To the Church in Smyrna

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
the one you teach from your law;
13
you grant them relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14
For the Lord will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
15
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

16
Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17
Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
19
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.

20
Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
21
The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
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But the Lord has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23
He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the Lord our God will destroy them.