In Christ’s letter to the church at Smyrna, he reminded them “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which …are of the synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9). Those in Smyrna had suffered tribulation (persecution) for their stand for Christ even to the taking of their homes and their possessions. Hence, the reference to their “poverty.” It is likely that the synagogue of Satan was a synagogue of the Jews that was driven in their persecution of believers by Satan himself. We should not be surprised at this for our “adversary the devil, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:7). We understand also that the unregenerate walk “according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2) and are under his control.
There are a few thoughts to consider in this letter to the believers in Smyrna. First, our Lord knows our adversities intimately and allows them sufficiently for their intended purpose. Paul encouraged the Corinthians with this very truth. “For our light affliction [suffering, tribulation], which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). It is in this context of things eternal that our Lord said of these dear folk in Smyrna they “are rich.”
Second, we dare not overlook the obvious. Our Lord knows our troubles. When trials come our adversary would have us question whether our Lord cares or even knows our sorrow. Take heart, we are never alone! God told Moses when he called him to deliver his people from Egypt, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7).
The Psalmist rejoiced at the Father’s intimate awareness of his difficulties. “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities” (Psalm 31:7). God’s mercy covered every aspect of his trouble and enabled him to endure.
Finally, our Lord went on to say to those in Smyrna “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” (Revelation 2:10). Though they had suffered already, there was the promise of more suffering for some of them and certain tribulation. As Christians we can be sure that in our life we shall suffer difficulty and hardship merely because we are Christians. Paul wrote to Timothy “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We may not suffer imprisonment as some believers do for their faith, but Satan has his ways.
Even so, Christ tells them to “fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer.” Our Lord would be with them, and he will be with us. He has promised “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Dear child of God, his presence is provision enough!
