Viewed in a macroscopic way, the main body of John’s book of visions narrates the three decisive moments of salvation’s history. Sharply put, John’s message to the seven churches is this: what has already transpired (5:1–11:19) together with what has not yet taken place (14:1–19:10; 19:11–22:6a) must inform the believing community’s response both to God and to its present tribulation (12:1–13:18). This section of Revelation, then, clarifies the community’s eschatological point of reference toward the present world order. In doing so, John completes his all-encompassing perspective from which the faithful disciple can view good and evil in order to “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”

John does not introduce the reader to anything new in this section of his composition; indeed, the new cove…