8. “Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:“The One who is the First and the Last says this to you. He is the One who died and came to life again.
9. I know your troubles. I know that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the bad things that some people say about you. They say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan.
10. Do not be afraid of what will happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die. If you are faithful, I will give you the crown of life.
11. “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. He who wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.
12. “Write this to the angel of the church in Pergamum:“The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this to you.
13. I know where you live. You live where Satan has his throne. But you are true to me. You did not refuse to tell about your faith in me even during the time of Antipas. Antipas was my faithful witness who was killed in your city. Your city is where Satan lives.
14. “But I have a few things against you: You have some there who follow the teaching of Balaam. Balaam taught Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin. They sinned by eating food offered to idols and by taking part in sexual sins.