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Revelation 2:8
ESV “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
NIV To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
NASB And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
CSB "Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life:
NLT Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:
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;

What does Revelation 2:8 mean?

In this verse Jesus addresses the angel—or "messenger," possibly the pastor—of the church at Smyrna. Jesus identifies Himself as the first and the last. This name reflects His eternal existence. He created all things (John 1:3) and He will exist forever (Revelation 1:8). He also identifies Himself as having died and returned to life. This description points to His death by crucifixion and resurrection.

The church at Smyrna could relate to Jesus' identification, because the city of Smyrna ceased to exist from the seventh to the third century BC, when it experienced a kind of "resurrection" and became an ally of Rome. The designation of Jesus as eternal and the crucified and risen Lord would provide much encouragement to the believers at Smyrna in the face of their intense persecution. Even martyrdom could not end their lives; they belonged to the one who had conquered death and would escort them through death to their home in heaven.
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