C. Christ at the Center of the Church (1:12-20)

Drawing upon images of authority from Daniel and Ezekiel, John presents Christ standing at the center of the church. The vision announces Christ as the eternal Victor who has conquered death and Hades. Thus, as God is eternal (1:4, 8), so is Christ. Because

the One at the center of the church has conquered sin and death and is alive forever, readers and listeners are prepared for the victorious conquest of sin and Satan in 19:11-21. This introductory vision alerts readers to the way the conflict between God and Satan, Christ and Caesar, and church and state will come to its climax.