The book of Revelation was written by the severely persecuted apostle of Jesus (Revelation 1:9) to the seven churches that were experiencing persecution from external agents and perversion (false teaching) from internal agents (Revelation 2:10, 2:13, 3:10, 6:9). John the Apostle recorded this Revelation as the church entered a greater wave of persecution, during a time when Roman authorities were enforcing emperor worship. Christians maintained that Jesus Christ alone was Lord, not Caesar, and for this reason they faced increasing hostility.

Some Christians reacted inappropriately during persecution, responses which ought to be avoided, such as:

• Advocating the policy of compromise (Revelation 2:14–15, 20)
• Rejecting or denying the faith like Peter
• Betraying the faith of Jesus like Judas
• Deserting the faith of Jesus like the disciples
• Physical retaliation like Peter
• Following Jesus from a distance like Peter
• Warming ourselves at strange fires like Peter
• Sleeping when we are supposed to be praying, like the disciples
• The purpose of the book is both an encouragement and a warning:

An encouragement to believers going through hard times because of their faith in Jesus, urging them to stand firm and resist emperor worship in light of the imminent return of Christ to deliver the righteous. Jesus continually reminded His bride, “I am coming soon, or quickly.” They were to stand fast, even to death.

A warning to unbelievers, who will be judged for rejecting the Saviour of the world when Christ returns.