Verses 8-11: Smyrna EV 2:8-11{in Addressing the Angel of the Assembly in Smyrna However, the Lord Assumes Quite a Different Character. He Is the First and the Last and the One Who Was Dead and Is Alive Again. (See the Imagery of Rev. 1:17-18.) in Revealing Himself Thus to the Assembly, He Is Addressing Himself According to the Trials That Are About to Come Upon It. He Is the Divine One, the One Who Has Ever Been and Who Will Ever Be, and, Having Become a Man, the One Who Has Gone Through the Extremity of Satan's Power and Has Come up Out of It in Victory

That assembly's lot is one of tribulation, persecution, and poverty. What is more, it is troubled by some, whether Jews or Gentiles, who claim they hold the place of being God's people by right of inheritance. Furthermore, the devil is about to bring upon them a period of severe, but measured persecution. Nevertheless, He urges it not to fear; but to be faithful unto death if need be, even as He had been. Having gained the victory over death Himself, He would give it a crown of life.
The overcomer will not be hurt of the second death, a sweet and precious promise to one who is about to face death at the hands of vicious and violent men. (See Rev. 20:14-15.)
Historically, Smyrna corresponds to the assembly in the second and third centuries. During these two centuries, several campaigns of persecution were mounted against the Christians. Of course, Christians had been persecuted almost from the very beginning of Christianity. Nevertheless, having been written toward the end of the first century, these epistles look on ahead to those of the two succeeding centuries. ("Ye shall have tribulation ten days.")
In view of the assembly's departure from its first love then, these persecutions were allowed in order to drive the hearts of the Lord's people back to Himself. Accordingly, they resulted in fruit for the Lord's glory, honor, and pleasure (See John 15:18.). There was a fresh renewal of His people's lost fervor toward Himself, a restored sense of their heavenly calling, and a corresponding adjustment in their testimony. Not only did Satan fail in his attempt to stamp out Christianity, but his efforts actually accomplished the reverse. The faith of the Christians was thereby strengthened and their numbers increased. Christianity flourished!