Being Faithful Unto Death: Jesus, Smyrna, Polycarp, and You
“FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.” I once saw a tombstone that had these words inscribed under the name of the individual who lay beneath it. It was a rather brief statement, yet it told the story of this person’s life. While many lives are wasted on selfish pursuits and flaky commitments, the lasting memory of this particular saint was that they remained faithful. I assume that this person did not perform faithfully without facing adversity. To earn such an epitaph, you must endure many tests of faithfulness to God with every turn of the page of your life.
In Revelation, Jesus had a message for the church of Smyrna. It reads,
I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.
Revelation 2:9-11 (ESV)
Jesus offered no condemnation for the church. He had no reason to rebuke them for anything. The congregation in Smyrna was a faithful church of diligently worshipful believers. They loved God. They loved people. They lived holy before their Maker. Jesus mentioned he knew they had been suffering. He knew they had no possessions and lacked financial wealth. He also knew that those outside the church were spreading terrible lies about them. Then he told them that ten days of more suffering was coming their way. Some folks in the church would be imprisoned. Some would die. Pay attention to Christ’s instructions to them. “Be faithful unto death,” Jesus said, “and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, ESV).
Church history tells us that several years later, a disciple of John became the pastor of the church in Smyrna. His name was Polycarp, and he carried the torch of faithfulness into the next generation in the life of this congregation. There is a great lesson to be learned here about instilling the things of God into younger generations so they may carry a gospel legacy into the future. Polycarp was fulfilling the legacy of these believers to whom Jesus was speaking.
Polycarp died a martyr around the year AD 155. After a failed attempt to burn him alive, he was pierced by a blade, and Polycarp expired. Just before his death, those who arrested him gave him one last chance to deny the faith. Polycarp’s response proves that “faithfulness unto death” was a mark of his life. He said, “For eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and Savior?” Earlier in his life, Polycarp wrote that chains are “the fitting ornaments of saints, and which are indeed the diadems of the true elect of God and our Lord” (Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians, Chapter 2).
Yes, Christ may have us endure tribulations. We could, indeed, lose everything to follow him. But his instructions are still, “Be faithful unto death.” Christians all around the world are bound in chains, but those rusted shackles glimmer like crowns on the brows of God’s elect. Faithfully enduring chains, martyrdom, sickness, and loss are signals to the world that being faithful to Christ is no lost cause, even unto death. And one day, the King who faithfully unto death endured the cross will grant us the crown of life, and we will be with him forever.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are you who remain faithful unto death, for the One who wore the crown of thorns will grant you the crown of life when you see Christ in glory.
Author Profile
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
