saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches – to Ephesus, ¹  Smyrna, ²  Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

And those who live on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate, even sending gifts to each other, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, ¹  which God gave him to show his servants ²  what must happen very soon. ³  He made it clear ⁴  by sending his angel to his servant ⁵  John,

These two have the power ¹  to close up the sky so that it does not rain during the time ²  they are prophesying. They ³  have power ⁴  to turn the waters to blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague whenever they want.

Now ¹  I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are just ²  – the one who is and who was, the Holy One – because you have passed these judgments, ³ 

If anyone is meant for captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed by the sword, ¹  then by the sword he must be killed. This ²  requires steadfast endurance ³  and faith from the saints.

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown ¹  into prison so you may be tested, ²  and you will experience suffering ³  for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself. ⁴