Revelation 2:9

Works, and] RV omits. Rich] i.e. spiritually: cp. Matthew 6:19; James 2:5. Blasphemy] RM 'calumny,' i.e. which thou sufferest.

Say they are Jews] i.e. they are Jews in name only: cp. Revelation 3:9; Romans 2:29. The Apostle uses the name as an honourable one, equivalent to 'those who are not Gentiles, but are the people of God.' By their enmity to God's will and word, these men, Jews by race, had forfeited their position of privilege, and had become as bad as Gentiles. It is implied that it is the Christian Church in Smyrna which has succeeded to the privilege: cp. Romans 2:28. Jews joined in the martyrdom of Polycarp. Synagogue] i.e. congregation: cp. Numbers 20:4; Numbers 31:16. Of Satan] i.e. they called themselves God's, but were serving Satan.