Message to Smyrna

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in ^(A)Smyrna write:

^(B)The first and the last, who ^[a](C)was dead, and has come to life, says this:

⁹ ‘I know your ^(D)tribulation and your ^(E)poverty (but you are ^(F)rich), and the ^[b]slander by those who ^(G)say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of ^(H)Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be ^(I)tested, and you will have tribulation ^(J)for ten days. ^[c]Be ^(K)faithful until death, and I will give you ^(L)the crown of life. ^11 (M)The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ^(N)The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the ^(O)second death.’

^3 (A)And not only this, but ^[a]we also ^(B)celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about ^(C)perseverance; ⁴ and ^(D)perseverance, ^(E)proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵ and hope ^(F)does not disappoint, because the love of God has been ^(G)poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

⁶ For I am already being ^(A)poured out as a drink offering, and the time of ^(B)my departure has come. ^7 (C)I have fought the good fight, I have finished ^(D)the course, I have kept ^(E)the faith; ⁸ in the future there ^(F)is reserved for me ^(G)the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on ^(H)that day; and not only to me, but also to ^(I)all who have loved His ^(J)appearing.

^11 (A)Only ^(B)Luke is with me. Take along ^(C)Mark and bring him with you, ^(D)for he is useful to me for service.