1:9 I am John, your brother. I share your suffering, ruling, and endurance because of Jesus. I was ⌞exiled⌟ on the island of Patmos because of God’s word and the testimony about Jesus.
I am John, your brother.
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.
I share your
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).
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).
It is this perseverance or endurance which makes the suffering 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 patient endurance. It is an important attribute for the "Church Age".
To the church at Ephesus, `I know ... your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance.' (Revelation 2:2).
To the church at Thyatira, ` I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Revelation 2:19).
To the church at Philadelphia, ` ... you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial ... (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 patient endurance and faithfulness ...' (Revelation 13:10).
To those who refuse the mark of the beast by keeping the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus, `... This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.' (Revelation 14:12).
Weakness and suffering tests and purifies the loyalty of a true believer. Furthermore, Christ's power is perfected in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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.