Revelation 2:10a Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested.
Smyrna was known as the persecuted church. it was a very dangerous thing to be a Christian during the life time of John and for several years afterward. To be put in prison sounds bad, but most of the time those put in prison were put to death. The instigators of persecution of the Christians in Smyrna were the Jews. The Jews would stir up trouble moving the Roman authorities to take action against the Christians. Jesus said, "It was the devil who influenced this behavior of the Jews against the church."
Jesus had only praise for the church of Smyrna. He did not have one negative thing to say. In time of great trouble we also grow close to Jesus. He will help us through any difficult situation.
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