12, 13. (a) What do Re chapters 8 through 19 contain? (b) Why should honesthearted people not be disturbed by such prophecies?

¹² Re Chapters 8 to 19 are largely responsible for the reputation that the book Apocalypse, or Revelation, has of being a book foretelling terrifying catastrophes.

In what role is Christ depicted in Re chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation?

Early in the revelation from God through Christ appear letters to seven congregations of Jesus’ fellow Kingdom heirs. (1:1–3:22)

With the opening of the fifth seal, those martyred for Christ cry out for the avenging of their blood, and each one is given “a white robe,” signifying a righteous standing related to their resurrection to be immortal spirit creatures with royal privileges. (Compare Revelation 3:5; 4:4.)

As the prophetic song continues: “Let us rejoice and be overjoyed, and let us give [Jehovah] the glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself.”​—Revelation 19:7, 8.

What a grand occasion of universal rejoicing that will be!​—Revelation 19:6-8.

5. What is featured in the first vision of Revelation, and how does it involve us?

⁵ The first vision, at Revelation 1:10–3:22, features stirring messages that the glorified Jesus conveys to the “angels,” or overseers, of seven Asian congregations that picture the entire global congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in “the Lord’s day.”

□ 1ST VISION 1:10–3:22

The congregation at Laodicea, by contrast, receives only censure, because it is neither hot nor cold; but it is promised, if it repents and conquers, the reward of sitting with Jesus on his throne, even as he overcame and sat down with his Father on His throne.​—Rev. 2:1–3:22.

Chapter nineteen opens with the command: “Praise Jah, you people!”