Persecuted Smyrna: Be Faithful unto Death for the Crown of Life

Rev 2:8-11 – Be Faithful unto Death for the Crown of Life
The letter to the church of Smyrna: The Persecuted Church

G.K. Beale summarizes Christ's letter to His lampstand in Smyrna:
"Christ commends the church of Smyrna for enduring tribulation and encourages it to continue to be faithful in anticipation of imminent, more severe persecution, in order to inherit eternal life and heavenly kingship."

I. City (v8a)
---A. Resurrected City, B. Myrrh, C. Crown of Smyrna,
---D. Loyal to Rome, E. Prominent Jewish community
II. Christ (v8b)
---A. First and Last, B. Dead now Alive
III. Commendation (v9)
---A. Tribulation, B. Poverty, C. Blasphemy
IV. Condemnation
---none!
V. Exhortation (v10)
---A. Do Not Fear, B. Will Be Tested,
---C. Faithful until Death, Give Crown of Life
VI. Promise (v11)
---A. Hear
---B. Not Hurt by Second Death