“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says 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.
“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.” ’
Once again, as with all the letters, one of the descriptions of chapter one is taken as belonging to Him who writes the letter. In this example, he is the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive.
Regarding what He knows about the saints here, Jesus says, “I know your tribulation, your poverty and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews but are a synagogue of Satan.” Smyrna had a Jewish community of Christians. Though they are poor in this world’s goods, Jesus reminds them of the same truth that James teaches (James 2:5). If they love Him, they are rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. James tells the poor saint to glory in this “high estate” (James 1:9). Being poor and oppressed by the rich is further described by James who writes of being drug before the judgment seats and hearing others blaspheme the honorable name of Christ (James 2:6-7). Luke records the early work of Paul as being met with persecution at the hands of Jews. Not being Jews is not a reference to their literal bloodline but to the condition of their heart (cf. Romans 2:28-29).
Jesus describes the tribulation that awaits them in their near future in verse ten. Their imprisonment may have been severe but only allowed for a short period of ten days. They were to hold on and be faithful even to the point of dying, and He would grant them the crown of life. These words of encouragement should eliminate fear (cf. James 1:2-4).
The promise to them was as follows: “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the called out. He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.” Nothing was said against them. These brethren, though physically poor, were richly blessed as the glories received would so outweigh their earthly sufferings (cf. Romans 8:18).