Synagogue of Satan

In the letters to the early Christian churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9, Jesus makes reference to a Synagogue of Satan (in Greek: συναγωγή τοῦ Σατανᾶ, synagōgḗ toũ Satanã), in each case referring to a group persecuting the church "who say they are Jews and are not". Quotes about New Testament And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Book of Revelation 2:8-9 NRSV. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write... "I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but are lying—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you." Book of Revelation 3:7-9 NRSV. Others Si meraviglierà forse qualcuno di Voi, Venerabili Fratelli, che la guerra che oggi si muove alla Chiesa Cattolica si espanda tanto. Ma chiunque conosce il carattere, gli obiettivi ed il proposito delle sette, sia che si chiamino massoniche, sia che si chiamino con qualsivoglia altro nome, e li paragoni al carattere, al modo, e all’ampiezza di questa guerra, da cui la Chiesa è assalita quasi da ogni parte, non potrà certamente dubitare che questa calamità non si debba attribuire alle frodi ed alle macchinazioni di quelle sette. Da esse infatti è formata la sinagoga di Satana, che ordina il suo esercito contro la Chiesa di Cristo, innalza la sua bandiera e viene a battaglia. Some of you may perchance wonder that the war against the Catholic Church extends so widely. Indeed each of you knows well the nature, zeal, and intention of sects, whether called Masonic or some other name. When he compares them with the nature, purpose, and amplitude of the conflict waged nearly everywhere against the Church, he cannot doubt but that the present calamity must be attributed to their deceits and machinations for the most part. For from these the synagogue of Satan is formed which draws up its forces, advances its standards, and joins battle against the Church of Christ. Pope Pius IX, Etsi multa, 21 November 1873, at n°. 28. An English translation is available here. See also Sodom and Gomorrah Whore of Babylon Synagogue Satan External links Category:Book of Revelation Category:Freemasons Category:Sayings of Jesus