Smith interacts with some earlier criticisms of Richard Bauckham on the exegesis offered by Smith on the tribes of Revelation 7. For Smith, what is at stake in their discussion is whether the apostle John demonstrated literary competence, making purposeful creative use of traditional imagery and expectations to communicate a clear message.

What is the function of Revelation 1:19 within the book? The author argues that the purpose of this verse is to assert the divine origin of the message of the apostle John in Revelation. This verse together with others actually echoes the language and themes of Daniel 2.