And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again :
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna say: These things says the first and the last, who was dead and is living:
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna, write; These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive;
"To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: "The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and lived again:
Unto the angel - This was probably the famous Polycarp. See below.
These things saith the first and the last - He who is eternal; from whom all things come, and to whom all things must return. Which was dead, for the redemption of the world; and is alive to die no more for ever, his glorified humanity being enthroned at the Father's right hand.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write - On the meaning of the word "angel," see the notes on Revelation 1:20.
These things saith the first and the last - See the notes on Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:17.
Which was dead, and is alive - See the notes on Revelation 1:18. The idea is, that he is a Living Saviour; and there was a propriety in referring to that fact here from the nature of the promise which he was about to make to the church at Smyrna: "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death," Revelation 2:11. As he had himself triumphed over death in all its forms, and was now alive forever, it was appropriate that he should promise to his true friends the same protection from the second death. He who was wholly beyond the reach of death could give the assurance that they who put their trust in him should come off victorious.
2:8 These things saith the first and the last, who was dead and is alive - How directly does this description tend to confirm him against the fear of death! verse s 10, 11. Rev 2:10,11 Even with the comfort wherewith St. John himself was comforted, Rev 1:17,18, shall the angel of this church be comforted.