Revelation 1:9

Berean Standard Bible
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.
 
King James Bible
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.
 
NET Bible
I, John, your brother and the one who shares with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.
 
Greek Text:
Ἐγὼ Ἰωάνης, ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὑμῶν καὶ συνκοινωνὸς ἐν τῇ θλίψει καὶ βασιλείᾳ καὶ ὑπομονῇ ἐν Ἰησοῦ, ἐγενόμην ἐν τῇ νήσῳ τῇ καλουμένῃ Πάτμῳ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ.
 
Transliteration:
Egṑ Iōánēs, ho adelphós hymṓn kaì synkoinōnós en tē thlípsei kaì basileía kaì hypomonē en Iēsoû, egenómēn en tē nḗsō tē kalouménē Pátmō dia tón lógon toû theoû kaì tḗn martyrian Iēsoû.
 
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Study Bible:
 
I, John
The author identifies himself as John, traditionally understood to be John the Apostle, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. This identification is significant as it establishes the authority and authenticity of the message. The Greek name "Ioannes" is derived from the Hebrew "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." This reflects the grace of God that permeates the message of Revelation, even amidst its apocalyptic imagery.
 
your brother and partner
John emphasizes his solidarity with the believers, referring to himself as a "brother" and "partner." The Greek word for "brother" is "adelphos," indicating a familial bond among Christians. "Partner" is translated from "koinonos," suggesting a shared participation in the faith and its trials. This highlights the communal nature of the early Church, united in faith and suffering.
 
in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance
John speaks of three key aspects of the Christian experience: tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance. "Tribulation" (Greek "thlipsis") refers to the suffering and persecution faced by believers. "Kingdom" (Greek "basileia") points to the reign of God, both present and future, that believers are part of. "Perseverance" (Greek "hypomone") underscores the steadfast endurance required to remain faithful amidst trials. Together, these terms encapsulate the tension between present suffering and future glory.
 
in Jesus
The phrase "in Jesus" signifies the source and focus of the Christian life. The Greek "en Iesou" indicates a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. It is through Jesus that believers endure tribulation, participate in the kingdom, and find the strength to persevere. This phrase anchors the believer's identity and hope in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
 
was on the island of Patmos
John mentions his location as the island of Patmos, a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea. Historically, Patmos was used by the Romans as a place of exile for political prisoners. This context suggests that John was exiled due to his faith and testimony about Jesus, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for the early Church.
 
because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus
John's exile is attributed to "the word of God and my testimony about Jesus." The "word of God" (Greek "logos tou Theou") refers to the divine message of the Gospel. "Testimony" (Greek "martyria") implies a witness, often at great personal cost. This phrase underscores the power and offense of the Gospel message, which provokes opposition but also demands faithful witness from believers.
 
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Commentary:
 
Identity of the Speaker:
 
John identifies himself as the author. Traditionally, this John is believed to be John the Apostle, one of Jesus's twelve disciples. However, the exact identity isn't explicitly confirmed within the text itself, leading to scholarly debate.
 
Relationship with the Readers:
 
John calls himself "your brother and companion," establishing a sense of solidarity and commonality with his audience. This term suggests that he shares in their spiritual journey and experiences.
Shared Experience:
 
 
Suffering: John acknowledges the tribulations that Christians were enduring, possibly due to persecution. This suffering is seen as part of the Christian experience.
 
Kingdom: This refers to the spiritual realm where believers are considered citizens, emphasizing the spiritual sovereignty and rule of Christ over the lives of believers.
 
Patient Endurance: John highlights the need for steadfastness in faith amidst trials, a recurring theme in Revelation.
 
Location and Circumstance:
 
Patmos: John was located on this small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, which was used by the Roman Empire as a place of exile for political and religious offenders. Tradition holds that John was exiled there for his Christian faith.
 
Reason for Exile: He was there "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus," indicating that his preaching or witnessing about Jesus was the cause of his exile.
 
Theological Implications:
 
This verse sets the stage for the visions that follow in the Book of Revelation. Being on Patmos in exile, John's situation might symbolize the broader experience of the church—isolated, yet still part of a divine plan, receiving divine revelation.
 
In summary, Revelation 1:9 serves as both an introduction to the book's author and a contextual setting for the apocalyptic visions that follow, emphasizing themes of persecution, divine sovereignty, and the need for endurance among Christians.