Matthew Henry Commentary Revelation 2:8-11

"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived [again]: 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. Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to 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 the crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." — Revelation 2:8-11 (ASV)

Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him all things were made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. Since this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, the believer must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest humiliation, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, like the church of Smyrna. Many who are rich in this world are poor in the next; and some who are poor outwardly are inwardly rich—rich in faith, in good works, rich in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope.

Where there is spiritual plenty, outward poverty can be borne well; and when God's people are made poor in this life for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, he makes it all up to them in spiritual riches. Christ arms them against coming troubles. Fear none of these things; do not merely forbid slavish fear, but actively subdue it, thus furnishing the soul with strength and courage.

These troubles are meant to test them, not to destroy them. Observe the sureness of the reward; I will give thee: they will receive the reward from Christ's own hand. Also, observe how suitable it is; a crown of life: the life worn out in his service, or laid down for his cause, will be rewarded with a much better life, which will be eternal. The second death is unspeakably worse than the first death, both in its agonies and because it is eternal death. It is indeed awful to die and yet to be always dying.

If someone is kept from the second death and the wrath to come, they can patiently endure whatever they encounter in this world.