Revelation 1-2

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus ...” (9). John, using apocalyptic imagery familiar to his readers, wrote of the visions Jesus had given him to strengthen and encourage the churches. John knew that being faithful to Jesus meant both glory and hardship: “suffering and kingdom and patient endurance”. Yet because Jesus revealed himself as “the First and the Last ... the Living One” (1:17-18), John and the other believers could endure anything.

“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance ...” (2:19). Jesus sees our efforts to be faithful to him, and his “well done” will last for eternity (2:7).