Keraia
Revelation 1

Revelation 1:9

John’s Vision on Patmos · Revelation 1:9–20
Read Revelation 1

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Latin
Ego Joannes frater vester, et particeps in tribulatione, et regno, et patientia in Christo Jesu: fui in insula, quæ appellatur Patmos, propter verbum Dei, et testimonium Jesu:

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

Revelation 1:9

  • your brother and partner: Although separated from other Christians due to imprisonment, John felt a sense of community with them in suffering. This connection was based on hope in God's kingdom and a willingness to endure.

  • The Roman fortress on the island of Patmos held prisoners and exiles. Patmos was part of a group of islands that protected the busy seaport of Miletus.

  • because of the word of God and my testimony: These two statements mean the same thing. This is a common pattern in Semitic writing, where the second line repeats or explains the first. By John's time, Jews were convincing Roman authorities that Christianity was different from Judaism and therefore not an authorized religion.

Revelation 1:9–11

This third introduction (see study note on Revelation 1:1–11) is historical. It shows God speaking to people through real events. While in exile, God gave John an important mission.

Revelation 1:1–11

Revelation begins with a three-part introduction, including:

  1. a prologue (Revelation 1:1–3),

  2. a letter introduction (Revelation 1:4–8), and

  3. a historical introduction (Revelation 1:9–11).

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Visions

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world John: Apostle and son of Zebedee

Places

Patmos: An island where John received the Revelation

Glossary

Aegean Sea Banish, Banishment Book of Revelation Domitian Ephesus John, the Apostle Patmos Persecution

Topics

Banishment of John, to Patmos Confessing Christ: John God in the Banishment of John to Patmos Humility: John John: The Apostle: Writes his Apocalyptic Vision from Patmos Island Patience: General Scriptures Concerning Patience: John Patmos: John, an Exile On Persecution of John Persecution of the Apostles Punishments: Secondary Kinds of Banishment