Revelation 2:8 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

We now proceed to the second epistle sent to another of the Asian churches, where, as before, observe, I. The preface or inscription in both parts. 1. The superscription, telling us to whom it was more expressly and immediately directed: To the angel of the church in Smyrna, a place well known at this day by our merchants, a city of great trade and wealth, perhaps the only city of all the seven that is still known by the same name, now however no longer distinguished for its Christian church... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 2:8-11

2:8-11 And to the angel of the Church in Smyrna, write: These things says the first and the last, who passed through death, and who came to life again. I know the affliction and the poverty you endure--you are rich in spite of it--and I know the slanders which proceed from those who call themselves Jews and are not, but who are a synagogue of Satan. Have no fear of what you will have to go through Behold! the devil is going to throw some of you into prison in order to test... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:8

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write ,.... Of the city of Smyrna; see Gill on Revelation 1:11 . That there was a church of Christ here is not to be doubted, though by whom it was founded is not certain; very likely by the Apostle Paul, who was in those parts, and by whose means all Asia heard the Gospel of Christ, Acts 19:10 . Some think the present angel or pastor of this church, was Polycarp, the disciple of John. Irenaeus F6 Adv. Haeres. l. 3. c. 3. , who knew him,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:8

Unto the angel - This was probably the famous Polycarp. See below. These things saith the first and the last - He who is eternal; from whom all things come, and to whom all things must return. Which was dead, for the redemption of the world; and is alive to die no more for ever, his glorified humanity being enthroned at the Father's right hand. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8

The metropolitan, setting out from Ephesus to visit the Churches of Asia, would naturally go first to Smyrna. It ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in Asia; but its magnificence must at times have seemed poor compensation for the neglect of the architect, who, in planning the city for Antigonus and Lysimachus, omitted the drains. In time of floods the streets became open sewers. For its fidelity to Rome against Mithridates, it received exceptional privileges, but suffered heavily when... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The epistle to the Church at Smyrna. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna: words of cheer from a reigning Saviour to a suffering Church. In some respects this letter awakens more interest in the Church to which it was addressed than any other of the seven. Out of the seven Churches, two only are unrebuked. Of these two, Smyrna is one. It is a poor Church, but Jesus calls it rich. It is beset with opposition, but it has the Lord for its Advocate, and is addressed by him in words of cheer and of hope. Not only, however, is this Church interesting to us on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The epistle to the Church at Smyrna. This city was situated in the same district of Asia Minor, some forty miles to the north of Ephesus, in which all these seven Churches were, at the mouth of a considerable river, in a most beautiful bay. The lands lying round were very fertile, bearing grapes in abundance, as befitted the city where the god Bacchus was the deity most honoured by the people. The city itself was large, beautiful, populous, wealthy. It was called, "The lovely one;" "The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

(2) The epistle to the Church in Smyrna : the Church exposed to suffering. The dark shades of coming sorrow gather about a Church already distinguished by tribulation and poverty and rude reviling. "The devil is about to cast some of you into prison;" so saith he "which was dead, and lived again." Even death in bitterness of persecuting violence will fall upon some. The All-seeing One discerns the coming storm, and cheers his faithful people to stand firm in the day of their suffering, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The words of Christ to the congregation at Smyrna. "And unto the angel of the Church in Smyrna," etc. This letter is addressed to the Church at Smyrna. "Smyrna is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, so that we have no means of ascertaining when, and by whom, the Christian faith was first planted there. We may, however, conjecture that that great commercial city did not escape attention either by St. Paul or his associates in missionary effort during his three years' stay at Ephesus?... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 2:8-11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

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