II. The Commendation 1. Good works 2. Tribulation 3. Riches in midst of poverty. (I know thy poverty, but thou art rich.) The Smyrna Church was undergoing persecution. Christians had their property and goods confiscated and many gave their lives during this time. There were ten periods of persecution waged by various emperors from A.D. 64 to A.D. 310. The word “rich” as used here comes from the same word as “plutocrat” and refers to their abounding riches in Christ and the accompanying spiritual