English
Here is the endurance of the holy ones, those who keep God’s commands and the faith of Jesus.
And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’
The spirit said, ‘Yes, so they will rest from their troubles, because their works follow with them.’
Interpretation
Similar to the ‘interruptions’ in chapters 10, 12, and 16 regarding the imminence of the prophecy’s fulfillment, there are a few brief exhortations. These interruptions and exhortations distinctly resemble the vocabulary and style of the epistolary framework.
Parallels
Wisdom
4.20 They will come with dread when their sins are reckoned up, and their lawless deeds will convict them to their face.
4 Ezra
7.35 Recompense shall follow, and the reward shall be manifested; righteous deeds shall awake, and unrighteous deeds shall not sleep.
8.33 For the righteous, who have many works laid up with you, shall receive their reward in consequence of their own deeds.