Revelation 2:8-11 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;… I. A SOLEMN EXHORTATION 1. Christians are urged to fidelity in their professions of personal attachment to the Saviour. 2. The exhortation calls on Christians to be faithful in their adherence to all the doctrines of Revelation. 3. To be faithful in maintaining the royal authority of the Saviour, and His Headship over His Church. 4. To be faithful in paying your solemn vows. II. THE GRACIOUS ASSURANCE 1. The gift — "A crown of life." A crown is the highest object of earthly ambition and the possession of it the loftiest pinnacle of worldly glory — to obtain it, no toils, struggles, or sacrifices are deemed too great. But between this crown of life and all the glory and honour of this earth there is no comparison. It is a crown of life, and this is indicative of the pure, lofty, and endless enjoyments to which it introduces. 2. The glorious giver. It is Christ who is to bestow the crown of life. Those who are to wear it have not won it by their own prowess, obtained it by their own merit, or inherited it by their natural birth. It is given freely by Him by whose blood it was secured, and by whose munificence it is bestowed. 3. The solemn period at which this crown shall be bestowed. The text directs forward our expectations to the solemn period of dissolution when this reward shall be obtained. This advantage is peculiar to Christianity. At death the conquering hero lays down his crown, and leaves all his worldly glory behind him. But at death the Christian triumphs. Then he puts off his armour and receives his crown. His conflicts terminate, his enemies are for ever defeated, and death is swallowed up in victory. (A. Harvey.) Parallel Verses KJV: And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; |
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