Proclamation of the truth is uncomfortable. . .

because it exposes our false views and protected sins.

Thus the function of prophecy addressed to the churches is to expose the uncomfortable truth, just as the two witnesses torment the inhabitants of the earth by bringing home to them their sin (I1:I0).

Richard Bauckham. The Theology of the Book of Revelation (New Testament Theology) (Kindle Locations 1536-1538). Kindle Edition.


The role of prophecy as the witness of Jesus to the churches is thus entirely parallel to the witness of the churches, bearing the witness ofJesus, to the world. Judgment at the parousia threatens the churches (2:16; 3:3; cf. 16:15) no less than the world. Prophecy warns of that judgment with salvific intent, just as does the churches' witness to the world. And so there is no reason to suppose that the significant dictum, `I reprove and discipline those whom I love' (3:19), applies only to Christ's reproof of the churches, and not also to his churches' witness to the world.

Richard Bauckham. The Theology of the Book of Revelation (New Testament Theology) (Kindle Locations 1546-1549). Kindle Edition.