Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "ten days" isn't necessarily a literal timeframe, but likely signifies a short, limited period intended to reassure the suffering believers that their tribulation, while intense, would not last forever. This highlights God's sovereignty, assuring them that even the trials instigated by the devil are ultimately bounded by His control and timed for their ultimate good.
The church in Smyrna is facing severe persecution, likely instigated by local Jewish communities who align themselves with Satan ("the synagogue of Satan"). Jesus acknowledges their poverty and the accusations leveled against them, but warns them that even worse suffering is coming, including imprisonment and tribulation, orchestrated by the devil himself. He encourages them to not fear this impending trial, but to remain steadfast and faithful even unto death, with the promise of receiving the crown of life in return.
When darkness looms and suffering appears, the first word from Jesus is surprisingly simple: 'Fear not.' But why is He so confident in the face of intense opposition?
Jesus acknowledges the intense opposition the church at Smyrna is facing, even naming the devil as the instigator. Yet, He immediately commands them, 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer.' This isn't about denying the reality of the suffering, but about having a perspective that transcends it. The devil's intention is to 'test' them, to make them fall away. However, Jesus reveals that even this 'test' is ultimately under His sovereign control and can serve a divine purpose: to reveal genuine faith.
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The threat of suffering is described as 'ten days.' What does this specific, yet brief, timeframe signify in the midst of such severe opposition?
The mention of 'ten days' is a fascinating detail. While some scholars debate its literal or symbolic meaning, the consensus points to a limited, perhaps even short, duration for this specific tribulation. It's crucial to see this not as a sign of insignificance, but as a divine assurance that the suffering, however intense, will not last forever.
In exchange for faithfulness, even unto death, Jesus makes an astonishing promise: 'I will give you the crown of life.' What kind of reward is this?
The climax of Jesus' message to Smyrna is the promise of 'the crown of life.' This isn't just a metaphor for a good afterlife; it speaks to an ultimate, victorious reward given by Christ Himself. It signifies honor, victory, and eternal life, not as a prize earned, but as a gift bestowed upon those who remain faithful.
Understand the original words
diabolos · Greek Noun
The supernatural enemy of God, the prince of this world, who deceives, tempts, accuses, and seeks to destroy the people of God.
deka hēmeras · Greek Noun Phrase
A period of trial or affliction, often implying a brief or divinely limited time of testing rather than an indefinite season.
pistos · Greek Adjective
Steadfast loyalty, commitment, and obedience to God and the Gospel, even in the face of death and severe persecution.
stephanos tēs zōēs · Greek Noun Phrase
A symbol of victory, vindication, and reward, representing the eternal reward of everlasting life granted to those who persevere in faith.
The church in Smyrna faced intense pressure from both the Jewish community (misrepresented as the 'synagogue of Satan') and Roman authorities. The 'ten days' likely symbolizes a limited, though severe, period of trial, perhaps alluding to the well-known, shorter persecutions or trials in antiquity, as opposed to prolonged eras of suffering.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The foundational event of Christianity, establishing the basis for all future Christian faith and practice.
c. AD 48-50
Council of Jerusalem
The early church council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion, helping to shape the church's identity and mission beyond its Jewish roots.
c. AD 50-62
Apostolic Journeys and Epistles
Paul and other apostles spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and writing letters that guided their development.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the fire, leading to the first major state-sponsored persecution of Christians, including the likely martyrdom of Peter and Paul.
c. AD 90-95— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is written during a period of intense persecution, likely by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos.
c. AD 110-117
Pliny the Younger's Persecutions in Bithynia
Governor Pliny sought guidance from Emperor Trajan on how to deal with Christians, detailing their refusal to worship the emperor and their steadfast faith.
c. AD 155-160
Martyrdom of Polycarp of Smyrna
The bishop of Smyrna, an aged follower of the apostles, was martyred for his faith, becoming a powerful example of faithfulness unto death.
This passage parallels the extreme faithfulness demanded in Revelation 2:10 by describing Christ's own obedience unto death on the cross, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice for faithfulness.
James 1:12Both verses link enduring trials with receiving a reward, specifically mentioning a 'crown of life' or 'crown of blessing' for those who persevere and remain faithful.
1 Peter 4:12This passage speaks directly about not being surprised by fiery trials and the purpose of suffering being to test believers, mirroring the testing mentioned in Revelation 2:10.
Matthew 10:28Jesus instructs his followers not to fear those who can kill the body but not the soul, aligning with the encouragement in Revelation 2:10 to 'fear none of those things you are about to suffer.'
2 Timothy 4:8This verse speaks of a 'crown of righteousness' that will be given by the Lord to all who love His appearing, which strongly echoes the promise of a 'crown of life' for faithfulness unto death in Revelation 2:10.
ellicottRevelation 2:10: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life."
(10) Fear none of those things. —Though Christ proclaimed His yoke to be easy, He also said that His followers must expect tribulation ( John 16:33 ). He never conceals the difficulties or dangers of His service. (See Matthew 10:16-31 ; Acts 9:16…
pulpitRevelation 2:10: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life."
Verse 10. - Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer. We must bring out the difference between "to be about to" (μέλλειν), in the first two clauses, and the simple future (ἔξετε) in the third; compare "I will show him how many things he…
The phrase "ten days" isn't necessarily a literal timeframe, but likely signifies a short, limited period intended to reassure the suffering believers that their tribulation, while intense, would not last forever. This highlights God's sovereignty, assuring them that even the trials instigated by the devil are ultimately bounded by His control and timed for their ultimate good.
The church in Smyrna is facing severe persecution, likely instigated by local Jewish communities who align themselves with Satan ("the synagogue of Satan"). Jesus acknowledges their poverty and the accusations leveled against them, but warns them that even worse suffering is coming, including imprisonment and tribulation, orchestrated by the devil himself. He encourages them to not fear this impending trial, but to remain steadfast and faithful even unto death, with the promise of receiving the crown of life in return.
The church in Smyrna is facing severe persecution, likely instigated by local Jewish communities who align themselves with Satan ("the synagogue of Satan"). Jesus acknowledges their poverty and the accusations leveled against them, but warns them that even worse suffering is coming, including imprisonment and tribulation, orchestrated by the devil himself. He encourages them to not fear this impending trial, but to remain steadfast and faithful even unto death, with the promise of receiving the crown of life in return.
"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." — The phrase "ten days" isn't necessarily a literal timeframe, but likely signifies a short, limited period intended to reassure the suffering believers that their tribulation, while intense, would not…
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