[:en]TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA (vs. 8-11)
Speaker: Words of him who is the Frist and the Last, who died and came to life again
- Commendation: Rich despite of affliction, poverty and persecution
- Rebuke: none
- Rewards: I will give you the crown of life if you remain faithful to the point of death
Smyrna was about 25 miles north of Ephesus. It was called “Port of Asia” because of its excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea. This church struggled against two hostile forces. A Jewish population strongly opposed to Christianity and a new Jewish population that was loyal to Rome and supported emperor worship. So, persecution and suffering were inevitable in their environment.
They will suffer for “10 days” means that although persecution would be intense, but it would remain in control and those who remain faithful will be rewarded.
Smyrna was famous for its athletic games. A crown was the victory wreath, the trophy for the champion at the games. Those who kept their eyes on Jesus shall remain fiathful till the end. “Second death” is an eternal separation from God.[:]