Revelation 2:10 “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.
Verse 10 follows the thought of the synagogue of Satan. There was a very real spiritual adversary in Smyrna, resisting the church and its gospel. This synagogue was Satanically energized.
Revelation 2:9 “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.
The Lord addresses Smyrna, stating that He knows their works, tribulation, and poverty. Ephesus was acknowledged for their works, labor and patience. In this the two churches share works, but diverge as the Lord discusses different issues of importance between them.
Revelation 2:8 “And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Our Lord moves on to the second church, Smyrna. Smyrna has since become modern Izmir in Turkey, having been renamed in 1930. Smyrna is located thirty-five miles north of Ephesus. Apparently one of its claims to fame archaeologically speaking is the temple of Athena that was built in the late 7th century BC.
Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’
This is the first of the “He who has an ear,” promises the Lord makes to the churches. First we should note that the promises the Lord makes here are to the churches, plural. Not just Ephesus, but Smyrna, etc., all benefit from the hearing and fulfilment of this promise, just as Ephesus benefits from Smyrna’s, etc.
