Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 2:8

"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived [again]:" — Revelation 2:8 (ASV)

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write. On the meaning of the word angel, see Barnes on Revelation 1:20.

These things says the first and the last. See Barnes on Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 1:17.

Which was dead, and is alive. See Barnes on Revelation 1:18.

The idea is that he is a living Saviour; and there was a propriety in referring to that fact here, given the nature of the promise which he was about to make to the church at Smyrna: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death, (Revelation 2:11).

As he had himself triumphed over death in all its forms and was now alive forever, it was appropriate that he should promise to his true friends the same protection from the second death.

He who was wholly beyond the reach of death could give the assurance that those who put their trust in him would come off victorious.