“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich — and I know the slander of those who say they are Jews but are not; they are a synagogue of Satan — Christ acknowledges Smyrna's material deprivation but declares spiritual richness, inverting worldly valuations (compare Luke 6:20; 2 Corinthians 8:9). The "synagogue of Satan" refers to those claiming Jewish identity while opposing Christ; their slander likely includes denunciations to Roman authorities leading to persecution.
Church Fathers on Revelation 2:9
“I know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich.” For He knows that with such men there are riches hidden with Him, and that they deny the blasphemy of the Jews, who say that they are Jews and are not; but they are the synagogue of Satan, since they are gathered together by Antichrist; and to them He says:— “Be faithful unto death.” That they should continue to be faithful even unto death.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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