The “patience of the saints” in the Revelation of Jesus Christ (13:10; 14:12) refers to the steadfast perseverance of believers in the face of trials and tribulation. Specifically, it identifies their unwavering commitment to God’s law and their active faith in Jesus.

Grasping the context for John’s use of the phrase reminds us he is commissioned to “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (1:19). Later, in chapters 13 and 14, John describes two kinds of people: those who follow the beast and those who are faithful to Jesus Christ. This is the context in which he writes, “Here is the patience of the saints” (13:10; 14:12).

Interestingly, John refers to this patience
(hypomone — variously translated “patience,” “endurance,” “perseverance,” “steadfastness”) seven times in Revelation. At the book’s beginning, he introduces himself with “patient endurance” (1:9, NIV). Here, patience is paired with two other words — tribulation and kingdom — to describe the characteristics of Jesus and those who follow Him (1:9; see also “First Word,” p. 3). Compare this concept to the teaching of the apostle Paul, who exhorted the church to “continue in the faith, and ‘. . . We must through much tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22; cf. 2 Timothy 2:11, 12).

In the letters to the seven churches, this patience appears four times, referring to three of those churches (Revelation 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10, KJV). This is a good indicator of the chief importance that patient endurance is to God’s church, especially at the end time. As Revelation unfolds into “the things which will take place after this” (1:19), the “patience of the saints” is highlighted twice more. In Revelation 13:9, 10: “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” And in Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 13 talks of the power and blasphemy of the beast that arises from the sea and makes war with the saints, as the rest of the world follows him (vv. 1-8). “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (v. 8).

Of this time of persecution, verse 10 offers assurance to the saints. The Believer’s Bible Commentary states, “True believers are assured that their persecutors shall go into captivity and be killed with the sword. This enables the saints to wait in patience and faith.” Empowered by the dragon, the beast will certainly carry out his war. None will escape being involved in some way, either deceived and worshipping him or faithful to the Lamb despite persecution. Thus, God calls the church to steadfast faith.

The final reference to “the patience of the saints” is in the next chapter (14:12). It reveals what this perseverance looks like. Against the beast, false prophet, and their mark, followers of the Lamb are known, specifically, for their obedience to God’s commandments and their trust in Jesus, despite all their trials. These two key traits (trust and obey) define the saints across time and tribulation. But this apocalyptic encouragement speaks especially to those who see these events unfolding and have this precious patience when it is needed most.

— Elder Chip Hinds