Jesus says in Revelation 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.” This particular verse is in the context of Him speaking to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is a congregation located in one of the most prosperous cities in Asia Minor. After Jesus, Who is the First and the Last, and Who was Dead, and came to Life, speaks to them teaching them about His Deity and His Resurrection.
He goes on to make them aware of some things of which they should know while also letting them know some things He knows about them. This congregation is made aware that Christ knows their works, tribulation, and poverty, though they are rich. He makes them aware that He knows the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
It is in this context, that they are told to fear none of those things they would suffer. They are even made aware that the Devil will cast some of them into prison, that they may be tried, and while they would have tribulation for ten days, they are still to be faithful to death. If they would stand strong through the test of being thrown into prison, they would be even stronger for any future trials, and would also be preparing themselves a home in heaven, for they are promised a crown of life for faithful living. They were told to remain faithful even if inflicted with death in their persecutions.
The crown of life as spoken of here is also spoken of as “a crown of righteousness” in II Timothy 4:8, “a crown of glory” in I Peter 5:4, and a crown that is “an incorruptible” in I Corinthians 9:24-25. In a land where there is always Lights, this will be an unfading prize, a prize to cherish for all eternity. This is the prize of the faithful, Heaven in the end. I long for that time!
I Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” God makes it clear that we must all be faithful. We live according to God’s Word. Let us be faithful to the very point of death!
Jason Gann
Registrar
Tennessee Bible College