Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose? How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Why are we afrai

[Maria C]

It is important that Jesus Christ himself is the witness. This gives believers complete assurance that these events will occur. We are encouraged to remain faithful because we know He is coming back for us.  Jesus is God, He cannot lie. We can look to the future with hope and confidence that He will come back for His church, because He said so..

There is more and more persecution of Christ followers around the world. We hear about it here in the US, how Islamic terrorists are beheading people because of their faith in Jesus Christ. I think as believers and followers of Christ we are not surprised that these things are happening. It says in the Bible that these things will happen. Praise God for the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world and He will be back to take us home.