Revelation 2:8-11
Amplified Bible
Message to Smyrna
8 “And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in [a]Smyrna write:
“These are the words of the First and the Last [absolute Deity, the Son of God] who died and came to life [again]:(A)
9 ‘I know your suffering and your poverty (but you are rich), and how you are blasphemed and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [they are Jews only by blood, and do not believe and truly honor the God whom they claim to worship]. 10 Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. Be aware that the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested [in your faith], and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful to the point of death [if you must die for your faith], and I will give you the crown [consisting] of life.(B) 11 He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] will not be hurt by the second death ([b]the lake of fire).’(C)
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- Revelation 2:8 In ancient times Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey) was a beautiful, cosmopolitan city. Located on the Aegean coast, it vied with Ephesus and Pergamum in importance in Asia Minor. It was closely identified with Rome and the cult of emperor worship. Smyrna was later the home of Polycarp, the great Christian church leader who, at the age of eighty-six, was burned at the stake for his refusal to worship the Roman emperor.
- Revelation 2:11 The Valley of Hinnom located south of Jerusalem was the place where garbage burned continuously. Often regarded in ancient times as symbolic of hell (the lake of fire), reserved for the wicked. Paradise or Abraham’s bosom (cf Luke 16:22) was the place reserved for the good in anticipation of heaven. Mentioned in Matt 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5; James 3:6.
Revelation 2:8-11
New American Standard Bible
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.’
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- Revelation 2:8 Lit became
- Revelation 2:9 Or blasphemy
- Revelation 2:10 Or Prove yourself faithful
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