The answer is: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death

Rev 2 vs 11

The church at Smyrna was one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, and the promise of "not being hurt by the second death" holds profound significance. This phrase evokes the deep concerns of early Christians, who faced persecution and oppression for their beliefs. The “second death” refers to a spiritual separation from God, often associated with final judgment.

Smyrna, now part of modern-day Turkey, was a prosperous city known for its loyalty to Rome, which often placed Christians in direct conflict with societal customs. The overarching theme here is endurance under trial; the believers were being reminded that their struggles would result not in punishment, but in the ultimate reward of eternal life.

It's intriguing to note that Smyrna, called 'the myrrh-gushing city,' also has symbolic resonance. Myrrh, known for its fragrant scent and use in burial rites, carries overtones of suffering and resurrection, elements prominent in Christian theology.

Additionally, when reading about the various churches in Revelation, it’s easy to draw connections to other parts of Scripture. Each church in chapters 2 and 3 reflects themes from the entire Bible—endurance from Job, redemption echoes from Exodus, and hope seen in Psalms. This interaction of themes reveals a beautiful tapestry of resilience and assurance woven throughout Scripture. Those who overcome challenges, be they the early Christians in Smyrna or modern believers today, share in a victory not only over the trials of this life but are promised a relationship of eternal significance.