Topical Bible: God in the Banishment of John to Patmos

Bible > Topical > God in the Banishment of John to Patmos

◄ God in the Banishment of John to Patmos ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The banishment of the Apostle John to the island of Patmos is a significant event in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Book of Revelation. This event is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty, purpose, and revelation in the midst of persecution and exile.

Historical Context

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was exiled to Patmos during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, around 95 AD. Patmos, a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, was used by the Romans as a place of banishment for political prisoners. John's exile was a result of his unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and his leadership in the early Christian church. As stated in Revelation 1:9 , "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."

Divine Revelation

Despite the harsh conditions of exile, it was on Patmos that John received the apocalyptic visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. This underscores the theme of God's presence and revelation even in the most desolate circumstances. Revelation 1:10 states, "On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet." This divine encounter illustrates that God's communication with His people is not hindered by physical location or human-imposed limitations.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose

The banishment of John serves as a testament to God's sovereignty. While human authorities sought to silence John, God used this period of isolation to reveal profound truths about the future of the Church and the ultimate victory of Christ. The visions given to John encompass messages to the seven churches, prophetic insights into future events, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. This reflects the biblical principle that God's purposes prevail despite human opposition, as seen throughout Scripture.

Encouragement and Hope

For the early Christians facing persecution, the revelation given to John on Patmos provided immense encouragement and hope. The vivid imagery and promises of Revelation assured believers of God's ultimate justice and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:3-4 offers a glimpse of this hope: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

Spiritual Lessons

John's experience on Patmos teaches several spiritual lessons. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's word, even in the face of adversity. It also emphasizes the power of divine revelation and the assurance of God's presence in times of trial. The visions received by John continue to inspire and challenge believers to remain steadfast in their faith, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

In summary, the banishment of John to Patmos is a powerful narrative of God's unyielding presence and purpose. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are not thwarted by human actions and that His revelations bring hope and encouragement to His people throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 1:9
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Apostolic Labors of John.
... for (on account of) the word of God and the ... The fact of his banishment to Patmos
is confirmed by the ... "John"that is the thought of Patmos; the island belongs ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 42 apostolic labors of.htm

The Word of God
... Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for ... There is no idea of banishment
in them. ... John went to Patmos "for" the purpose of receiving it (as Paul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the word of god.htm

Patmos
... By the emperor's decree John was banished to the Isle ... Roman government as a place
of banishment for criminals; but to the servant of God this gloomy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 56 patmos.htm

Christ's Annunciation.
... John's adherence to the word and testimony of Christ, had caused his banishment"
as others "were slain"for the word of God, and for the testimony ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/christs annunciation.htm

The Revelation
... of the church that John was sentenced to banishment. ... In exiling John, the enemies
of truth had hoped to silence forever the voice of God's faithful witness ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

Destruction of the Temple to the Death of the Apostle John.
... written at Ephesus a while before his banishment, probably about ... John was on the
Isle of Patmos as an ... the disciples and the grace which God ordinarily grants ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xxi destruction of the.htm

The Revelation of John
... book we find the Old Testament conception of God as a ... passage in Epiphanius that
places the banishment in the ... It is impossible to tell, whether John wrote the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the revelation of john.htm

The Gospel According to St. John
... the island was Patmos, and that the banishment took place in ... The critics who deny
that Jesus was God, but are ... the Emperor Nerva (AD96) recalled John from Patmos ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vi the gospel according.htm

The Life of Mr. John Livingston.
... The Life of Mr. JOHN LIVINGSTON. ... like as was done with Mr. Guthrie, or only for
banishment, as was ... be found more to the prejudice of the work of God than many ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 8.htm

The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... the approach of the Messiah, is styled God's angel, [269 ... island which was the place
of his banishment was not ... reveals a concern for the welfare of John quite in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the angels of.htm