{He that overcometh} (ho nik(936e)). Absolute nominative again
as in  3:12 , but resumed this time by the dative aut(9369) as in
 2:26 . {To sit} (kathisai). First aorist active infinitive of
kathiz(935c). This promise grows out of the prophecy that the saints
will share in the Messiah's rule, made to the twelve ( Mt 19:28  Lu 22:29f. ), repeated by Paul ( 1Co 6:2f. ), enlarged in  Re
22:1-5  (to last forever,  2Ti 2:11f. ). James and John took this
hope and promise literally ( Mr 10:40 ) not metaphorically. {As I
also overcame} (h(9373) kag(9320)enik(8873)a). First aorist active
indicative of 
ika(935c), looking back on the victory as over in the
past. In  Joh 16:33  before the Cross Jesus says Eg(9320)nenik(886b)a
ton kosmon (perfect active), emphasizing the abiding effect of
the victory. {Sat down} (ekathisa). "I took my seat" ( Heb
1:3 ) where Christ is now ( Re 22:3  Col 3:1 ). Cf.  1Jo 5:4  Re
2:27f . 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.