Revelation 1:9

¶ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

I {G1473} John {G2491}, who {G3588} also {G2532} am your {G5216} brother {G80}, and {G2532} companion {G4791} in {G1722} tribulation {G2347}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} and {G2532} patience {G5281} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, was {G1096} in {G1722} the isle {G3520} that is called {G2564} Patmos {G3963}, for {G1223} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} for {G1223} the testimony {G3141} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

I, Yochanan, am a brother of yours and a fellow-sharer in the suffering, kingship and perseverance that come from being united with Yeshua. I had been exiled to the island called Patmos for having proclaimed the message of God and borne witness to Yeshua.

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.

I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Commentary

Revelation 1:9 introduces the author, John, and sets the stage for the visions he is about to receive. It provides crucial insight into his personal circumstances and the divine reason for his exile, emphasizing his solidarity with his readers.

Context

The Apostle John, traditionally identified as the beloved disciple, writes this book while exiled on the island of Patmos. This was likely during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. 95 AD), who initiated severe persecutions against Christians. Patmos was a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, used by the Romans as a penal colony. John's presence there was not voluntary; he was banished "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ," indicating that his suffering was directly a result of his faithful proclamation of the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Brotherhood and Shared Experience: John identifies himself not as a distant authority but as a "brother" and "companion." This highlights the universal Christian experience of living in a fallen world while belonging to God's kingdom. He shares in the "tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ" with his audience, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.
  • Suffering for the Gospel: John's exile to Patmos underscores the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. His banishment "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" means he was suffering specifically for his commitment to proclaiming the divine message and bearing witness to the person and work of Christ. This resonates with other New Testament teachings on Christian suffering, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:12.
  • The Present Reality of the Kingdom: John states he is a companion "in the kingdom." This indicates that the kingdom of God is not solely a future hope but also a present reality into which believers are called, even amidst suffering. It is a spiritual reign that transcends earthly circumstances.
  • Endurance and Perseverance: The phrase "patience of Jesus Christ" (Greek: hypomone - ὑπομονή) refers to steadfast endurance. It speaks to the perseverance required to remain faithful through trials, mirroring Christ's own patient endurance in His earthly ministry and suffering. This theme of endurance is vital throughout Revelation, encouraging believers to remain faithful until the end. We are called to imitate this steadfastness, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:36.
  • The Word and Testimony: The reason for John's exile – "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" – emphasizes the centrality of divine revelation and witness. The "testimony of Jesus Christ" is a powerful concept in Revelation, later defined as "the spirit of prophecy" in Revelation 19:10, signifying the prophetic witness to Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word for "companion" is koinonos (κοινωνός), which implies a deep fellowship and shared participation, emphasizing that John is not merely a leader but a fellow participant in their Christian journey, including its difficulties.
  • "Tribulation" comes from thlipsis (θλῖψις), meaning pressure, distress, or affliction, often used in the New Testament to describe the persecutions and hardships faced by believers.
  • "Patience" is hypomone (ὑπομονή), signifying not just passive waiting but active, persistent endurance and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Practical Application

Revelation 1:9 reminds believers that suffering for their faith is not an anomaly but a potential part of the Christian walk, as it was for John. It encourages solidarity among Christians, recognizing that we are all companions in the journey of faith, sharing in both the tribulations and the blessings of God's kingdom. John's example on Patmos demonstrates that even in isolation and hardship, God can reveal profound truths and use challenging circumstances for His purposes. It calls us to endurance, faithfulness, and a bold witness to Christ, regardless of the cost.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 14:22 (12 votes)

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Revelation 3:10 (12 votes)

    Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

  • John 16:33 (11 votes)

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • Revelation 1:2 (9 votes)

    Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

  • Revelation 13:10 (8 votes)

    He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

  • Philippians 4:14 (8 votes)

    Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

  • Revelation 12:11 (7 votes)

    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.