Christ had indicated that the Word of life would be preached through all the world (Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19), conquering heart after heart as the Lord gathers his church and advances his kingdom. As John knew from his own experience in the years since Jesus’ ascension (consider the progress of the gospel recorded in the book of Acts), this servant of the Lord Jesus Christ was conquering. This is encouragement for John as he considers the plight of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1–29; Revelation 3:1–22).
2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.