Revelation 3:21
He that overcometh (o nikwn). Absolute nominative again as in Revelation 3:12, but resumed this time by the dative autw as in Revelation 2:26.
To sit (kaqisai). First aorist active infinitive of kaqizw. This promise grows out of the prophecy that the saints will share in the Messiah's rule, made to the twelve (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29 f.), repeated by Paul (I Corinthians 6:2 f.), enlarged in Revelation 22:1-5 (to last forever, II Timothy 2:11 f.). James and John took this hope and promise literally (Mark 10:40) not metaphorically.
As I also overcame (wv kagw enikhsa). First aorist active indicative of nikaw, looking back on the victory as over in the past. In John 16:33 before the Cross Jesus says Egw nenikhka ton kosmon (perfect active), emphasizing the abiding effect of the victory.
Sat down (ekaqisa). "I took my seat" (Hebrews 1:3) where Christ is now (Revelation 22:3; Colossians 3:1). Cf. I John 5:4; Revelation 2:27 f. Each of these seven messages begins alike and ends alike. Each is the message of the Christ and of the Holy Spirit to the angel of the church. Each has a special message suited to the actual condition of each church. In each case the individual who overcomes has a promise of blessing. Christ the Shepherd knows his sheep and lays bare the particular peril in each case.
