2:8 Smyrna was a prosperous port city, not far north up the coastline from Ephesus. Smyrna’s importance also extended to political matters because of its close and loyal association with Rome, even pre-dating Rome’s rise to power. Although John issues unqualified praise for this congregation, we have no historical record of its beginning (although we do know from Acts 19:10 that Paul conducted a successful evangelistic campaign in the vicinity). And a generation after Revelation was written, Polycarp, a notable leader in the early church, was martyred in Smyrna.

The opening address repeats claims made earlier for Christ (1:17–18) that he is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. A reminder of Easter is especially meaningful for this congregation which lives in poverty, h…