Revelation 2:9-10
What is written? (ESV)
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. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
What does it say?
I know your troubles and poverty (but you actually are rich) and the false statements of those that say they are Jews but are in name only. They are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Satan is about to throw some of you in prison so that you may be tested; you will have tribulation for ten days, but be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.
What is its immediate context?
A letter to the church at Smyrna from “the first and the last, who died and came to life” (vs 8) warning them specifically of coming persecution and reminding them of their richness of blessings in Christ.
How Revelation 2:9-10 is applied across Bible answers
Is there a Great Tribulation in the Bible?
In Jesus' testimony to the church at Smyrna, he describes a "tribulation" to occur from "the devil" that involves them being put in prison for "ten days." Jesus further encourages them to "be faithful unto death" for a "crown of life" --- no mention of a Tribulation or Great Tribulation.
There is no reason from Scripture to take these "ten days" literally. Instead, as is consistent with the use of "ten" and multiples thereof, it implies "complete" or "completed". Additionally, it is a tribulation whose days are numbered (finite; will end) and, relative to their reign with Jesus for "a thousand years" (e.g. eternity) later in the book, it will be very, very short.
When is the Tribulation on earth?
In Jesus' testimony to the church at Smyrna, he describes a "tribulation" to occur from "the devil" that involves them being put in prison for "ten days."
There is no reason from Scripture to take these "ten days" literally. Instead, as is consistent with the use of "ten" and multiples thereof, it implies "complete" or "completed". Additionally, it is a tribulation whose days are numbered (finite; will end) and, relative to their reign with Jesus for "a thousand years" (e.g. eternity) later in the book, it will be very, very short.
