Revelation 2:8

KJV

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} unto the angel {G32} of the church {G1577} in Smyrna {G4668} write {G1125}; These things {G3592} saith {G3004} the first {G4413} and {G2532} the last {G2078}, which {G3739} was {G1096} dead {G3498}, and {G2532} is alive {G2198};

Complete Jewish Bible

“To the angel of the Messianic Community in Smyrna, write: ‘Here is the message from the First and the Last, who died and came alive again:

Berean Standard Bible

To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life.

American Standard Version

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:8 introduces the second of seven prophetic messages from Jesus Christ to the churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressed to the beleaguered community in Smyrna. This verse sets the authoritative tone for the letter by identifying the divine sender with profound titles: "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." These self-descriptions are not merely ceremonial but are deeply significant, providing comfort, assurance, and a foundational theological truth to a church facing severe persecution, economic hardship, and the looming threat of martyrdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the second of the seven letters found in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). Each letter follows a distinct pattern: a command to write, a unique self-description of Christ drawn from the vision in [Revelation 1](/revelation/1 "Revelation 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"), an assessment of the church's deeds, commendation (if any), rebuke (if any), exhortation, a call to hear, and a promise to the overcomer. Revelation 2:8 immediately follows the message to Ephesus and precedes the message to Pergamum. The specific titles Jesus uses here are directly relevant to the unique trials and spiritual condition of the church in Smyrna, setting the stage for the commendation and exhortation that follow in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Smyrna, modern-day Izmir in Turkey, was a prominent and prosperous port city, renowned for its beauty, wealth, and fierce loyalty to Rome. It was one of the first cities in Asia to build a temple to Tiberius Caesar in 26 AD, making emperor worship a deeply ingrained civic duty. This loyalty often led to intense persecution of Christians, who, by refusing to participate in the imperial cult, were seen as disloyal and atheistic. The city also housed a significant and often hostile Jewish population, as alluded to in [Revelation 2:9](/revelation/2-9 "Revelation 2:9 - The Synagogue of Satan"). Believers in Smyrna faced not only economic hardship due to their refusal to join trade guilds (which often required participation in pagan rites) but also the constant threat of imprisonment and martyrdom. Jesus' self-identification in this verse directly addresses their dire circumstances, offering profound hope and solidarity from one who has conquered death.
* **Key Themes:** The self-identification of Jesus in [Revelation 2:8](/revelation/2-8 "Revelation 2:8 - Message to Smyrna") highlights several critical themes that permeate the book of Revelation and are particularly salient for the Smyrnaean church. Firstly, the **Sovereignty and Eternity of Christ** is emphasized through the title "the first and the last," which echoes God's self-declaration in [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and the Last") and Jesus' own claim in [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - Jesus' Self-Identification"). This asserts His divine nature, eternal existence, and supreme authority over all creation and history, providing a stable anchor in times of chaos. Secondly, the theme of **Victory Over Death** is powerfully conveyed by "which was dead, and is alive." This direct reference to Christ's crucifixion and glorious resurrection is a potent message for a church facing the very real threat of martyrdom, as seen in [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Smyrna's Impending Tribulation"). It assures them that their Lord understands their suffering, having experienced and conquered death, underscoring the [reality of Christ's resurrection](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits"). Lastly, the verse underscores **Divine Empathy and Authority**, demonstrating that Jesus is not a distant deity but one who has intimately experienced human suffering and emerged victorious, offering an enduring hope beyond earthly tribulations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** From the Strong's data, this word means "a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor." In the context of the seven letters to the churches, "angel" is widely understood to refer to the leading pastor or spiritual leader of the local congregation, who serves as the recipient and representative of the church. This indicates that the message is directed to the church through its spiritual head, who bears the responsibility of conveying and applying it to the community.
* **write (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe." The imperative "write" emphasizes the divine command and the enduring nature of the message. It signifies that these words are not merely spoken but are to be recorded, preserved, and disseminated, ensuring their authority and accessibility for all generations of believers, particularly those facing similar trials.
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** A contracted superlative from "pro," meaning "foremost (in time, place, order or importance)." When Jesus identifies Himself as "the first," it signifies His absolute preeminence, His eternal existence before all creation, and His ultimate authority. This title, combined with "the last," asserts His unique position as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of all things, establishing His divine sovereignty over all history and destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write":** This clause establishes the specific recipient of the message. The command "write" signifies the divine authority and permanence of the communication. The "angel" (messenger/pastor) of the church in Smyrna is the designated conduit for this divinely inspired word to the entire congregation, indicating the localized nature of the message while also implying its broader applicability.
* **"These things saith the first and the last":** This powerful self-identification of Jesus draws directly from the vision in [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - Jesus' Self-Identification") and echoes the divine title of Yahweh in [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and the Last"). By claiming to be "the first and the last," Jesus asserts His eternal pre-existence, His ultimate authority over all creation and history, and His role as the sovereign beginning and end of all things. This declaration provides a foundational assurance of His omnipotence and control, particularly comforting to a church facing overwhelming external pressures.
* **"which was dead, and is alive":** This phrase directly references the central tenets of Christian faith: Christ's crucifixion and His glorious resurrection. "Was dead" (Greek, _ho egeneto nekros'_) highlights the historical reality of His physical death, emphasizing His solidarity with human suffering and mortality. "And is alive" (Greek, _kai ezēsen'_) proclaims His triumph over death, His eternal life, and His power to grant life. For the persecuted church in Smyrna, this serves as a profound source of hope, assuring them that their Lord understands their suffering, has conquered death, and holds the keys to eternal life, making their potential martyrdom a pathway to ultimate victory.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:8 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Christological Titularization**, where Jesus uses specific titles to reveal aspects of His divine nature and authority relevant to the audience. "The first and the last" is a direct **allusion** to Old Testament passages (e.g., [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and the Last")), asserting His divine identity and eternal sovereignty. This title also functions as a **hyperbole** of His ultimate authority, encompassing all time and existence. The phrase "which was dead, and is alive" is a powerful **paradox** that encapsulates the core of the Gospel – life through death. It is also a form of **autobiographical statement**, providing a concise summary of Christ's redemptive work. For the church in Smyrna, this statement serves as a profound **symbolism** of hope and ultimate victory over persecution, as their Lord has already triumphed over the very death they might face. The entire verse functions as a **prologue** to the specific message for Smyrna, setting an authoritative and empathetic tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:8 establishes a profound theological foundation for understanding Christ's nature and His relationship with His suffering church. By identifying Himself as "the first and the last," Jesus claims the attributes of eternal, sovereign God, echoing the divine self-designation in the Old Testament. This title asserts His absolute preeminence and control over all history, assuring the persecuted believers in Smyrna that their trials are not outside His divine plan. Furthermore, the declaration "which was dead, and is alive" points directly to the core of Christian theology: the atoning death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. This not only validates His messianic claims but also provides the ultimate guarantee of hope and eternal life for those who follow Him, even unto death. It underscores the truth that suffering and death are not the end, but a pathway to ultimate triumph through Christ.

* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and the Last")
* [Revelation 1:17-18](/revelation/1-17-18 "Revelation 1:17-18 - Jesus' Self-Identification and Victory Over Death")
* [Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and Victory Over Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:8 offers profound comfort and strength to believers in every age, especially when facing hardship, persecution, or the uncertainties of life. Jesus' self-identification as "the first and the last" reminds us that He is sovereign over all circumstances, the ultimate beginning and end of all things. This truth provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls, assuring us that no trial, no enemy, and no power can ultimately thwart His purposes or snatch us from His hand. Furthermore, His declaration "which was dead, and is alive" is the ultimate source of our hope. It means that our Savior intimately understands suffering, having endured death Himself, and has conquered it definitively. This gives us courage to face our own fears, knowing that even death is not a final defeat but a gateway to eternal life with Him. We are called to steadfastness, trusting that the resurrected Lord, who holds all authority, is intimately aware of our struggles and guarantees our ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' self-identification as "the first and the last" bring comfort or challenge to your understanding of God's sovereignty in your current circumstances?**
* **In what ways does the truth that Jesus "was dead, and is alive" strengthen your faith when facing personal suffering, loss, or the fear of death?**
* **Considering the persecution faced by the church in Smyrna, how might Jesus' message in this verse encourage you to remain faithful amidst opposition or difficult choices?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus use these specific titles ("the first and the last," "was dead, and is alive") when addressing the church in Smyrna?**

Answer: Jesus uses these titles to directly address the specific challenges and spiritual needs of the church in Smyrna. Smyrna was a city known for its intense persecution of Christians, often leading to imprisonment and martyrdom. By identifying Himself as "the first and the last," Jesus asserts His eternal sovereignty and ultimate control over all history and destiny, including their suffering. This title, also used for God in [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God as the First and the Last"), assures them that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and their trials are within His divine plan. The phrase "which was dead, and is alive" is a powerful reminder of His own death and resurrection. For a church facing the very real threat of physical death for their faith, this declaration provides immense comfort and hope, assuring them that their Lord has conquered death and offers them eternal life beyond their earthly struggles. It demonstrates His empathy and provides a guarantee of their future resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:8 profoundly unveils the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan, presenting Jesus not merely as a historical figure but as the eternal, sovereign Lord who triumphs over death. His self-identification as "the first and the last" echoes the divine attributes of Yahweh, affirming His co-equality with the Father and His ultimate authority over all creation and history, as seen in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning"). This title points to His pre-existence and His role as the Omega, the one who will bring all things to their appointed end, a truth powerfully reiterated in [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus as the Alpha and Omega"). More strikingly, the declaration "which was dead, and is alive" encapsulates the very heart of the Gospel. It foreshadows His atoning death on the cross for the sins of humanity, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering"), and His glorious resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the guarantee of our own future resurrection, as explained in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message of Christ's Death and Resurrection"). Thus, in Revelation 2:8, Jesus is presented as the sovereign, empathetic, and victorious Lamb of God, who, having conquered death, offers eternal life and ultimate triumph to all who remain faithful, even unto the point of martyrdom. His resurrection is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to overcome sin and death, providing the ultimate hope for the persecuted church and for all believers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 2:1

¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;