The Exhortation-Revelation 2:10

The Exhortation-Revelation 2:10

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (2:10).

Do not fear any of those things – He would give them strength to endure it (John 16:33; Psalm 56:11).

Throw some of you into prison – By successfully enduring that trial, they would prove the reality of their faith, be strengthened, and prove once again that Satan cannot destroy genuine saving faith. It has always been Satan’s plan to attack God’s children and attempt to destroy their faith. (Revelation 12:10).

All who are called will be kept until they are made like Christ in glory (Hebrews 7:25).

Job’s triumphant declaration in Job 13:15 signaled both the triumph of true saving faith and Satan’s utter defeat.

Tribulation 10 days – Satan’s major assault on this local church would be intense. This refers to 10 great persecutions under the Roman Emperors, beginning with Nero A.D. 54, and ending with Diocletian in A.D. 305. Ten distinct edicts demanded that governors seek out Christians everywhere and put them to death. This church age saw eight of the ten periods of persecution under Roman emperors.

1. Nero – A.D. 54-68 – Paul beheaded and Peter crucified.

2. Domitian – A.D. 81-96 – John exiled.

3. Trajan – A.D. 98-117 – Ignatius burned at the stake.

4. Marcus Aurelius – A.D. 161-180 – Justin Martyr killed.

5. Severus – A.D 193-211.

6. Maximinius – A.D. 235-238.

7. Decius – A.D. 249-251.

8. Valerian – A.D. 253-260.

9. Aurelian – A.D. 270-275.

10. Diocletian – A.D. 284-305

Faithful unto death – During the second and third centuries this persecution age saw hundreds of Christians brought into the amphitheater of Rome to be fed to hungry lions while thousands of spectators cheered. Many were crucified; others were covered with animal skins and tortured to death by wild dogs. They were covered with tar and set on fire to serve as torches. They were boiled in oil and burned at the stake, as was Polycarp in the city of Smyrna itself in A.D. 156. They proved the genuineness of their faith.

Crown of life (στέφανος stéphanos, Gk.) –“Not used of the kingly crown but of the crown of victory in games, of civic worth, military valor, nuptial joy, festival gladness. Woven of oak, ivy, myrtle, olive leaves or flowers. Used as a wreath or garland.”  It is a figurative symbol of the reward of eternal life (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 3:11).The reward, or outcome of genuine saving faith is eternal life, and perseverance proves the genuineness of your faith as you endure suffering. The Scriptures teach that true Christians will persevere (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 4:13-20; John 8:31; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 John 2:19).