1:3 Blessed. Revelation not only pronounces judgment on the faithless, but blessing on the faithful (14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).

prophecy. See 22:7–10, 18, 19. Like Old Testament prophecy, Revelation combines visions of God’s future with exhortation to faithfulness. This prophecy is a distinctive and inspired form of the witness that all Christians are to give (v. 2 note).

keep. Revelation is not intended to tickle our fancy but to strengthen our hearts (Introduction: Characteristics and Themes: Content).