The word “call” is not present in the original. More literally, the Greek says, “Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” The addition of the word “call” changes the sense of the passage into an obligation: the saints need to make a point of enduring and being faithful. In other places Scripture certainly makes clear that saints have an obligation (“call”) to steadfastness and faithfulness. But in this verse the Holy Spirit states a reality, a promise: “Here is the endurance and faith of the saints.” Despite the fury of the dragon (Revelation 12:17) and his alliance with fallen human hearts, the Lord who has inscribed the names of his elect in the book of life will preserve his own even through captivity and slaughter. Endurance does not ultimately depend on the saints, the offspring/children of the woman. Perseverance is the mighty and glorious gift of the Lamb who was slain. This is great encouragement for saints experiencing the fury of the dragon and his ally!
10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.