A further point about internal evidence is the way “John” describes himself in Revelation. If the author is the apostle, why did he not declare his status at some point instead of citing only his simple name and modest descriptions (servant, brother, partner)? Even the claim to write as a “prophet” can be regarded as less authoritative than “apostle.” In challenging some of the false teachers in the churches (e.g., 2:6, 14–15, 20–23) and in presenting the Spirit’s messages as intended seemingly for