Verse
Context
To the Church in Smyrna
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.11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that overcometh - The conqueror who has stood firm in every trial, and vanquished all his adversaries. Shall not be hurt of the second death - That is, an eternal separation from God and the glory of his power; as what we commonly mean by final perdition. This is another rabbinical mode of speech in very frequent use, and by it they understand the punishment of hell in a future life. The Epistle to the Church at Pergamos
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
shall not be hurt--Greek, "shall not by any means (or possibly) be hurt." the second death--"the lake of fire." "The death in life of the lost, as contrasted with the life in death of the saved" [TRENCH]. The phrase "the second death" is peculiar to the Apocalypse. What matter about the first death, which sooner or later must pass over us, if we escape the second death? "It seems that they who die that death shall be hurt by it; whereas, if it were annihilation, and so a conclusion of their torments, it would be no way hurtful, but highly beneficial to them. But the living torments are the second death" [BISHOP PEARSON]. "The life of the damned is death" [AUGUSTINE]. Smyrna (meaning myrrh) yielded its sweet perfume in being bruised even to death. Myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies (Joh 19:39); was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil (Exo 30:23); a perfume of the heavenly Bridegroom (Psa 45:8), and of the bride (Sol 3:6). "Affliction, like it, is bitter for the time being, but salutary; preserving the elect from corruption, and seasoning them for immortality, and gives scope for the exercise of the fragrantly breathing Christian virtues" [VITRINGA]. POLYCARP'S noble words to his heathen judges who wished him to recant, are well known: "Fourscore and six years have I served the Lord, and He never wronged me, how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?" Smyrna's faithfulness is rewarded by its candlestick not having been removed out of its place (Rev 2:5); Christianity has never wholly left it; whence the Turks call it, "Infidel Smyrna."
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear, let him hear,.... See Gill on Rev 2:7, he that overcometh; and is not intimidated by poverty, confiscation of goods, tribulation, persecution, and death itself, but through Christ is a conqueror, and more than a conqueror over all these things: shall not be hurt of the second death; by which is meant eternal death, in distinction from a corporeal and temporal one; and lies in a destruction of both body and soul in hell, and in an everlasting separation from God, and a continual sense of divine wrath; but of this the saints shall never be hurt, they are ordained to eternal life; this is secured for them in Christ, and he has it in his hands for them, and will give it to them. The phrase is Jewish, and is opposed to the first death, or the death of the body; which is the effect of sin, and is appointed of God, and which the people of God die as well as others; but the second death is peculiar to wicked men. So the Jerusalem Targum on Deu 33:6; paraphrases those words, "let Reuben live, and not die", thus, "let Reuben live in this world, and not die , "by the second death", with which the wicked die in the world to come. Of which sense of the text and phrase Epiphanius makes mention (q). See the same phrase in the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, in Isa 22:14; and in Jer 51:39; and in Philo the Jew (r), (q) Contr. Haeres. Haeres. 9. (r) De Praemiis & Poenis, p. 921.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 Faithfulness until death is described as being victorious; overcoming the second death means receiving eternal life (see 20:5-6, 14; 21:8).
To the Church in Smyrna
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.11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Once Saved, Always Saved 2
By Jacob Prasch3.4K55:50AssuranceGEN 15:6JHN 5:39HEB 6:1REV 2:11REV 3:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of falling away from faith. He emphasizes that one cannot fall away from a place they have never been, suggesting that those who have truly experienced faith in Jesus can potentially fall away. The preacher also references John Calvin's belief that some may have only had a superficial understanding of faith. He highlights the importance of faith being accompanied by works, using the analogy of a model airplane that is useless without being put into action. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Christians have the free will to choose their path and warns against departing from Jesus.
Revelation 5
By F.J. Huegel1.9K1:24:02REV 1:18REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 5:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its mysteries. He starts by describing the book as written within and sealed with seven seals. He emphasizes that no one in heaven, earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the book except for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is also referred to as the Lamb that was slain. The preacher then discusses the importance of overcoming and being victorious in order to receive the blessings and promises mentioned in the book, such as eating from the tree of life and having power over the nations. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the congregation to be built up in their faith and bring glory to God through Christ.
The Call to Overcome
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:09:15OvercomingMAT 6:33REV 1:9REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a vision and how it relates to the call of God. The vision is described as an unveiling of the mind of God to our spirit, and it is through seeing this vision that we receive the call. The main focus of the vision is on the son of man, who is described in great detail, while the seven golden candlesticks in the background are not described. This is because the purpose of the vision is for us to see Christ and his glory. The speaker emphasizes that as Christ is, so is the church. The vision also reveals that Christ holds the keys of death and Hades, signifying his power and authority.
Hear What the Spirit Says
By Erlo Stegen0Obedience to the Holy SpiritHearing God's VoiceJHN 10:27ACT 5:3JAS 1:22REV 2:11Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity for Christians to hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it from the many distractions of the world. He illustrates the importance of a daily relationship with God, using stories to show how attentiveness to God's guidance leads to safety and victory. Stegen warns against the dangers of ignoring God's voice, likening it to a mirage that leads to destruction, and encourages believers to remain sensitive to the Spirit's leading. He stresses that true understanding comes from personal experience with God, not just second-hand knowledge. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a softening of hearts to hear and follow the Holy Spirit's direction.
The Christian Meaning of Death
By Olin Alfred Curtis0GEN 2:17ROM 5:12ROM 5:141CO 15:21EPH 2:1REV 2:11Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the various conceptions of death from non-Christian perspectives, highlighting the idealization of death by modern poets and the scientific view of death as a servant of life. He then explores the biblical perspective on death in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the significance of bodily death as a consequence of sin. Curtis also conducts a philosophical study of death, discussing the nature of life, the organism of man, and the source of life as being rooted in God. He concludes by examining the personal, moral, and racial significance of bodily death as a penalty for sin and the ultimate climax of probation in the journey of the soul.
The "Overcomeths" in the Revelation.
By Daniel Steele0REV 2:11Daniel Steele preaches on the significance of overcoming in the message of Jesus Christ to the seven churches, emphasizing the continuous spiritual warfare in the Christian life and the need to conquer internal and external foes through faith. The rewards for overcoming are vast and varied, including access to the tree of life, protection from the second death, heavenly feast with Christ, power over nations, and the promise to sit with Christ on His throne, reflecting the brightness of His glory.
John 8:51 to End. Christ Speaks of Abraham.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0REV 2:11Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the rejection of one of the most precious promises made by the Lord, highlighting the Jews' insulting contempt and refusal to understand the true meaning of eternal life through Christ. Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping His saying to avoid the second death, which is the eternal separation from God. He contrasts the faith of Abraham, who rejoiced in the promise of the Savior, with the Jews' lack of faith and understanding. Jesus reveals His eternal existence and divine nature by declaring, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' signifying His timeless and unchanging nature as God.
Rev. 20:6. the First Resurrection
By Horatius Bonar0Eternal HopeResurrectionDAN 7:9LUK 20:36JHN 5:29JHN 11:25ACT 2:411CO 15:231TH 4:16REV 2:11REV 20:6REV 20:13Horatius Bonar emphasizes the hope of resurrection as central to the Christian faith, contrasting it with the finality of death. He explains that the first resurrection, as described in Revelation 20:6, is a promise of blessedness and holiness for those who have suffered for Christ, allowing them to reign with Him for a thousand years. Bonar highlights the significance of this resurrection, which brings eternal life and preservation from the second death, while also warning of the dire consequences for those who do not embrace this hope. He urges listeners to reflect on their spiritual state and the eternal choices before them, encouraging a life aligned with the promise of resurrection. The sermon concludes with a call to look to the cross for salvation, emphasizing that even the most lost can find hope in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that overcometh - The conqueror who has stood firm in every trial, and vanquished all his adversaries. Shall not be hurt of the second death - That is, an eternal separation from God and the glory of his power; as what we commonly mean by final perdition. This is another rabbinical mode of speech in very frequent use, and by it they understand the punishment of hell in a future life. The Epistle to the Church at Pergamos
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
shall not be hurt--Greek, "shall not by any means (or possibly) be hurt." the second death--"the lake of fire." "The death in life of the lost, as contrasted with the life in death of the saved" [TRENCH]. The phrase "the second death" is peculiar to the Apocalypse. What matter about the first death, which sooner or later must pass over us, if we escape the second death? "It seems that they who die that death shall be hurt by it; whereas, if it were annihilation, and so a conclusion of their torments, it would be no way hurtful, but highly beneficial to them. But the living torments are the second death" [BISHOP PEARSON]. "The life of the damned is death" [AUGUSTINE]. Smyrna (meaning myrrh) yielded its sweet perfume in being bruised even to death. Myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies (Joh 19:39); was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil (Exo 30:23); a perfume of the heavenly Bridegroom (Psa 45:8), and of the bride (Sol 3:6). "Affliction, like it, is bitter for the time being, but salutary; preserving the elect from corruption, and seasoning them for immortality, and gives scope for the exercise of the fragrantly breathing Christian virtues" [VITRINGA]. POLYCARP'S noble words to his heathen judges who wished him to recant, are well known: "Fourscore and six years have I served the Lord, and He never wronged me, how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?" Smyrna's faithfulness is rewarded by its candlestick not having been removed out of its place (Rev 2:5); Christianity has never wholly left it; whence the Turks call it, "Infidel Smyrna."
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear, let him hear,.... See Gill on Rev 2:7, he that overcometh; and is not intimidated by poverty, confiscation of goods, tribulation, persecution, and death itself, but through Christ is a conqueror, and more than a conqueror over all these things: shall not be hurt of the second death; by which is meant eternal death, in distinction from a corporeal and temporal one; and lies in a destruction of both body and soul in hell, and in an everlasting separation from God, and a continual sense of divine wrath; but of this the saints shall never be hurt, they are ordained to eternal life; this is secured for them in Christ, and he has it in his hands for them, and will give it to them. The phrase is Jewish, and is opposed to the first death, or the death of the body; which is the effect of sin, and is appointed of God, and which the people of God die as well as others; but the second death is peculiar to wicked men. So the Jerusalem Targum on Deu 33:6; paraphrases those words, "let Reuben live, and not die", thus, "let Reuben live in this world, and not die , "by the second death", with which the wicked die in the world to come. Of which sense of the text and phrase Epiphanius makes mention (q). See the same phrase in the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, in Isa 22:14; and in Jer 51:39; and in Philo the Jew (r), (q) Contr. Haeres. Haeres. 9. (r) De Praemiis & Poenis, p. 921.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 Faithfulness until death is described as being victorious; overcoming the second death means receiving eternal life (see 20:5-6, 14; 21:8).