain more about the historical and biblical background of Smyrna.