7. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’
8. “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following:“This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but came to life:
9. ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know the slander against you by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10. Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown into prison so you may be tested, and you will experience suffering for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself.
11. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will in no way be harmed by the second death.’
12. “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write the following:“This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has the sharp double-edged sword: