1. Revelation 16:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why are the words of this verse in parentheses and in quotation marks?

Revelation 16:15 (ESV)

15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)

John had been relating for his readers his account of what he saw with the outpouring of the bowls. With Revelation 16:15 another speaker interjects John’s account with his words. John resumes his narrative in Revelation 16:16.