Asbury Bible Commentary – A. Coming of the True Conqueror (19:11-16)
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A. Coming of the True Conqueror (19:11-16)

A. Coming of the True Conqueror (19:11-16)

Since chs. 12-13, the evil trinity of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet have waged war on the church (12:17; 13:7). In 17:14 John anticipated that the Lord will “overcome” these antagonists. Anticipated conquest now becomes victorious achievement. By using five names Faithful,” “True,” “the Word of God,” “King of kings,” and “Lord of lords”—and three symbols of judgment in 19:15, John’s imagery announces that the One sitting on the white horse of victory will conquer the evil trinity. However, back in the song of redemption (5:9-10), the Savior was a slain Lamb. Now this conqueror is dressed in a robe dipped in blood. Some commentators interpret the blood in 19:13 as a reference to the blood of enemies, martyrs, or of the wine press of judgment. Another understanding links the Lamb of ch. 5 and the Conqueror of 19:11-16: the Conqueror is the crucified Lamb first identified in 5:9-10. The blood in 19:13 recalls the saving blood of Christ shed for our sins as in 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; and 12:11. The robe dipped in blood shows that just as John was a fellow sufferer with the saints (1:9), so the Lamb has walked the lonesome valley of suffering and death. The red robe recalls the historical death of Jesus. Just as Jesus was crucified by a Roman ruler and rose triumphant on Easter, so in his second coming he will defeat the evil powers that persecute the church. And he will gather up the faithful saints. The returning Christ will be the crucified Christ. Suffering can be a vehicle to victory. The death of Christ began God’s victory over sin, death, and Satan. The return of Christ will consummate God’s victory. The Christology of Revelation is rooted in the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ. It resonates with suffering and anticipates a final victory over death and the evil trinity.