In the second personalized letter from Jesus to a church in the opening chapters of the book of Revelation, Jesus gives only commendation and encouragement to the people of the church in Smyrna. They are facing economic, political, and existential threats that could leave them poor, unprotected, and perhaps even dead. But Jesus reminds them that he was once dead, but now lives forever, and promises that they too can be victorious regardless of the dangers they must endure because he has promised the crown of life to those who are faithful to the end.