Thy Works
“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)” (Rev 2:9a KJV)
Jesus names several points about the Church of Smyrna: their works, their tribulation, and their poverty. The Church of Smyrna withstood great persecution for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was for these works and tribulation that Jesus commended them.
The Synagogue of Satan
“and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9b KJV)
The fact of being Jewish wasn’t just outward, but inward. It isn’t a matter of physical circumcision, but the circumcision of the heart through faith.
” 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom 2:28-29 KJV)
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:” (Col 2:11 KJV)