Read & explore together
To the Church in Smyrna
This message to the assembly in Smyrna comes from “the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life”. He speaks to their present trouble, warns of further suffering, and gives a promise for those who overcome.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
The passage is written to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna. The speaker names himself in Revelation 2:8, then says he knows their works, oppression, and poverty. He also warns that some will face prison and testing, and he ends with a call to hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
Revelation 2:8–11Main takeaway
The speaker knows the assembly in Smyrna’s oppression and poverty, calls them not to fear coming suffering, and promises life and safety from the second death to the one who overcomes.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The speaker’s opening titleThe message begins with a command to write to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna. The speaker is called “the first and the last” and the one “who was dead, and has come to life”.
Explanation
The message begins with a command to write to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna. The speaker is called “the first and the last” and the one “who was dead, and has come to life”. These words shape the whole message that follows, especially its references to suffering and death.
02Known trouble and unexpected richesThe speaker says, “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty”, so the assembly’s hardship is seen and named.
Explanation
The speaker says, “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty”, so the assembly’s hardship is seen and named. Yet he adds, “but you are rich”. The verse also mentions “those who say they are Jews, and they are not”, describing a specific group in this message, not Jewish people as a whole.
03Do not fear what is comingThe assembly is told not to be afraid of the suffering ahead. Some are about to be thrown into prison by the devil “that you may be tested”, and they will have oppression for ten days.
Explanation
The assembly is told not to be afraid of the suffering ahead. Some are about to be thrown into prison by the devil “that you may be tested”, and they will have oppression for ten days. The passage states a real period of testing without explaining the number further.
04Faithfulness, life, and hearingThe command is clear: “Be faithful to death”. The promise is “I will give you the crown of life.”
Explanation
The command is clear: “Be faithful to death”. The promise is “I will give you the crown of life.” The ending widens the message to “the assemblies”: whoever hears the Spirit and overcomes “won’t be harmed by the second death”.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does Revelation 2:8 prepare readers for the call to be faithful to death?
Notice the speaker’s titles and connect them with the later command and promise in the passage.
02What does the passage place side by side in Revelation 2:9?
List the hardships the speaker knows, then include the surprising words in brackets.
03What are the two outcomes named for those who remain faithful and overcome?
Look at the end of Revelation 2:10 and the end of Revelation 2:11.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Revelation 2:8–11
8“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9“I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.