Aug 2002

Rev. 2:8-11
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. [9] I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of 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 will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Rev 2:8-11
Introduction:
. . . write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Positive:
I know: - thy works - thy tribulation - thy poverty (but you are rich) - the blasphemy you get from false Jews
Negative:
- None
Encouraging / Recommendation:
- Don‘t fear your suffering. Remain faithfull during your “ten days” (*) of persecution, even when facing death . . .
Reward:
. . . and I will give you the crown of life
. . . He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death.(**)
Hear what the Spirit says unto the churches
. . . Rev. 2:29
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; (not just Smyrna)

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(**) second death, see vs.11 & 20:6
(*) Persecution for a period of 10 “days”
History shows that there was an intens persecution for ten years.