The Revelation

The intensity of the prophet's experience is matched only by the richness of the apocalyptic symbolism he employs to warn his readers of the impending disasters and temptations that will require their steadfast allegiance to the risen Lord. To be sure, the Lord will come in power and majesty, but not before His enemies have exercised a terrible (albeit limited by the divine mercy) attack upon those who "hold to the testimony of Jesus" (6:9; 12:17; 20:4).

The author's situation was one of suffering. He was a "fellow-partaker in the tribulation" that is "in Jesus," who because of his testimony to Jesus was now exiled to the island of Patmos (1:9). The situation of the recipients, that is, "the seven churches that are in Asia" (1:4), seems not yet so dire. To be sure, a faithful Christian in Pergamum had suffered death (2:13), and the church in Smyrna was warned of a time of impending persecution (2:10). But the persecutions described in Revelation, though a very real and threatening prospect for the churches of the Roman province of Asia, are still largely anticipated at the time of John's writing.

John's readers might have felt secure, but John knew such security would be short-lived. He called them to faith in the coming Christ and loyal obedience to Him during the time of persecution and tribulation to come. "To him who overcomes I will give the right to sit with me on my throne ... He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (3:21-22).