Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 2:9

"I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan." — Revelation 2:9 (ASV)

I know your works.—Some would omit the word “works;” but the phrase I know your works is admitted to be genuine in five out of the seven epistles; and it certainly seems natural to conclude that it was intended to be common to all, and to remind the Christian communities that whatever their state, it was known to Him whose eyes were as a flame of fire. “We go from one hour to another, from one day and year to another, and what is once truly past in our doing, omitting, and suffering is scarcely regarded by us anymore; it is like water that has flowed away. But into the omniscience of Christ all things are taken up” (Bengel).

Tribulation.—If persecution brought poverty upon them, it was also the means of revealing their possession of the “true riches;” they were rich in honour, in that they were counted worthy to suffer; they would also grow rich in the graces that sufferings bring (Romans 5:3–5; James 1:2–4).

Blasphemy.—They had to endure reviling as well as tribulation and poverty; and, harder still, to hear some who blasphemed that worthy name by which they were called.

Jews.—The Jews were foremost in this. “It was in the synagogue that they heard words that reproached them as Nazarenes, Galileans, Christians, Disciples of the Crucified” (Plumptre). Compare to James 2:7. It is interesting to notice that this characteristic hostility of the Jews was illustrated in the martyrdom of Polycarp. The Jews, “as was their custom,” were foremost in bringing logs for the pile.

Synagogue of Satan.—The word “synagogue” is only once used to describe the Christian assembly (James 2:2); and even there it is called your synagogue, not the “synagogue of God.” In all other instances, the “word is abandoned by the Jews.” With synagogue of Satan here, compare the throne of Satan (Revelation 2:13) and the depths of Satan (Revelation 2:24).