We have been working through a series on the book of Revelation. This book of the Bible can be difficult to understand for a variety of reasons, so we are taking it slow and studying it bit by bit together.

Today, we are continuing with Revelation Chapter 1, verse 9.

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

We know from our prior analysis that John is one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He authored the books of John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. He calls himself our brother as the book of Revelation was written by John for believers. Thus, when this book is read, it is from John the disciple that Jesus loved, our brother in Jesus.

John also calls himself a companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus. At that time in history, there was great persecution of those who proclaimed their belief in Jesus. Many followers of Jesus had been sawed in half, crucified, burned, or thrown in prison. The believers at this time were no strangers to suffering. But, John is also reminding the reader that the kingdom of God is ours in Jesus. While we suffer on earth and endure many trials, we will be with Jesus in heaven, His kingdom. Until that time when we are welcomed into heaven, we must have patient endurance. Jesus provides us love, grace, peace and He also provides us with patience and endurance, (Colossians 1:10-12). 

In this same verse, John also tells us where he is and why. He was exiled to the island of Patmos, a penal colony off the coast in proximity to Ephesus in the Aegean Sea. John was exiled to Patmos because at the time of this writing, about 95 A.D., Emperor Domitian was persecuting believers in Jesus. We know that John was released from Patmos and he lived to write the book of John, after the book of Revelation. Jesus gave John the strength to patiently endure trials, to include the exile. As we continue in Revelation, we will read that while John was exiled, he began to worship the Lord and the Lord showed up. Despite your situation, never stop worshipping the Lord.

Let’s pray. Father in heaven, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the wisdom that we have in the Bible. Lord, help us to apply Your Word in our everyday lives. Lord, help us to study Revelation and give us understanding. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.