Revelation 2:10
Verse
Context
To the Church in Smyrna
9I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
Jim Cymbala
Leonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer - This may be addressed particularly to Polycarp, if he was at that time the bishop of this Church. He had much to suffer; and was at last burnt alive at Smyrna, about the year of our Lord 166. We have a very ancient account of his martyrdom, which has been translated by Cave, and is worthy of the reader's perusal. That account states that the Jews were particularly active in this martyrdom, and brought the fagots, etc., by which he was consumed. Such persons must indeed have been of the synagogue of Satan. Ten days - As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted. Others understand the expression as implying frequency and abundance, as it does in other parts of Scripture. Gen 31:7, Gen 31:41 : Thou hast changed my wages Ten Times; i.e. thou hast frequently changed my wages Num 14:22 : Those men have tempted me now these Ten Times; i.e. they have frequently and grievously tempted and sinned against me. Neh 4:12 : The Jews that dwelt by them came and said unto us Ten Times, i.e. they were frequently coming and informing us, that our adversaries intended to attack us, Job 19:3; These Ten Times have ye reproached me; i.e. ye have loaded me with continual reproaches. Dan 1:20 : In all matters of wisdom, he found them Ten Times better than all the magicians; i.e. the king frequently consulted Daniel and his companions, and found them more abundantly informed and wise than all his counsellors. Some think the shortness of the affliction is here intended, and that the ten days are to be understood as in Terence, Heaut., Act v., scen. 1, ver. 36, Decem dierum vis mi est familia. "I have enjoyed my family but a short time." Be thou faithful unto death - Be firm, hold fast the faith, confess Christ to the last, and at all hazards, and thou shalt have a crown of life - thou shalt be crowned with life, have an eternal happy existence, though thou suffer a temporal death. It is said of Polycarp that when brought before the judge, and commanded to abjure and blaspheme Christ, he firmly answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, how then can I blaspheme my king who hath saved me?" He was then adjudged to the flames, and suffered cheerfully for Christ his Lord and Master.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fear none, &c.--the oldest manuscripts read, "Fear not those things," &c. "The Captain of our salvation never keeps back what those who faithfully witness for Him may have to bear for His name's sake; never entices recruits by the promise they shall find all things easy and pleasant there" [TRENCH]. devil--"the accuser." He acted, through Jewish accusers against Christ and His people. The conflict of the latter was not with mere flesh and blood, but with the rulers of the darkness of this world. tried--with temptation by "the devil." The same event is often both a temptation from the devil, and a trial from God--God sifting and winnowing the man to separate his chaff from his wheat, the devil sifting him in the hope that nothing but chaff will be found in him [TRENCH]. ten days--not the ten persecutions from Nero to Diocletian. LYRA explains ten years on the year-day principle. The shortness of the duration of the persecution is evidently made the ground of consolation. The time of trial shall be short, the duration of your joy shall be for ever. Compare the use of "ten days" for a short time, Gen 24:55; Num 11:19. Ten is the number of the world powers hostile to the Church; compare the ten horns of the beast, Rev 13:1. unto death--so as even to endure death for My sake. crown of life-- Jam 1:12; Ti2 4:8, "crown of righteousness"; Pe1 5:4, "crown of glory." The crown is the garland, the mark of a conqueror, or of one rejoicing, or at a feast; but diadem is the mark of a KING.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer,.... God's people undergo sufferings of various sorts, as the Christians of those times did, scourgings, imprisonment, confiscation of goods, and death itself in various shapes; and these are certain, they shall suffer them; they are all known beforehand to Christ, and he sometimes gives his people previous notice of them, nor should they indulge a slavish fear about them. It is reported of Polycarp, bishop of this church at Smyrna, in a letter written by the church itself (n) that three days before he suffered, he dreamed his pillow, on which he laid his head, was on fire; upon which, awaking, he said to those that were by him, that he should be burnt for Christ; and when he came to suffer, as he was led along, a voice was heard by the bystanders, Polycarp, be strong, and play the man, Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison; which has been the lot of many of the saints, and was of some, even of the faithful ministers of the word in this interval; in which Satan had an hand, instigating their enemies to prevent and stop the progress of the Gospel, and deter others both from preaching and professing it: the end was in the permission of it, that ye may be tried; that their graces might be tried, their faith, love, zeal, courage, faithfulness, and constancy. Suffering times are trying times, whether men are real Christians or not; whether they have the true grace of God or not; and whether the principles they hold are right and true, and are worth, and will bear suffering for: and ye shall have tribulation ten days: meaning it may be the ten persecutions under the Roman emperors; the "first" was under Nero, in the year 64 or 66; the "second" was under Domitian, about the year 93; the "third" was under Trojan, in the year 104; the "fourth" was under Hadrian, in the year 125; the "fifth" was under Marcus Antoninus, in the year 151; the "sixth" was under Septimius Severus, in the year 197; the "seventh" was under Maximinus, in the years 235, 236, 237; the "eighth" was under Decius, in the year 250; the "ninth" was under Valerianus, in the year 257; and the "tenth" was under Dioclesian, in the year 303. Austin (o) reckons the ten persecutions thus: the first by Nero, the second by Domitian, the third by Trojan, the fourth by Antoninus, the fifth by Severus, the sixth by Maximus, the seventh by Decius, the eighth by Valerianus, the ninth by Aurelianus, the tenth by Dioclesian and Maximianus. Others, inasmuch as Nero's persecution was before this vision, reckon the ten persecutions thus: Domitian, Trojan, M. Antoninus, Verus and Lucius, Severus, Maximinus, Decius, Valerianus, Aurelianus, Dioclesianus, Licinius: the Dioclesian persecution lasted ten years almost throughout: and some think that this last persecution, which held ten years, is here particularly meant, and not without some good reason; since it is usual in prophetic writings, and in this book of the Revelation, to put days for years; so that these ten days may be the ten years the last persecution held, and at which time the period of this church state ended, and that of Pergamos took place, Be thou faithful unto death: which is an address to the ministers in this interval, to be faithful in preaching the pure and unmixed Gospel of Christ; in a constant administration of the ordinances, as they were delivered; in watching over the souls of men under their care, reproving, exhorting, &c. with all longsuffering; continuing in the discharge of duty, though in continual danger of death, and though it issued in it. And also to the churches and the members of them, to continue believing in Christ, professing his name, striving for his Gospel, attending on his ordinances, and following him whithersoever he went; though this should expose them to sufferings, even unto death, which it became them cheerfully to undergo: and to which they are encouraged by what follows, and I will give thee a crown of life; which may refer not only to eternal life, which is so called, Jam 1:12; because of the glory of that state, and its everlasting continuance, and is in the possession and gift of Christ; but to the deliverance of the Christians from persecution, by Constantine; who coming to the imperial crown, that became not only a crown of glory to him, but of life to the church, and was as life from the dead unto the saints: to dead men is promised a crown of life, in allusion to the Gentiles, who crowned their dead (p), (n) Apud Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 15. (o) De Civitate Dei, l. 18. c. 52. (p) Vid. Minut. Felix, p. 42.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:10 John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians. • The period of their suffering would be ten days, symbolizing a limited time of persecution (see 1 Pet 1:6). If they would remain faithful, their reward would be the crown of eternal life. • when facing death: John’s pupil Polycarp was a martyr in Smyrna in the mid-100s AD.
Revelation 2:10
To the Church in Smyrna
9I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 4): The Christians Inheritance
By A.W. Tozer13K31:11InheritanceMAT 6:33MAT 25:21PHP 3:13HEB 11:6REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking forward and not dwelling on the past. He uses the example of a baseball player who never looks back and trusts that God will take care of what comes next. The preacher highlights that a Christian's future is more glorious than their past, and even a moment with God is more wonderful than years on earth. He warns against looking back like Lot's wife and encourages believers to keep their focus on Jesus. The sermon also discusses the concept of earning rewards from God, explaining that it is more about meeting conditions for God to bestow blessings rather than actually earning them. Overall, the message emphasizes the need for Christians to keep their eyes on the future and not get stuck in the past.
(Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand"
By A.W. Tozer6.6K47:50Elijah1KI 18:211KI 18:401KI 19:91KI 19:111KI 19:181KI 19:21MAT 6:332TI 4:3HEB 11:6JAS 1:121PE 5:8REV 2:10REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the divine nature clashes with the sinful nature. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning behind hymns and not just singing them without comprehension. He challenges the audience to take action and not waste their time, urging them to seek the faith and courage of Elijah in standing before God.
(Hebrews - Part 10): Jesus Made a Little Lower That the Angels
By A.W. Tozer5.9K39:04ExpositionalGEN 18:25MAT 6:33MAT 28:19HEB 2:10REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the perfection and flawless nature of God's work. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to bring many sons under glory. This is achieved through the effective operation of Christ's work, which brings sinners to salvation and instructs them to observe God's commandments. The preacher emphasizes that becoming a Christian is just the beginning of the journey, and God leads believers towards the completion of their sonship. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of cooperating with God in order to minimize suffering and trouble, as God is right in bringing many sons under glory through suffering.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): Preserve the Truth and Go With God
By A.W. Tozer5.5K40:55ReformationISA 42:15REV 2:1REV 2:6REV 2:10REV 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for reformation among Protestant churches. He speaks to a serious-minded and responsible adult audience, urging them to be deeply concerned about the religious situation and to seek the approval of God. The preacher highlights the importance of being a new testament church, a source of truth in a spiritually dry world. He laments the lack of warmth of heart, the compromise with truth, the absence of the spirit of prayer, and the coolness of heart among believers. The preacher concludes by expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of Christianity and the need for a genuine longing for God.
Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks4.9K42:36Holy SpiritGEN 12:1MAT 6:33ACT 2:24ACT 10:38HEB 2:9REV 1:1REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the general situation and the need for the Lord's intervention. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Jesus Christ in order to have a strong spiritual life. The speaker uses examples from the Bible, such as Joshua and Abraham, to illustrate how these individuals overcame challenges by focusing on the greatness of God. The sermon emphasizes the need for a fresh revelation of Jesus' greatness as the key to recovery, renewal, and fortification in times of suffering.
Against the Flow
By Jim Cymbala4.5K26:41Following ChristDAN 3:25MAT 10:28ACT 7:59ACT 12:1ACT 14:22JAS 1:8REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in a public setting and facing disdain and mockery when he mentioned God and Jesus. He draws a parallel to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who were thrown into the fire but were miraculously protected by God. The speaker emphasizes that not everyone who stands for Jesus will be delivered from suffering, as seen in the examples of Stephen and James who were martyred. However, he encourages believers to remain steadfast and not compromise their faith, reminding them that when they suffer for Christ, there will be a visitation of God in their lives.
The Anatomy of Prayer
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:25:34PrayerPSA 40:2MAT 16:24LUK 15:24ACT 1:8ROM 8:22JAS 5:16REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the predictions he made about the consequences of communism in Russia. He acknowledges that his warnings of devastation, violence, and destruction have come true, as he shares personal experiences of his daughter being harmed and his church being burned. The preacher emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible accurately and not avoiding uncomfortable truths. He calls for a divine intervention of mercy, power, and revival, stating that only through travailing and fervent prayer can the church overcome the challenges of the present day.
(Depressed Disciples) Loneliness
By Willie Mullan2.5K34:41LonelinessPSA 55:22ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 20:12CO 12:92TI 4:16REV 2:10In this sermon, Pastor Mullen discusses the theme of being alone in different situations. He starts by mentioning how the Lord did a good job for him and Pastor Mullen. He then talks about Mary at the tomb, who was alone and taunted by the devil, but found comfort in the presence of the living Lord. Pastor Mullen emphasizes the importance of realizing that the Lord is always with us, even in times of sorrow and suffering. He also mentions Paul's experience of being alone in court and how Esther was alone in her final supplication. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's presence and find strength in Him, even when they feel alone.
(Demonology) the Last of the Last Days
By Willie Mullan2.1K1:02:30Demonology2TI 3:6REV 2:8REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that we are on the verge of Christ's return and that anything could happen at any moment. He mentions the importance of being prepared for the end times and staying faithful to God. The preacher also discusses the presence of false teachers and scoffers who resist the truth. He encourages the audience to turn to the book of Exodus to understand the significance of these individuals and their actions. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and the importance of staying rooted in the word of God.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 7
By Richard Wurmbrand2.0K05:48MAT 5:44MAT 10:28MAT 24:13ROM 8:352CO 12:10PHP 1:21HEB 13:31PE 3:141PE 4:16REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and faith in the face of persecution, particularly focusing on the struggles of persecuted Christians in various countries. It highlights the need for support, prayer, and understanding for those facing persecution, especially in communist and Muslim nations. The message encourages believers to show love, strength, and courage in the midst of adversity, following the example of persecuted Christians who demonstrate unwavering faith and love even in the most challenging circumstances.
Faithfulness - Being Called Out & Into
By Stephen Kaung1.8K59:15FaithfulnessLAM 2:10LUK 16:10REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God. He refers to the letters to the churches in Revelation, specifically the letter to the church in Smyrna, which encourages believers to remain faithful despite tribulation. The preacher explains that the ten days of tribulation mentioned in the letter symbolize a short period of time. He also highlights God's faithfulness throughout history, citing examples such as the covenant with Abraham and the promise to David. The sermon concludes by discussing the ongoing spiritual war between God and Satan, and the ultimate victory of the Lamb of God and his faithful followers.
(Revelation Thoughts From the Book) 3. the Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira
By Roy Hession1.3K56:37ThyatiraREV 2:10REV 2:13In this sermon, the speaker addresses a widespread error that was a big threat to the early church. He refers to Jude 4, which talks about certain men who have crept in unawares and turned the grace of God into lasciviousness. The speaker emphasizes the need to judge and expose sin in order to maintain a holy church. He also mentions that some individuals within the church may be playing with sin, which is just as bad as committing the deed itself. The sermon highlights the importance of repentance and warns against having a form of godliness without the power thereof.
Don't Waste Your Life - Part 6
By John Piper1.3K05:49MAT 16:24MRK 8:35ROM 8:181CO 15:58PHP 3:8COL 3:172TI 2:3HEB 12:21PE 3:15REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering, pain, and shame for the joy of knowing Jesus, calling on the audience to display Christ's worth above all else. It challenges individuals to be a generation that treasures Christ, takes risks, and sacrifices for the sake of spreading His supreme value to the nations, believing that through such commitment, many will come to know and believe in Jesus Christ.
The Burden of Jesus' Heart
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:02:37MAT 5:16JHN 17:172CO 2:14EPH 4:32JAS 1:51PE 2:9REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the deep intimacy Jesus had with His heavenly Father, as seen in John 17, revealing the burden of Jesus' heart for unity among believers. It challenges Christians to study John 17 to understand how they may have disappointed Jesus and fallen short of His desires. The sermon highlights the importance of being set apart from the world, seeking to live a life that reflects God's goodness and love, ultimately pointing to the responsibility believers have to show the world that the Father sent Jesus and that His love never ceases.
Help Is on the Way
By Jim Cymbala1.2K19:52HelpISA 41:8ISA 41:10MAT 28:20JHN 1:17HEB 8:6HEB 8:13REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 41:8, where God addresses Israel as His chosen servant. The preacher emphasizes that God has chosen and called His people, and therefore they should not be afraid or discouraged. He encourages believers to trust in God's strength and help, as He promises to uphold them with His righteous right hand. The preacher also highlights that God takes joy in showing mercy and helping those who look to Him, even when they feel unworthy.
Christ Is Worth Trading Everything
By Tim Conway1.1K08:30MAT 16:24LUK 14:33ROM 8:182CO 4:17PHP 3:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:21PE 4:12REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being fully persuaded that Christ is worth trading everything for, highlighting the need to joyfully venture all for Christ without hesitation or keeping a checklist of sacrifices made. It discusses the contrast between those who confidently follow Christ with joy and those who struggle due to lack of persuasion, ultimately focusing on the central question of whether Christ is the driving compulsion of one's life above all else.
Godly People Will Be Persecuted
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:02ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 10:34JHN 15:18ACT 11:262TI 3:12HEB 4:15JAS 1:121PE 4:12REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Daniel, the apostles, and early Christians who faced persecution. It highlights the importance of standing firm for God, even in the face of opposition, and the strengthening and unity that persecution can bring to believers. The speaker encourages honesty before God, acknowledging weaknesses, and seeking His strength to remain faithful in all circumstances.
The Human Factor
By George Verwer1.1K42:46FleshMAT 10:38LUK 14:332CO 4:7EPH 5:18JAS 1:81JN 1:9REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about his experiences hiking in the Grand Canyon and listening to cassette tapes. He then references 2 Corinthians 4:7, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that the power comes from God and not from ourselves. The speaker briefly mentions the topic of being filled with the Holy Spirit but acknowledges that it has been preached on before. He also reflects on his emotional response during his son's wedding speeches and highlights the significance of the human factor in balancing God's truth. The speaker mentions a book called "How Come It's Taking So Long To Get Better" by Lewis, which explores the idea of teaching our moods and not being swayed by external circumstances.
Message 08
By George Verwer1.0K1:00:03REV 2:2REV 2:10REV 2:15REV 2:19REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of simplicity in the Christian life. He acknowledges the challenge faced by pastors in trying to meet the needs of a diverse congregation, including intellectuals and those who may struggle with reading. He highlights the effectiveness of oral storytelling in spreading the message of the Scriptures. The preacher also discusses the significance of repentance and quickly dealing with sin in order to bounce back in the Christian journey. Additionally, he offers free books on leadership principles and missions to the audience, encouraging them to stay connected and share the resources with others.
Pilgrim's Progress - What We Learn From It
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:58:55PRO 11:2PRO 13:20MAT 7:13REV 2:10
This sermon reflects on the timeless wisdom found in the Christian classic 'Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan, highlighting the author's humility and God's honor upon his work. It emphasizes the importance of genuine fellowship with like-minded believers, the dangers of pride and taking shortcuts in the Christian journey, and the ultimate reward of enduring faith until the end to receive the crown of life.
The Apocalypse - Revelation 2
By Steve Gallagher96745:35Apocalypse StudyREV 2:2REV 2:10REV 2:14REV 2:20REV 3:1REV 3:8REV 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation. He likens them to a form letter that can be customized for each congregation. The letters follow a pattern of describing Christ, offering commendations and reproofs, and concluding with a word of promise to overcomers. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus addresses the strains of ungodliness that were already present in the early years of the churches and deals with them forcefully.
The Biblical Call to Missions
By Dick Brogden95940:44MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:4ROM 15:202CO 4:7PHP 1:29PHP 3:101PE 4:12REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus into our lives, acknowledging our unworthiness, and the need for collective obedience to fulfill the Great Commission. It calls for a return to the simplicity of abiding in Jesus, advancing together to plant churches where the gospel is not yet preached, and embracing suffering and persecution for Jesus' sake as a normal reality.
Drawing Near-2nd Session
By Gisela Yohannan9271:13:44Experiencing GodFaithfulnessHolding Fast to God's PromisesJER 31:3MAL 3:6LUK 9:23ROM 4:20COL 3:2HEB 10:22HEB 11:6HEB 13:8REV 2:10Gisela Yohannan emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and holding fast to our faith amidst a rapidly changing world. She highlights that while everything around us is transient, God's promises and His nature remain constant and unchanging. By using biblical examples, she encourages believers to cling to their hope in Christ, demonstrating unwavering faith and patience, just as figures like Abraham and Jesus did. Yohannan reminds us that our commitment to God should be lifelong, urging us to practice holding fast to His promises through life's challenges. Ultimately, she calls for a transformation of our minds through God's Word to strengthen our resolve in faith.
Will You Finish Well
By Richard Owen Roberts81606:44MAT 24:13LUK 9:621CO 16:13PHP 3:132TI 4:7HEB 3:6JAS 1:12REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of finishing strong in the Christian faith, highlighting that it is not just about how you start but how you continue until the end. The book of Hebrews is discussed, showcasing the dual themes of elevating Christ doctrinally and warning about the necessity of enduring faith. The passages in Hebrews stress the need to hold fast to faith and repentance until the end, not just making a one-time commitment but living a life dedicated to Christ.
The Great Tribulation and the Church
By Zac Poonen7871:08:36MAT 24:21ROM 8:371TH 5:6REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for tribulation and persecution as a faithful follower of Christ. It highlights the need to love the truth, seek salvation from sin, and be faithful in little things to withstand the challenges ahead. The speaker warns against deception and false teachings, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and be ready to face tribulation with grace and courage.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer - This may be addressed particularly to Polycarp, if he was at that time the bishop of this Church. He had much to suffer; and was at last burnt alive at Smyrna, about the year of our Lord 166. We have a very ancient account of his martyrdom, which has been translated by Cave, and is worthy of the reader's perusal. That account states that the Jews were particularly active in this martyrdom, and brought the fagots, etc., by which he was consumed. Such persons must indeed have been of the synagogue of Satan. Ten days - As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted. Others understand the expression as implying frequency and abundance, as it does in other parts of Scripture. Gen 31:7, Gen 31:41 : Thou hast changed my wages Ten Times; i.e. thou hast frequently changed my wages Num 14:22 : Those men have tempted me now these Ten Times; i.e. they have frequently and grievously tempted and sinned against me. Neh 4:12 : The Jews that dwelt by them came and said unto us Ten Times, i.e. they were frequently coming and informing us, that our adversaries intended to attack us, Job 19:3; These Ten Times have ye reproached me; i.e. ye have loaded me with continual reproaches. Dan 1:20 : In all matters of wisdom, he found them Ten Times better than all the magicians; i.e. the king frequently consulted Daniel and his companions, and found them more abundantly informed and wise than all his counsellors. Some think the shortness of the affliction is here intended, and that the ten days are to be understood as in Terence, Heaut., Act v., scen. 1, ver. 36, Decem dierum vis mi est familia. "I have enjoyed my family but a short time." Be thou faithful unto death - Be firm, hold fast the faith, confess Christ to the last, and at all hazards, and thou shalt have a crown of life - thou shalt be crowned with life, have an eternal happy existence, though thou suffer a temporal death. It is said of Polycarp that when brought before the judge, and commanded to abjure and blaspheme Christ, he firmly answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, how then can I blaspheme my king who hath saved me?" He was then adjudged to the flames, and suffered cheerfully for Christ his Lord and Master.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fear none, &c.--the oldest manuscripts read, "Fear not those things," &c. "The Captain of our salvation never keeps back what those who faithfully witness for Him may have to bear for His name's sake; never entices recruits by the promise they shall find all things easy and pleasant there" [TRENCH]. devil--"the accuser." He acted, through Jewish accusers against Christ and His people. The conflict of the latter was not with mere flesh and blood, but with the rulers of the darkness of this world. tried--with temptation by "the devil." The same event is often both a temptation from the devil, and a trial from God--God sifting and winnowing the man to separate his chaff from his wheat, the devil sifting him in the hope that nothing but chaff will be found in him [TRENCH]. ten days--not the ten persecutions from Nero to Diocletian. LYRA explains ten years on the year-day principle. The shortness of the duration of the persecution is evidently made the ground of consolation. The time of trial shall be short, the duration of your joy shall be for ever. Compare the use of "ten days" for a short time, Gen 24:55; Num 11:19. Ten is the number of the world powers hostile to the Church; compare the ten horns of the beast, Rev 13:1. unto death--so as even to endure death for My sake. crown of life-- Jam 1:12; Ti2 4:8, "crown of righteousness"; Pe1 5:4, "crown of glory." The crown is the garland, the mark of a conqueror, or of one rejoicing, or at a feast; but diadem is the mark of a KING.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer,.... God's people undergo sufferings of various sorts, as the Christians of those times did, scourgings, imprisonment, confiscation of goods, and death itself in various shapes; and these are certain, they shall suffer them; they are all known beforehand to Christ, and he sometimes gives his people previous notice of them, nor should they indulge a slavish fear about them. It is reported of Polycarp, bishop of this church at Smyrna, in a letter written by the church itself (n) that three days before he suffered, he dreamed his pillow, on which he laid his head, was on fire; upon which, awaking, he said to those that were by him, that he should be burnt for Christ; and when he came to suffer, as he was led along, a voice was heard by the bystanders, Polycarp, be strong, and play the man, Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison; which has been the lot of many of the saints, and was of some, even of the faithful ministers of the word in this interval; in which Satan had an hand, instigating their enemies to prevent and stop the progress of the Gospel, and deter others both from preaching and professing it: the end was in the permission of it, that ye may be tried; that their graces might be tried, their faith, love, zeal, courage, faithfulness, and constancy. Suffering times are trying times, whether men are real Christians or not; whether they have the true grace of God or not; and whether the principles they hold are right and true, and are worth, and will bear suffering for: and ye shall have tribulation ten days: meaning it may be the ten persecutions under the Roman emperors; the "first" was under Nero, in the year 64 or 66; the "second" was under Domitian, about the year 93; the "third" was under Trojan, in the year 104; the "fourth" was under Hadrian, in the year 125; the "fifth" was under Marcus Antoninus, in the year 151; the "sixth" was under Septimius Severus, in the year 197; the "seventh" was under Maximinus, in the years 235, 236, 237; the "eighth" was under Decius, in the year 250; the "ninth" was under Valerianus, in the year 257; and the "tenth" was under Dioclesian, in the year 303. Austin (o) reckons the ten persecutions thus: the first by Nero, the second by Domitian, the third by Trojan, the fourth by Antoninus, the fifth by Severus, the sixth by Maximus, the seventh by Decius, the eighth by Valerianus, the ninth by Aurelianus, the tenth by Dioclesian and Maximianus. Others, inasmuch as Nero's persecution was before this vision, reckon the ten persecutions thus: Domitian, Trojan, M. Antoninus, Verus and Lucius, Severus, Maximinus, Decius, Valerianus, Aurelianus, Dioclesianus, Licinius: the Dioclesian persecution lasted ten years almost throughout: and some think that this last persecution, which held ten years, is here particularly meant, and not without some good reason; since it is usual in prophetic writings, and in this book of the Revelation, to put days for years; so that these ten days may be the ten years the last persecution held, and at which time the period of this church state ended, and that of Pergamos took place, Be thou faithful unto death: which is an address to the ministers in this interval, to be faithful in preaching the pure and unmixed Gospel of Christ; in a constant administration of the ordinances, as they were delivered; in watching over the souls of men under their care, reproving, exhorting, &c. with all longsuffering; continuing in the discharge of duty, though in continual danger of death, and though it issued in it. And also to the churches and the members of them, to continue believing in Christ, professing his name, striving for his Gospel, attending on his ordinances, and following him whithersoever he went; though this should expose them to sufferings, even unto death, which it became them cheerfully to undergo: and to which they are encouraged by what follows, and I will give thee a crown of life; which may refer not only to eternal life, which is so called, Jam 1:12; because of the glory of that state, and its everlasting continuance, and is in the possession and gift of Christ; but to the deliverance of the Christians from persecution, by Constantine; who coming to the imperial crown, that became not only a crown of glory to him, but of life to the church, and was as life from the dead unto the saints: to dead men is promised a crown of life, in allusion to the Gentiles, who crowned their dead (p), (n) Apud Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 15. (o) De Civitate Dei, l. 18. c. 52. (p) Vid. Minut. Felix, p. 42.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:10 John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians. • The period of their suffering would be ten days, symbolizing a limited time of persecution (see 1 Pet 1:6). If they would remain faithful, their reward would be the crown of eternal life. • when facing death: John’s pupil Polycarp was a martyr in Smyrna in the mid-100s AD.