Revelation 2:8 – 11

8 “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.

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.” ’

John writes this message to the congregation at Smyrna. It is one of the seven listed in the previous chapter. The message is from Christ as the one who is among the seven lampstands. He understands all that is happening and going on in every congregation.

The conditions written about for each of the seven congregations are representative of the conditions faced by the brotherhood during the waning years of the first century of the kingdom. They are also representative of the conditions faced by today's congregations. So we need to take heed to the messages to each congregation.

Christ knows the works and conditions each congregation faces, so He can say “I know your works.”

Tribulation is the conditions which a church faces caused by the opposition of Christ's teachings by the world. Tribulation or persecution can cause Christians to be poor financially. There are times and places where we can be unable to work, or sell, or do business because we believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we adhere to the words which he gave us.

Much of the persecution then came from individuals who claimed to be Jews but were really serving Satan.

Christ says do not be afraid of the persecutions, even if you wrongly imprisoned, this will be a test of faith. He told His disciples “do not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul.” (Matthew 10:28)

Having tribulation for 10 days refers to the persecution applied to the church by the Roman empire.

Christ says be faithful unto death and be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. He tells us all to pay attention to these words, if we are able to withstand the persecutions He will reward us and we will not suffer the consequences of dying in the lake of fire.