Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Do not fear
This phrase is a command and an encouragement. The Greek word used here is "φοβοῦ" (phobou), which is a present imperative, suggesting a continuous action. It implies that believers are to consistently resist fear. In the context of the early church, Christians faced severe persecution, and this command would have been a source of strength. Historically, the Roman Empire was known for its brutal treatment of Christians, and this exhortation would have been a reminder of God's sovereignty and presence amidst trials.

what you are about to suffer
The phrase acknowledges the reality of impending suffering. The Greek word for "suffer" is "πάσχειν" (paschein), which indicates experiencing pain or hardship. This suffering is not hypothetical but certain, as indicated by "about to." The early church, particularly in Smyrna, faced persecution, and this warning prepared them for the trials ahead. It reflects the biblical theme that suffering is part of the Christian journey, as seen in other scriptures like 2 Timothy 3:12.

Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison
This phrase identifies the source of persecution as the devil, emphasizing the spiritual warfare aspect of Christian suffering. The Greek word for "devil" is "διάβολος" (diabolos), meaning accuser or slanderer. The mention of prison indicates a literal and physical trial, common in the Roman Empire where Christians were often imprisoned for their faith. This highlights the reality that spiritual battles often manifest in physical circumstances.

to test you
The purpose of the suffering is revealed as a test. The Greek word "πειράσαι" (peirasai) means to test or try, often with the implication of proving character or faith. This aligns with the biblical understanding that trials refine and strengthen believers, as seen in James 1:2-4. The testing is not for God's benefit but for the believers', to deepen their faith and reliance on Him.

and you will suffer tribulation for ten days
The "ten days" is a specific period, though its exact meaning is debated. Some scholars suggest it symbolizes a limited time of trial, while others see it as a literal period. The Greek word for "tribulation" is "θλῖψιν" (thlipsin), indicating pressure or distress. Historically, the number ten could represent completeness or a full measure of testing, suggesting that the suffering, while intense, is under God's control and will not last indefinitely.

Be faithful, even unto death
This phrase is a call to steadfastness. The Greek word for "faithful" is "πιστὸς" (pistos), meaning trustworthy or reliable. The exhortation to remain faithful "even unto death" underscores the ultimate sacrifice and commitment required of believers. In the historical context of martyrdom, this was a literal call to remain true to Christ even at the cost of one's life, reflecting the supreme value of eternal life over earthly existence.

and I will give you the crown of life
The promise of the "crown of life" serves as a reward for faithfulness. The Greek word for "crown" is "στέφανον" (stephanon), often used to describe a victor's wreath in athletic contests. This imagery conveys victory and honor. The "crown of life" symbolizes eternal life and the ultimate reward for those who endure trials. It echoes James 1:12, reinforcing the hope and assurance of eternal glory for those who persevere in faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Church in Smyrna
One of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, located in a city known for its wealth and pagan worship. The church faced persecution and poverty.

2. The Devil
Represents the adversary of God and His people, who seeks to test and tempt believers through persecution and suffering.

3. Prison
Symbolizes the trials and tribulations that believers in Smyrna would face, a literal and metaphorical place of testing.

4. Tribulation for Ten Days
A period of testing and suffering, possibly symbolic of a limited time of trial, reflecting the temporary nature of earthly suffering.

5. The Crown of Life
A reward promised to those who remain faithful unto death, symbolizing eternal life and victory over spiritual death.
Teaching Points
Fear Not in Suffering
Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and not fear impending trials, knowing that He is in control.

Understanding the Enemy's Role
Recognize that the devil's attempts to test and tempt are limited by God's allowance and serve to strengthen faith.

Faithfulness Unto Death
The call to remain faithful even in the face of death highlights the importance of eternal perspective and commitment to Christ.

Temporary Nature of Trials
The "ten days" of tribulation remind us that earthly suffering is temporary compared to the eternal reward.

The Promise of the Crown of Life
Encouragement to persevere, knowing that faithfulness leads to the ultimate reward of eternal life with Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of the "crown of life" motivate you to remain faithful in the face of trials?

2. In what ways can understanding the temporary nature of suffering help you endure current challenges?

3. How can the example of the church in Smyrna inspire modern believers facing persecution?

4. What practical steps can you take to "fear not" when anticipating difficult times?

5. How do other scriptures, like James 1:12 and Matthew 10:28, reinforce the message of Revelation 2:10 in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 1:12
This verse speaks of the "crown of life" promised to those who persevere under trial, reinforcing the reward for faithfulness.

Matthew 10:28
Jesus instructs not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, emphasizing the eternal perspective over temporal suffering.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Encourages believers to be sober-minded and watchful, as the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour, similar to the testing mentioned in Revelation 2:10.
The Severe Law of ChristS. Conway Revelation 2:10
A Crown for the FaithfulJ. Sherman.Revelation 2:8-11
A Crown of LifeC. E. St. John.Revelation 2:8-11
An Appeal with PromiseCharles A. Berry.Revelation 2:8-11
Christian FaithfulnessHomilistRevelation 2:8-11
Christian FaithfulnessBp. W. S. Smith.Revelation 2:8-11
Christian Faithfulness and its RewardT. Entwistle.Revelation 2:8-11
Christian Fidelity and its RewardJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 2:8-11
Christ's Designation of HimselfH. Crosby.Revelation 2:8-11
Christ's Message to the Tempted and TriedJ. J. Ellis.Revelation 2:8-11
Cross and CrownB. D. Johns.Revelation 2:8-11
Faithful unto DeathJ. Vaughan, M. A.Revelation 2:8-11
Faithful unto DeathA. Raleigh, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
FaithfulnessR. Newton, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
Fidelity to Christ EnforcedA. Harvey.Revelation 2:8-11
Letter to SmyrnaJ. Parker, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
Poor and RichAbp. Trench.Revelation 2:8-11
Poor But PureJ. Trapp.Revelation 2:8-11
Poor Yet RichA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
Sin and SufferingT. Brooks.Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna -- the Poor Church that was RichA. Mackennal, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
Spiritual AchesJ. Cameron.Revelation 2:8-11
Suffering ChristiansJ. Hyatt.Revelation 2:8-11
The Address to SmyrnaG. Rogers.Revelation 2:8-11
The Church in Great TribulationJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 2:8-11
The Crown of LifeJ. Trapp.Revelation 2:8-11
The Duty and the Reward of Christian FidelityD. Dewar, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
The Epistle to the Church At SmyrnaS. Conway Revelation 2:8-11
The Epistle to the Church in Smyrna : the Church Exposed to SufferingR. Green Revelation 2:8-11
The Law of Fidelity and its Divine RewardWilliam McKay.Revelation 2:8-11
The Letter to the Church At SmyrnaCaleb Morris.Revelation 2:8-11
The Riches of the PoorJohn Erskine, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
The Second Death and How to Escape ItJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 2:8-11
The Victor's Immunity from the Second DeathA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
The Words of Christ to the Congregation At SmyrnaD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 2:8-11
The Words of Christ to the Congregation At SmyrnaD. Thomas Revelation 2:8-11
TrialW. Birch.Revelation 2:8-11
People
Antipas, Balaam, Balac, Balak, Israelites, Jezebel, John
Places
Ephesus, Pergamum, Smyrna, Thyatira
Topics
Afraid, Behold, Cast, Crown, Death, Devil, Die, Dismiss, Endure, Evil, Faithful, Fear, Fears, None, Nothing, Oppression, Persecution, Point, Prison, Suffer, Ten, Test, Tested, Throw, Till, Tribulation, Tried, Trouble, Undergo, Victor's, Wreath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 2:10

     1653   numbers, 6-10
     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     4122   Satan, tempter
     4971   seasons, of life
     5280   crown
     5292   defence, divine
     5344   imprisonment
     5348   injustice, nature and source
     5418   monotony
     5500   reward, God's people
     5561   suffering, nature of
     5565   suffering, of believers
     5568   suffering, causes
     5828   danger
     5879   humiliation
     6233   rejection, experience
     6738   rescue
     8027   faith, testing of
     8110   athletics
     8140   prize
     8208   commitment, to God
     8251   faithfulness, to God
     8253   faithfulness, examples
     8450   martyrdom
     8462   priority, of God
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8476   self-discipline
     8483   spiritual warfare, causes
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies
     8735   evil, origins of
     8754   fear
     8787   opposition, to God
     8795   persecution, nature of
     8797   persecution, attitudes
     9122   eternity, and God
     9155   millennium

Revelation 2:9-10

     2045   Christ, knowledge of

Revelation 2:10-11

     2324   Christ, as Saviour

Library
May 17. "To Him that Overcometh, Will I Give" (Rev. Ii. 17).
"To him that overcometh, will I give" (Rev. ii. 17). A precious secret of Christian life is to have Jesus dwelling within the heart and conquering things that we never could overcome. It is the only secret of power in your life and mine, beloved. Men cannot understand it, nor will the world believe it; but it is true, that God will come to dwell within us, and be the power, and the purity, and the victory, and the joy of our life. It is no longer now, "What is the best that I can do?" but the question
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January 11. "Hold Fast Till I Come" (Rev. Ii. 25).
"Hold fast till I come" (Rev. ii. 25). The other day we asked a Hebrew friend how it was that his countrymen were so successful in acquiring wealth. "Ah," said he, "we do not make more money than other people, but we keep more." Beloved, let us look out this day for spiritual pickpockets and spiritual leakage. Let us "lose nothing of what we have wrought, but receive a full reward"; and, as each day comes and goes, let us put away in the savings bank of eternity its treasures of grace and victory,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Love's Complaining
Hence our Lord's fitness to deal with the churches, which are these golden lamp-stands, for no one knows so much about the lamps as the person whose constant work it is to watch them and trim them. No one knows the churches as Jesus does, for the care of all the churches daily comes upon him, he continually walks among them, and holds their ministers as stars in his right hand. His eyes are perpetually upon the churches, so that he knows their works, their sufferings, and their sins; and those eyes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Declension from First Love
But further, Christ says, "I know thy patience." Now there be some that labour, and they do it well. But what does hinder them? They only labour for a little season, and then they cease to work and begin to faint. But this church had laboured on for many years; it had thrown out all its energies--not in some spasmodic effort, but in a continual strain and unabated zeal for the glory of God. "I know thy patience." I say again, beloved, I tremble to think how few out of this congregation could win
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The New Name.
To him that overcometh, I will give a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.-- REV. ii. 17. Whether the Book of the Revelation be written by the same man who wrote the Gospel according to St John or not, there is, at least, one element common to the two--the mysticism. I use the word mysticism as representing a certain mode of embodying truth, common, in various degrees, to almost all, if not all, the writers of the New Testament. The
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

That There is no Security against Temptation in this Life
"My Son, thou art never secure in this life, but thy spiritual armour will always be needful for thee as long as thou livest. Thou dwellest among foes, and art attacked on the right hand and on the left. If therefore thou use not on all sides the shield of patience, thou wilt not remain long unwounded. Above all, if thou keep not thy heart fixed upon Me with steadfast purpose to bear all things for My sake, thou shalt not be able to bear the fierceness of the attack, nor to attain to the victory
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11).
We must here, at the outset, remove the greatest source of all the misunderstandings which have arisen with regard to these seven "churches." The fact of their being called "churches" has naturally led commentators and students of this book to infer that it is the Church of God, or at any rate the historic Christian Church, which is meant. The difficulty is thus arbitrarily created. The Bible student is at once confronted with an overwhelming difficulty. He has read the Epistles which are addressed
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Fourth
refers to the books of Numbers and Samuel. The promise is, "to him will give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star" (Rev. ii. 26-28). Here again the literary order in the Apocalypse goes forward with the historical order: for it is in the book of Numbers that we have the basis of this promise given to the same People, who were the subjects
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Jesus
C. P. C. Rev. ii. 28 O Name, the psalm and the music That fills the heavenly place-- O Name by which there I enter And see Thee face to face-- O Name, Thou art here the music, And here the sweetness and song, Though the sea and the waves are roaring, And though the night is long. The night--but a night of glory, For there in the heavens I see The Morning Star in its brightness, Thy gift of love to me. I have the pledge of the dawning, The glow of the golden Day, For Thou, O my Lord, hast arisen,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Conclusion of the Subject. Pain of the Awakening. Light against Delusions.
1. To bring this matter to an end, I say that it is not necessary for the soul to give its consent here; it is already given: the soul knows that it has given up its will into His hands, [1] and that it cannot deceive Him, because He knoweth all things. It is not here as it is in the world, where all life is full of deceit and double-dealing. When you think you have gained one man's good will, because of the outward show he makes, you afterwards learn that all was a lie. No one can live in the
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
Introduction. This Dialogue was written about 379, seven years after the death of Lucifer, and very soon after Jerome's return from his hermit life in the desert of Chalcis. Though he received ordination from Paulinus, who had been consecrated by Lucifer, he had no sympathy with Lucifer's narrower views, as he shows plainly in this Dialogue. Lucifer, who was bishop of Cagliari in Sardinia, first came into prominent notice about a.d. 354, when great efforts were being made to procure a condemnation
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

The Laodicean State of Christendom.
In Revelation two and three we have seven Epistles addressed to the seven churches in Asia. These Epistles--in keeping with the nature of the book in which they are found--are prophetic in their scope. They record the sentences of the Divine Judge who appears in the midst of these churches (see 1:13-20) inspecting and passing decisions. They contain a panorama of the Church's history. They give us a complete outline of the entire course of the Christian profession, of going from bad to worse, until
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal...
As many as were called by grace, and displayed the first zeal, having cast aside their military girdles, but afterwards returned, like dogs, to their own vomit, (so that some spent money and by means of gifts regained their military stations); let these, after they have passed the space of three years as hearers, be for ten years prostrators. But in all these cases it is necessary to examine well into their purpose and what their repentance appears to be like. For as many as give evidence of their
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Vanity of Human Glory.
"The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."--1 John iii. 1 Of St. Simon and St. Jude, the Saints whom we this day commemorate, little is known[1]. St. Jude, indeed, still lives in the Church in his Catholic epistle; but of his history we only know that he was brother to St. James the Less, and nearly related to our Lord and that, like St. Peter, he had been a married man. Besides his name of Jude or Judas, he is also called Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus in the Gospels. Of St. Simon we only
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Job's Regret and Our Own
I. Let us begin by saying, that regrets such as those expressed in the text are and ought to be very BITTER. If it be the loss of spiritual things that we regret, then may we say from the bottom of our hearts, "Oh that I were as in months past." It is a great thing for a man to be near to God; it is a very choice privilege to be admitted into the inner circle of communion, and to become God's familiar friend. Great as the privilege is, so great is the loss of it. No darkness is so dark as that which
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Calling of the Regenerate:
"Whom He did predestinate, them He also called."--Rom. viii. 30. In order to hear, the sinner, deaf by nature, must receive hearing ears. "He that hath ears let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev. ii. 7, 11, 17, 29; iii. 6, 13, 22). But by nature the sinner does not belong to these favored ones. This is a daily experience. Of two clerks in the same office, one obeys the call and the other rejects it; not because he despises it, but because he does not hear God's call in it. Hence
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Theology of Grace.
The theology which Augustin opposed, in his anti-Pelagian writings, to the errors of Pelagianism, is, shortly, the theology of grace. Its roots were planted deeply in his own experience, and in the teachings of Scripture, especially of that apostle whom he delights to call "the great preacher of grace," and to follow whom, in his measure, was his greatest desire. The grace of God in Jesus Christ, conveyed to us by the Holy Spirit and evidenced by the love that He sheds abroad in our hearts, is the
St. Augustine—Anti-Pelagian Writings

The First
refers to Genesis ii., the promise being, "I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" (Rev. ii. 7). God begins from Himself. The Apocalypse related not only to Israel, but to the earth; and the first promise goes back to Eden and to the "tree of life." The way to that tree was lost: but was "kept" (or preserved) by the cherubim (Gen. iii. 24). These cherubim next appear in connection with the way to the Living One, in the Tabernacle, and are thus linked
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Letter cxxvi. To Marcellinus and Anapsychia.
Marcellinus, a Roman official of high rank, and Anapsychia his wife had written to Jerome from Africa to ask him his opinion on the vexed question of the origin of the soul. Jerome in his reply briefly enumerates the several views that have been held on the subject. For fuller information he refers his questioners to his treatise against Rufinus and also to their bishop Augustin who will, he says, explain the matter to them by word of mouth. Although it hardly appears in this letter Jerome is a decided
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Parting Counsels
'And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23. Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

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