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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 8

"Both your brother and companion"

Text: Revelation 1:9

THE ISLAND OF PATMOS

Patmos was a prison-island. There were no bars in this prison-island, but the prisoners are unable to escape from this island. Patmos was located in the Western part of Asia Minor. John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos.

“I, John, both your brother and companion
in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,
was on the island that is called Patmos
for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 1:9

1. Patmos had marble quarries.

a) Prisoners were made to work in the quarries.

b) The island was barren and desolate.

c) The island was 16 km long and 3.6 km wide.

2. Why was John at the island of Patmos?

a) He declared that it was “for the word of God”.

b) And “for the testimony of Jesus Christ”.

c) John was arrested and jailed:

i) For preaching and teaching God’s word.

ii) For bearing witness concerning his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

d) The Roman Empire in the first century.

i) From a neutral position initially, Rome became hostile to Christianity.

ii) Emperors like Nero persecuted Christians.

iii) Christians were sometimes thrown into Roman arenas as spectator sport.

iv) Others were jailed as the Apostle John was.

v) Still others were executed, often on false charges made against them.

3. A time of tribulation.

a) Tribulation was forewarned by the Lord Jesus (Matthew 10, 24).

b) John and the Apostles suffered much for the sake of their faith in the Lord.

4. John’s resolute faith.

a) He identified himself with fellow-sufferers.

b) He saw himself as their “brother and companion” in their tribulation.

c) He was determined to be faithful to the Lord to the very end.

5. The Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

a) John bore with much for the sake of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) He exhibited “patience” (perseverance) amidst suffering in the prison-island of Patmos.

c) John would have been very old when he was imprisoned at Patmos.

d) Nevertheless, John determined to be faithful and courageous in holding fast to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.