If there were some far-spreading calamity in the country where they resided, it would probably be all that would be fairly embraced in the meaning of the word. It is not known to what trial the speaker refers. It may have been some form of persecution, or it may have been some calamity by disease, earthquake, or famine that was to occur. Tacitus (see Wetstein, _in loco_) mentions an earthquake that sank twelve cities in Asia Minor, in one night, by which, among others, Philadelphia was deeply affected; and it is _possible_ that there may have been reference here to that overwhelming calamity. But nothing can be determined with certainty in regard to this. ¶ _To try them that dwell upon the earth._ To test their character. It would rather seem from this that the affliction was some form of persecution as adapted to test the fidelity of those who were affected by it. The persecutions in the Roman empire would furnish abundant occasions for such a trial. 11 Behold, [159]I come [160]quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 11. _Behold, I come quickly._ That is, in the trials referred to. Comp. Notes on ch. i. 1, 11, 16. ¶ _Hold that fast which thou hast._ That is, whatever of truth and piety you now possess. See Notes on ver. 3. ¶ _That no man take thy crown._ The crown of life appointed for all who are true believers. See Notes on 2 Ti. iv. 8. The truth which is taught here is, that by negligence or unfaithfulness in duty we may be deprived of the glory which we might have obtained if we had been faithful to our God and Saviour. We need to be on our constant guard, that, in a world of temptation, where the enemies of truth abound, we may not be robbed of the crown that we might have worn for ever. Comp. Notes on 2 Jn. 8. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, _which is_ [161]New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and _I will write upon him_ my new name.