I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Jesus is speaking here to the church in Smyrna, a city where Christians were persecuted and often lost jobs or homes. Though they were materially poor, Jesus sees their true wealth in faith and endurance. He also calls out people who claimed to be faithful Jews but were actually persecuting Christians, saying they belong to Satan's synagogue rather than God's people.
Jesus, You see what others miss—the late nights, the worried prayers, the quiet ways we keep trusting You. When the world calls us poor, remind us we're rich in ways that can't be measured. Help us see our true wealth in You. Amen.
Picture a church meeting in a cramped apartment, the electricity flickering because the power bill is overdue. Everyone there has lost something—a job, a relationship, their standing in the community. And then Jesus walks in and says, "I see it all. I know exactly how poor you look to everyone else. And I say you're rich beyond measure." You might not be losing your job for your faith, but you're probably losing something—sleep over medical bills, peace over that strained relationship, confidence as you scroll through everyone else's highlight reels. Jesus sees every sleepless night, every whispered prayer in the grocery checkout line. He's not impressed by your bank balance or your social media following. He's counting the currency that actually matters: your stubborn faith, your quiet kindness, your refusal to give up on hope.
What specific hardships do you think the Smyrna church faced, and why does Jesus call them 'rich' despite their poverty?
When have you felt materially poor but spiritually wealthy, or vice versa?
How does Jesus' view of wealth challenge our culture's definition of success?
In what ways might we be part of 'satan's synagogue' by how we treat other believers?
What's one practical way you can remind yourself of your true wealth this week?
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Revelation 3:17
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Romans 9:6
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matthew 6:20
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Revelation 3:9
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:28
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
James 2:5
'I know your suffering and your poverty (but you are rich), and how you are blasphemed and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [they are Jews only by blood, and do not believe and truly honor the God whom they claim to worship].
AMP
“‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
ESV
'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
NASB
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
NIV
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
NKJV
“I know about your suffering and your poverty — but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan.
NLT
"I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan's crowd.
MSG