(Revelation 1:9-10)…..9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,…..
Who was John the apostle, and why was he imprisoned on the island of Patmos? John was known as the “beloved disciple,” or the “disciple that Jesus loved” (John 13:23) (John 19:26) (John 20:2) (John 21:7) (John 21:20). This does not mean that Jesus loved the other disciples any less, only that there was a special place in Jesus’ heart for John. We are never told why for sure, maybe it had to do with all that John was going to be used for, especially this Revelation of Christ that was given by the Father. John was however, one of the three at the mount of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13), and one of two who were given the name “Son of Thunder (Luke 9:51-54). He was definitely a fire-brand for Jesus. Possibly through age and maturity, but certainly because of suffering for the Lord and His gospel, John is introduced as their “brother” and “companion.” These are words of endearment to his fellow saints to identify with those who were also suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. He was their companion in “tribulation” (comes from the word that we get “anguish” or “persecution.” John went through what many will go through before the Lord’s return, persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Of course that should not be a surprise to any of God’s children (John 16:33).
John said he was a companion also in “kingdom” and patience of Christ.” He is declaring his companionship with the kingdom of Christ, of which he is a part, and the endurance he is given by Christ because of the hard times he is facing. When I read this passage of Scripture I think of how many people through the ages have suffered for God’s gospel, and even how many will. I find myself thinking of just how bad it might get for Christians in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. What will the year 2021 bring to the church, those saved in christ?
Every Christian will suffer for the gospel of Jesus Christ in some fashion or another. But why? Let me give you four reason’s. (1.)…..It’s necessary (Philippians 1:29). (2.)…..Because suffering is a privilege (Acts 5:41). (3.)…..It’s part of Christ’ example for us (1 Peter 2:20-21). (4.)…..It will follow Godly living (2 Timothy 3:12).
With this John says that he, “was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Domitian, who was the Roman emperor at the time, imprisoned John on the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony, in (A.D. 86-96). Patmos was a ten mile long and six mile wide volcanic island off the coast of Asia Minor (present day Turkey) in the Aegean Sea. Tertullian, who was an early Christian author and apologist, who stood against heresy and gnosticism in the early church, wrote that after John had been cast into a vessel of flaming hot oil (and being unharmed) was sent to Patmos for further punishment due to the word of God (that is, for believing in Jesus Christ the essential Word of God, for professing and bearing record of Him in preaching and teaching). And also for “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (that is, for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for embracing its truth and adhering to it). How much have we had to suffer in this world for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus? Some around the world can say “much,” other would say “not so much.” But maybe that might change for all of us as the world runs away from God and His word. Today is the day that we need draw unto the LORD, fill ourselves with His word, and prepare ourselves for the possibility of hard times to come.
[print-me}