Revelation 2:9

I know your persecution and your poverty – yet you are rich! I know, too, the slander that comes from those who declare that they are God’s people, though they are not, but are a congregation of Satan.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

In Context

8“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died, but is restored to life:

10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tempted, and may undergo persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to death, and I will give you the Crown of life.

Read all of Revelation 2

Cross References

Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For scripture says – ‘You must worship the Lord your God, and worship him only.’”

Luke 6:20Then, raising his eyes and looking at his disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 22:65And they heaped many other insults on him.

Acts 14:22reassuring the minds of the disciples, urging them to remain true to the faith, and showing that it is only through many troubles that we can enter the kingdom of God.

Romans 2:17But, perhaps, you bear the name of ‘Jew,’ and are relying on Law, and boast of belonging to God, and understand his will,

Romans 5:3And not only that, but let us also exult in our troubles;

Matthew Henry on Revelation 2:9-12

The Church in Smyrna. ( a. d. 95.) 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 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… Read the whole commentary →

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