Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV) “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things say the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
V8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things say the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life…” What “angel” means has been explained in Revelation 2:1 notes. The Lord Jesus emphasizes these points to this church: 1) First and Last—eternal without beginning of end, 2) Was dead—physically dead on the cross and buried, and 3) Came to life—His bodily resurrection. He is the Lord we long for. This is the Lord of the church, and what the brethren in Smyrna needed to be reminded of. Today Smyrna is Izmir, Turkey.
V9 “…I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”
Jesus knows everything. He observes every church, every believer, and every soul. He is aware of their efforts to live a Christian life. He knows the trials they experience. He knows their financial poverty and their spiritual riches. He is aware of the blasphemies—the slanders, the lies, and the efforts to destroy the church whether by written or oral methods. These blasphemers are identified as Jews. They are Jews as far as their DNA, but their heart, their love, their allegiance, their works, their lives, their thoughts, and everything else has declared them to be satanic. It is not a synagogue (gathering) of Jews to worship the God of Israel, but worship satan and his ways. They might have denied such a thought, but their actions reveal their beliefs. Their beliefs align with the character traits of satan. The idea of worshipping satan is not a physical one, but their life, worldview, and the actions towards outsiders are according to the desires of satan.
V10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The Lord Jesus comforts these believers. He knows they will suffer. Why does He allow these things? It is part of the sanctifying process to reveal our real allegiances and to mold us into the believers He wishes us to be. He tells them that some will be thrown into prison. Satan didn’t literally do this, but it was his idea and his suggestion to those who are evil. What is the purpose of these things? He wishes them to be tested, not for Jesus to know if they are true believers but for them to know. This tribulation will last 10 days. I’m sure those days seemed very long. Being faithful to death tests one’s loyalty to Jesus. There is an eternal reward for them. Trials are very difficult with many sorrows and pains, but I have read of those who suffered greatly. They testified that they realized the God was with them for the whole time.
V11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” If they overcome, it proves their genuineness.
We learn:
• Jesus’s complete knowledge of the church, believers, and all things.
• Jesus knows the future.
• Jesus shows His care for believers.
• Jesus shows the reward for remaining faithful.