The Smyrnan church:

Rev 2:8 ¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;


Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.


Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

This church was commended for the following:

1. Works. They were no inactive social club religious group. They were involved in spreading the word, and being obedient to the ordinaces of Christ.

2. Tribulation. They were persecuted, as the Lord said - all who live righteously will be hated and persecuted by the world system.

3. Poverty. They were poor as far as material wealth was concerned. This was no gloriously wealthy and fashionable assembly. They were not "up scale" at all. But ...

4. They were rich. True wealth comes from spiritual communion with God. Their wealth was not in the material world of things, but in the spiritual power of the Holy Ghost and in the things of God. Definitely not a "prosperity church" in view here, but a genuine, old time life changing world impacting old fashioned religious Holy Ghost powered church of Jesus Christ.

This church was also being forced to deal with blasphemy being committed by pretenders. "Those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of satan." That is, those who CLAIMED to be the people of God but who in reality were of the devil, opposed to the real plan and work of God. This materially poor but spiritually rich church were going to suffer increased persecution. some folks were even going to jail for a time, to try them (demonstrate the power that rested upon them and the grace of God that was resident in their lives).

But, if they were faithful in the midst of these tribulations, even unto death, no matter the cost, they would receive the crown of life. Those who overcome the evil false religions and the persecuting world system, will not be hurt of the second death.