The church of Smyrna was purified by suffering.

The price for being a Christian in that city (Smyrna) was very, very high. It was a very anti-gospel, anti-God place.

Believers in Smyrna loved Christ and never left their first love; they continued to love Him zealously.

Persecution does not destroy the church; but it makes it strong.

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10, NASB)

True faith endures to death.

The faith that pleases God is based not on convenience, but on deep and abiding conviction.