When John turns to see who called him, he sees "one like the Son of Man" (Rev 1:13). That is to say, Jesus.

As he looks more closely, Jesus begins to resemble someone else. He has hair white as wool and snow (Rev 1:14), like the Ancient of Days (Dan 7:9).

That's curious. Daniel sees two figures - the Son of Man who ascends to receive a kingdom, and the Ancient of Days who gives one.

John sees one figure, who combines both of Daniel's characters. Jesus is the Son of Man who receives His Father's kingdom and the Ancient of Days who confers it.

Jesus passes on whatever gifts His Father gives Him. He obeys His own command: Freely you receive, freely give.

The double identity of Jesus is critical to the Apocalypse. When John sees his visions, Jesus has already ascended on clouds as the Son of Man. He's already elevated above all rule and authority and power and dominion.

In Revelation, He takes up the second role. As Ancient of Days, He makes His people a kingdom and priests (Rev 1:6; 5:10). By the end of the book, the martyrs sit on thrones (20:4).

Revelation doesn't show how Jesus becomes king. It shows how we become kings - by imitating the faithful, death-defying witness of our King.