Nartarsha Wisewould–The message to the church of Smyrna is one of comfort and assurance. It is Jesus speaking to his beloved as she is pressed down and walking through the fire and telling her to hang in there because He is walking through the fire with her. He assured them that he knew their afflictions and their poverty, but also their spiritual richness. He warned them that they would face more suffering and persecution, but encouraged them to be faithful even to the point of death. He promised them the crown of life and the victory over the second death, which is eternal separation from God.