8. This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Smyrna:I am the first and the last. I died, but now I am alive! Listen to what I say.
9. I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who claim to be Jews. But they are not really Jews. They are a group that belongs to Satan.
10. Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.
11. If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Whoever wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.
12. This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Pergamum:I am the one who has the sharp double-edged sword! Listen to what I say.
13. I know that you live where Satan has his throne. But you have kept true to my name. There where Satan lives, my faithful witness Antipas was taken from you and put to death. Even then you did not give up your faith in me.