sufferings (thlipseōs, v. 14b; cf. Matt. 24:21; Dan. 12:1), and are therefore encouraged to expect vindication (vv. 15–17). This is John’s way of reminding his readers that the communion of saints is a communion of sufferers who will ultimately conquer, not conquerors who happen to suffer. The reward for the fidelity of the martyrs will be the opportunity to worship “day and night within his temple” (v. 15). By contrast, the Jerusalem temple doors closed each evening after sacrifice and remained