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John on Patmos

Illustration of John on Patmos
Era
Early Church
Date
c. AD 95 โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Revelation 1:9-20

The apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos during a period of Roman persecution against early Christians for his faithful witness to Jesus Christ. While on the island, John received a series of divine visions revealing future events, including the judgments of God, the triumph of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. These visions form the content of the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament canon. The account holds significant importance in Scripture as it provides hope and encouragement to believers facing trials, assuring them of God's ultimate victory over evil.

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Did You Know?

1

While on the island, John received a series of divine visions revealing future events, including the judgments of God, the triumph of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth.

2

These visions form the content of the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament canon.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. AD 95 in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Patmos.

Key Passage

John on Patmos

Revelation 1:9-20

I9 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.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lordโ€™s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Read full chapter: Revelation 1 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire under Nero, Vespasian, and Domitian. Nero persecutes Christians (AD 64). Jerusalem and its temple are destroyed by Rome (AD 70). Pompeii is buried by Vesuvius (AD 79). The Colosseum is built. This is the era of the Pax Romana's later years and increasing imperial cult pressure.

When: c. AD 30 - 100

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Flavian dynasty)

Biblical Parallels: Acts 1-28

Destruction of the Second Temple (70 AD), rise of rabbinic Judaism