1:9 I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
I, John, your BROTHER and FELLOW PARTAKER in the
John could have claimed full rank and authority as the last apostle of the original twelve, but he humbly says that he is one of us, a brother.
a) tribulation and
Just because we are Christians and have the full power of God behind us doesn't mean we won't face tough times. Christ says we will have tribulations (John 16:33); Paul, after being stoned, could say we would pass through many tribulations on our way into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:19-23; Paul felt closer (more complete) to Christ if he could share His sufferings (Colossians 1:24-29); and just living the Christian life will bring persecution (2 Timothy 3:12-15).
b) kingdom and
We all receive this kingdom when we are washed in the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:6). But there is another kingdom of which we are a part (Revelation 20:4-6 and Revelation 22:5).
c) which are IN JESUS,
It is this perseverance or endurance which makes the tribulation bearable as we wait for the final kingdom. One of the best indicators if a person truly is a believer is if he/she has perseverance. It is an important attribute for the "Church Age".
To the church at Ephesus, `I know ... your toil and perseverance.' (Revelation 2:2).
To the church at Thyatira, `I know ... [your] perseverance (Revelation 2:19).
To the church at Philadelphia, ` ... you have kept the word of My perseverance.' (Revelation 3:10).
To those with their name written in the book of life of the Lamb (true believers), they can face captivity and/or death `... with perseverance and faith.' (Revelation 13:10).
To those who refuse the mark of the beast by keeping the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus, they `... have perseverance.' (Revelation 14:12).
Suffering tests and purifies the loyalty of a true believer. Furthermore, Christ's power is perfected in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).
was on the island called Patmos because of
1) The Word of God and
2) the testimony of Jesus.
The compelling need for John to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior caused him to become exiled to the island of Patmos. Patmos is a small volcanic and rocky island about 25 square miles located some 35 miles westsouthwest of Miletus in the Mediterranean Sea. Emperor Domitian sent John there in AD 95 and Emperor Nerva released him some 18 months later according to Eusebius, the historian.
These two reasons show one of the characteristics common to the "Church Age", i.e. the time from Christ's ascension until the 'rapture' of the Church (still to come). This is characteristic of individuals witnessing to the power of God's Word and to the acquisition of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.