2:8-11 What do we learn here from the church at Smyrna?
2:8-11 What do we learn here from the church at Smyrna?
We learn from this that Christians are called to suffer persecutions for Christ's sake and that those who endure to the end will receive a crown of life - the reward of everlasting life with Jesus (cp Mk 10:29-30; 13:13; Jn 16:33; Ro 5:3-5; 2Ti 3:12; Jas 1:1-4; 1Pe 4:12-13 with 2Ti 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 5:4).
It does not matter what a Christian's financial status is, it matters that they remain steadfast in the faith, and faithful to God's word.
If they do this, though they may be poor in material possessions, they will be spiritually rich in Christ, and that is all that matters (cp Lk 12:15-16, 22-32). Ye shall have tribulation ten days (Rev 2:10), symbolizes the relatively short time the Christians in Smyrna would spend in prison for their faith - it does not refer to the great tribulation, as many think.
The second death (Re 2:11), is a reference to the eternal damnation of sinners in the lake of fire handed down at the great white throne judgment (cp Rev 20:11-15; 21:8).