404 Rob Dalrymple c) Focus #3: Enduring Persecution That the righteous are depicted as suffering persecution, even to the point of death, is reasonably evident within 7,9-17. The clearest indication resides in the angelic declaration about the great multitude: “these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation” (7,14). The expression, “the great tribulation” likely refers to Dan 12,1 (46). The Danielic context incorporates a time of persecution and suffering among the righteous (47). The use of “tribulation” in Revelation corresponds to the context of persecution (48). Furthermore, a comparison of Matt 24,21 and the only other use of “tribulation” with the adjective “great” in the NT, confirms this conclusion. For, in Matthew’s account, the expression occurs in the context of widespread and unparalleled distress. Thus, Caird concludes: “It is not their salvation that the martyrs are celebrating, but their triumphal passage through persecution” (49). Furthermore, many affirm that those dressed in white robes in Revelation 7,14 are specifically martyrs. Walvoord adds that “The wonderful blessing of the martyred saints in the presence of the Lord is spelled out in these verses” (50). Morris, however, dissents from this position. He claims: “Against this, there is no indication in the narrative such as we get elsewhere, e.g. the reference to those ‘slain because of their testimony for Jesus’ (6,9)” (51). Morris, however, fails to account for the association of white robes with the souls of the martyrs under the altar in 6,9-11. It appears that, by this verbal association with an earlier passage, John conveys the same considerations for the great multitude without an explicit statement. Such a conclusion may be present for the reader by this strong association (52). In addition, there is some evidence that behind each of the passages there are allusions to Daniel 7. In his remarks on the death and resurrection of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11, Beale notes: Dan. 7,21 is a prophecy of a final kingdom on earth that will persecute and defeat God’s people. Afterward, the persecutors themselves will be judged and the saints will inherit the kingdom of the world (so Dan. 7,22-27). In particular, Dan. 7,22 says that God ‘gave judgment to the saints,’ which is a suitable anticipated, prophetic answer to the saints’ prayer for judgment of the oppressors in Rev. 6,10-11. John sees this prophecy as fulfilled in the world’s persecution of the church at the end of history (53). (46) BEALE, Revelation, 433. (47) Cf. Dan 11,30-39, 44; 12,10. (48) Cf. 1,9; 2,9, 10, 22. (49) CAIRD, Revelation, 100. See also, CHARLES, Revelation, 209-14. (50) WALVOORD, Revelation, 148. (51) MORRIS, Revelation, 113-14. (52) Therefore the assertion by Beasley-Murray that “It is a puzzling feature to the present writer that the majority of commentators on the Revelation in this century identify the great multitude with the martyrs. Of this there is not a hint”, is an overstatement (BEASLEY-MURRAY, Revelation, 145). (53) BEALE, Revelation, 588.