Identity Matters in the Book of Revelation: The Rhetorical Device of Σύγκρισις as a Key to Its Structure and Message

The introduction of the “144,000 sealed of Israel” and “the great multitude that no one could count” in Rev 7:1–17 is part of John’s rhetorical strategy to encourage and strengthen his predominantly gentile audience. Taking into account that his message would be communicated in an oral performance, it is argued that through the rhetorical device of σύγκρισις or conlatio (comparison), John mirrors their present experience of suffering and persecution as gentile believers with the experience of the “Jewish followers of the Lamb” who experienced the same and were ultimately vindicated. The identities of the two groups compared are first defined (7:1–8 and 7:9–17), then contested (12:1–18 and 13:1–18), confirmed (14:1–5 and 15:1–4), and, in the end, rewarded (20:1–6 and 21:1–22:5). John prepares his audience for things to come, both judgement and salvation, by giving them a view from behind the scenes.