“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“
was on the island that is called Patmos
Patmos was a tiny (six kilometers wide and eight kilometers long) rocky island in the Aegean Sea, about 80 to 100 km southwest of Ephesus (modern Turkey). The Roman government banished John there for his witness for Christ. He was in exile for Christ.
for the word of God
The Roman government banished John to Patmos for two reasons: 1) “for the word of God” and 2) “for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” John’s suffering came from the proclamation of his faith in the Word and his testimony of Jesus Christ.
The word “for” in Greek means because of. It was because of the Word of God that he ended in exile. John came under persecution for taking a stand on the Word of God. He was faithful to the Word. He did not compromise it.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God…” (2 Timothy 1:8).
and for the testimony of Jesus Christ
The word “for” again means because of. Rome banished John to Patmos because of his testimony for Christ.
Principle:
Those who live by faith can endure being an outcast from society.
Application:
The world asks for our allegiance. When we do not give it, they view us as outcasts. There is no neutrality when it comes to sharing our faith. It is a case of paying the price of an outcast to proclaim God’s Word faithfully.
A person who shares his faith enters open warfare. There is no neutrality because of the mutually exclusive message of Christ.
Do you feel like you are an outcast because of your testimony for Christ? Join the apostle John, for he was an outcast as well. He was willing to suffer for Christ because Christ meant something to him. The issue boils down to our love and appreciation for Jesus Christ.
Hi Grant,
I think the below needs a correction. Maybe a typographical error or an oversight.
and for the testimony of Jesus Christ
The word “for” again means because of. Rome banished Peter to Patmos because of his testimony for Christ.
It should read as because of Rome banished John to Patmos….
I don't mean to proof read your commentary, but just thought it wise to have you correct this as a brother in the Lord, who is encouraged with your commentary.
In Christ
Nicholas
Nicholas, thank you for that correction. I have corrected the error in the blog. Please offer any suggestions where you deem may need correction. It is amazing that I can edit the document and my editor can go over the document and we both do not see some errors.
“was on the island that is called Patmos” does this phrase mean that he wrote the book of Revelation in Ephesus?
Shackacondia, click on the “Introduction to Revelation” at the top of the study and you will see the connection between Patmos and Ephesus.