The apostle, John, was exiled on the Island of Patmos, an island in the Aegean Sea off the southeast coast of Greece. He was exiled because of his faith and refusal to worship the Roman emperor. This was around 95 AD, about 60 years after the death of Jesus.
Concurrently with John’s exile was a persecution that Domitian, the Roman emperor, instigated against Christians across the empire. Many died or were tortured for their faith in Christ. The persecution brought false accusations of false crimes, exile, confiscation of property, and loyalty tests. To be able to withstand the horror of this required that these Christians be firmly convinced of their faith and devoted to God.
Paul, the apostle, wrote about his own persecutions and gives us insight to the determination and commitment one must have in order to withstand the opposition of foes. He told the Corinthians, in part, “Five times I was given the thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned...I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food,” 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.
What Paul told Timothy would, no doubt, been amen-ed by John on Patmos. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful,” 2 Timothy 4:7. Both John and Paul lived lives that were prepared for whatever came to them.
John was able to write his credible Revelation to the persecuted Christians under Domitian’s reign. In the Revelation he provided the rock-solid basis for living with faithfulness in spite of persecution. God was defeating sin and death in whatever form they presented. Evil Domitian or angry opponents in cities across Europe. God was with them, so they should not give up hope. Amen.
God of the persecuted. you know what it means to experience all the evil of the world, focused and concentrated against your son. We pray that our hearts will be prepared to face our own version of this stress, even persecuted. May we, with Paul, also be able to say, “I have fought the good fight.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.