1. Revelation 19:10 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Who are John's “brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus”?

Revelation 19:10 (ESV)

10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

In Revelation 1:9 John had introduced himself to his readers (the members of the seven churches of Asia Minor, Revelation 1:11) as “your brother and partner.” That would make his readers his “brothers.” These readers were to receive and read the entirety of the revelation Jesus showed John, and it is that revelation that is here called “the testimony of Jesus.” Those readers who reject that testimony are not “fellow servants”; those who hold to it are. These are also the ones who endure in the face of the prostitute’s temptations.