Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
-- Rev 2:10 NIV
The Son of Man wishes to encourage the saints in Smyrna because they live in enemy territory. They are slandered and afflicted. They live in poverty. They are about to face more persecution, and some of them would be put in prison. Nevertheless, they should remain confident. Their Commander had himself endured a cruel death but had come to life again (v. 8). They had true riches (v. 9) laid up in heaven where they could never be stolen. They would suffer persecution, but just as Daniel and his three friends had been vindicated after a trial of ten days (Daniel 1:12 ff.), so they would also be vindicated after ten days (v. 10). Furthermore, those who remained faithful until death would receive a crown of life (v. 10). Their Commander is saying, "Don't give up. You will possess the kingdom!"
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