“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested,..”
(Revelation 2:10a)
The church of Smyrna is exhorted not to fear, Christ tells them to brace for severer punishment. The reason that they are not to fear the imminent trial is that their lives and destiny are in the hands of the eternal Lord of history, who has already experienced persecution, even to death, and yet overcome it through resurrection. Jesus has defeated the devil, and even the devil's rebellious efforts can only fulfill Christ's sovereign plan for history. Therefore, the true saint should not be afraid of the devil's attempts to bring about compromise in the church through persecution. Indeed, Jesus employs the devil's efforts for the purpose (that you may be tested) of strengthening His people through these tests. Even the work of the devil is used by God for the furtherance of His plan. As the Devils plans at the cross were used by God to bring salvation to the world so the suffering of the Smyrneans will result in blessing and ultimate deliverance for them.
(G.K. Beale)
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