Revelation 2:10 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.
Suffering often produces fear. No one likes to suffer. We do all we can to avoid it. Knowing that suffering is coming also helps us prepare. Jesus said that his followers would suffer. The character growth and the hope we have (Romans 5:1-4) help sustain us through the suffering. Suffering is a form of testing of our faith. Our faith can be strengthened through our suffering or our faith can be weakened. If we feel our faith is weak, we can lean on others around us who can hold us up when we do not have enough strength to hold ourselves. Suffering is limited. For the Smyrnans, it would last “ten days.” They could even suffer to the point of death. Suffering to the point of death may seem a terrible thing, and it is. But Jesus promises life after death. There is a crown waiting those who do not give up even to the point of martyrdom. A crown symbolizes a reward and royalty. Those who do lose their lives for the sake of Jesus will be rewarded in a special way. It is difficult to know what this means, but it is a strong incentive to not give up or forsake the gospel. The Smyrnans needed this encouragement, and we also need this no matter what type of suffering we are facing.
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