Smyrna was also a major city, vying with Ephesus for being"first" city of Asia. It had led the way in emperor worship, and during the reign of Tiberius erected a temple to him. Smyrna was very loyal to Rome.
The attribute of Jesus that is mentioned at the outset is that He is the first and the last, and that He died but came to life again. As with Ephesus, this is very pertinent to the situation. Jesus, not the Roman emperor, has all power, He is the first and last, not some human dictator in Rome. The fact that Jesus conquered death is also crucial, for their very lives would be in danger. Note that there is no protection from death, but the promise that they will overcome death, they will rise again.
Jesus then says that He knows their tribulations and poverty. The church suffered greatly. Their religion was not recognised by the state, and it is believed that part of the persecution was at the hand of the Jews. This would also have contributed to their poverty.
The Greek word used for poverty here implies extreme poverty. This should really put a nail in the coffin of the so-called prosperity gospel. This church was in material poverty. When Jesus declares that they are rich He is in no way implying that they will have material wealth. The whole tenor of this letter is to give them strength to get through the trial, not to avoid it.
The Jews who slandered them would claim to be acting on God's behalf, but Jesus says quite bluntly that these Jews are of the synagogue of Satan, they were in no way representing God.
Jesus tells them that they will indeed go through a time of severe persecution. Some would be imprisoned, and they needed to be prepared to resist to the point of death, hence the reminder that Jesus had risen from the dead.
They are to be faithful and will receive the crown of life. The word for crown refers to the wreath or garland given to the victorious at the games, for which Smyrna was famous.
Finally, the promise is that we will not be hurt by the second death. There is no promise about the first death. Tribulations are real and we may have to go through them, but final victory is assured.
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