17Don't be concerned about what you are about to suffer. The devil is going to test you by having you put into prison, there you will be tested ten days. But if you continue to be faithful even if you face death, I will present you the 'crown of life.'

16This message is from the one [Jesus Christ] who was the First and the Last, the one who was dead but now He is very much alive.

           I know how you have suffered from poverty and slander, but you are really rich because you belong to Me. Some people are just saying that they are My followers but they aren't, their belief system is from satan.

15If anyone has a spiritual grasp to hear, he must listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to the believers at this present time.

     To everyone of you who is victorious, I will give you the fruit from the 'tree of life' that grows in the paradise of God [in the present and forever future].

14I do, however, have this complaint against you because you do not love me or each other as you did at first! you have gone backwards!

       Turn back to Me and love Me and each other as you did in the beginning. Do the good deeds that you did before. Repent, and keep your position among My followers.

               This is one thing that I am very pleased with. You hate the evil deeds of the ungodly.

13Write this letter to the believers on earth. This letter is from the Almighty God of Heaven who hold the ultimate power in His right hand.

         I am aware of all the things you do. I know of your hard work and your steadfastness while you trust Me. I know you hate what the ungodly and unmerciful people do to others. You are aware of the claims of those who say they are speaking on My behalf but they are not. You know that they have proven themselves to be liars. I am pleased when you choose to suffer patiently for My name sake and continue on.