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"I know your oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Verse Takeaways
1
Rich in Poverty
Jesus acknowledges the church at Smyrna's material poverty, likely caused by persecution. However, He immediately declares them 'rich.' Commentators universally explain this as spiritual wealth—rich in faith, grace, and God's favor. This serves as a powerful reminder that worldly circumstances do not define a believer's true worth or standing before God.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
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Revelation
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6
18th Century
Presbyterian
I know your works. This is the uniform method of introducing these epistles, implying a most intimate acquaintance with all that related t…
Thy tribulation and thy poverty (σου την θλιψιν κα πτωχειαν). Separate articles of same gender, emphasizing each item. The tribula…
19th Century
Anglican
I know your works.—Some would omit the word “works;” but the phrase I know your works is admitted to be genuine in five o…
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The speaker’s knowledge is threefold: (1) He knows their “afflictions” (GK 2568—a word translated “persecution” in v.10). (2) He knows their “pover…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
I know your works Good works, as before in (Revelation 2:2);
and tribulation
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 b…
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