Smyrna: Faithful Until Death

The second church that John is instructed to send a letter to is the one in Smyrna. Christ pictures Himself as the one who is the first and the last, who was dead and has come to life. He praises them for enduring tribulation, poverty and blasphemy because they are believers. There is no problem described regarding this church. The prescription for this church involves three commands that will help them in their persecution: Relax ("do not fear what you are about to suffer"). realize ("Behold...you will have tribulation") and resolve ("Be faithful until death"). These instructions are provided with a promise from Christ: genuine faith will be rewarded with the crown of life and overcomers (true believers) will not be hurt by the second death.