Key Verse: “I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9 CSB)
When the Apostle John recorded these words, the revelation that he received from God about Jesus Christ, and shared them with the seven churches, he did so from the island of Patmos. Patmos was a small island, approximately sixty square miles, located southwest of Ephesus. John was likely sent there in exile sometime around AD 95.
What were the reasons for John’s banishment to Patmos? He tells us that it was, “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (v.6). As John had ministered in the province of Asia prior, he did so with boldness, faithfully sharing the good news to all who would hear. As a result, John faced opposition and resistance to the message, which ultimately resulted in him being forced into exile.
Notice though John’s perspective on these hardships and trials that he had to endure. Writing to the churches, he refers to himself as “your brother and partner.” John knew that regardless of his circumstances he wasn’t in it alone. His brothers and sisters in Christ in other places were also experiencing the suffering and hardship that he was facing because of Jesus. This was a common experience, not just his own. They were partners together in the affliction that resulted from their pursuit of the kingdom of Christ.
John didn’t appear to be surprised by it. Suffering is a normal part of the life of those who faithfully follow Jesus (1 Peter 4:12). Rather, he chose, along with his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, to rejoice and to patiently endure as they waited for all that was still to unfold.
As Christians, when we face trials or hardships, particularly because of our decision to take a stand for Jesus, we may be tempted to think that we are alone in it. But nothing could be further from the truth. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are partners together in the gospel. We share in a common mission. We are called to seek His kingdom and his righteousness together as a family and community.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that, “if one members suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26), for we are all members of the body of Christ and called to be one. The community of Christ is one of God’s gifts to us to help us grow and endure no matter what we face.
Are you walking through a painful or difficult circumstance right now? Are you facing opposition because of your faith in Christ? Remember today that we are in this together. Ask the Lord to grant you the courage and humility to lean into the community around you so that you can faithfully stand and endure to the end.
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you that I am not called to do this alone. You are with me today by your Spirit, and I have brothers and sisters in Christ to walk this journey with me. I ask today for the humility and courage to invite others into my life with you. Thank you for the gift of community. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
