1:9Revelation 1:9

John presents himself as a fellow sharer with believers in suffering and in patient endurance in the kingdom of Jesus.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 He was very old, near a hundred years, the beloved disciple long preserved by God to witness for Christ when many thought him past service.Ms 92, 1891, par. 9–11+2 For his faithfulness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus he was banished by imperial decree to Patmos, a rocky, desolate island prison meant to silence him and end his influence.Ms 59, 1911, par. 11+4 Exile did not place him beyond Christ, who visited him there, especially on the Sabbath, and showed Himself to him in glorified humanity with the marks of the cross.Ms 59, 1911, par. 11+4 There he was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ concerning the future of the church and the world to Christ's coming, not for himself or the seven churches alone but through them for all churches to the end of time.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+4

John calls himself brother and companion of believers in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, a fellow believer sharing the churches' suffering and their hope in Christ's kingdom and patient endurance.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+4 He describes himself as a brother and fellow sufferer, sharing with believers in tribulation, in Christ's kingdom, and in patient endurance, and as Christ's faithful witness exiled to lonely Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ because of his faithfulness.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+4 Though isolated on that isle, Christ knew just where to find him and visited him there by heavenly messenger and by His own presence.Ms 59, 1911, par. 11+2 From Patmos he received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which is the word of God, not a sealed book but a mystery unfolded concerning scenes to take place in the last days of this earth's history, including Christ's warning about the closing events to be sent to the seven churches and widely shared and still proclaimed because the enemy will bring in everything possible to carry out his deceptive designs.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1

He was very old at the time, nearly one hundred years old, the oldest of Christ's first disciples, the beloved tender faithful servant who had leaned on Jesus' bosom more than fifty years before.Ms 92, 1903, par. 2–7+2 Many thought him past service, like an old broken reed, and his enemies banished him to silence a testimony that rebuked stubborn refusal to accept Christ as Saviour who could give power to become sons of God, yet God preserved him as a witness to testify of Christ and what He had done and as an example of aged workers bearing firm, decided testimony.Ms 92, 1891, par. 9–11+3 His exile was for the faith, for his testimony concerning Christ whom the Jewish people and ruling powers at Jerusalem had condemned to death without repentance, whose life of purity condemned their selfishness and iniquity.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5 Even in old age and exile his banishment did not end his witness, for he made friends and converts there and proclaimed the risen Saviour who intercedes for His people until His return, and late in life he received more communications from heaven than earlier, being chosen to receive and declare the mysteries to the churches through human lips because an angel could not do the work.ST Jan 28, 1903+2 When Christ began to reveal Himself his humanity could not endure the glory and he fell as a dead man until Jesus revived and strengthened him to receive the message.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13

His fellowship shows that isolation on the lonely island did not make him worthless or beyond God's care.Ms 92, 1891, par. 9–11 Though separated from fellow believers he still shared their tribulation and their patient hope in Christ's kingdom, and his isolation became the setting where Christ revealed Himself and entrusted him with a message for the world.Ms 92, 1891, par. 9–11+1 His patience is the patience believers need to cultivate in order to be Christlike.Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9

John was on the isle called Patmos, a rocky, lonely, desolate, desert, rugged island of rocks and cliffs, a lonely island prison cut off from the society of his brethren.Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+4 It was a desert island to which he had been sent in an effort to silence him because of his witness, where he was to spend his life amid rocks and desolation.Ms 159, 1904, par. 3+2

He was banished there by persecutors because of his faithful witness to God's word and to Jesus Christ, exiled for his faithfulness to the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.Lt 91, 1896, par. 2–6+4 That banishment came by the emperor through imperial decree, by the Romans to please the Jews, and by the jealous hatred of Jewish people and ruling powers at Jerusalem.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5+2 His exile was a consequence of persecution for his faith and witness as Christ's faithful witness.Ms 59, 1911, par. 11+1

In his old age he kept talking of Christ, preaching the Word and presenting it wherever he was, and would keep that word and follow it.Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+2 His testimony rebuked stubborn refusal to accept Christ as Saviour who, if they had repented and believed on Him, could have given them power to become the sons of God, until the people tired of hearing him and wanted to be rid of his testimony so annoying to their peace of mind to feel more comfortable.Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+1 He repeatedly testified before the people to the Bible and to Christ's joy and peace as a risen Saviour, and to Christ's life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.Ms 159, 1904, par. 3+1 His ever-fresh testimony concerning Christ whom wicked hands had taken and crucified, whom the Jewish people and ruling powers at Jerusalem had condemned to death and had not repented of condemning, witnessed against their wicked deeds in crucifying the Lord of glory, for His life of purity condemned their lives of selfishness and iniquity and amazed them.Ms 159, 1904, par. 3+1 After his enemies falsely accused him they tried to kill him, for his witness disturbed those in power.Ms 159, 1904, par. 3+1

His enemies meant to silence his witness and destroy his influence, banishing him to be rid of him, where they expected hardship and distress to end his life.BS 60.1–3+3 Those who wanted to silence his testimony sent him to the island to spend his life amid its rocks and desolation.Ms 159, 1904, par. 3 Yet God in unseen providence permitted the exile and used the solitude to prepare John to receive a fuller revelation of Christ, and though God used the exiler as an instrument to carry out His eternal purpose, the man who exiled him is not released from responsibility.ST Mar 22, 1905+1 His exile did not silence him, for his witness from Patmos proclaimed truths that would reach people through the end of time and through the ages.BS 60.1–3+1

His banishment was the work of Satan, the opposing apostatized power that apostatized in heaven above, who tracks every soul who is in favor of Jesus Christ and would be saved by Him and is determined to block their way by himself and by his satanic emissaries.Ms 151, 1904, par. 1–4 The same spirit that worked in the children of disobedience in Christ's day was working against His followers, with evil angels under Satan as the unseen agencies inspiring the priests and rulers, when jealousy and hatred that said the world is gone after Him hired false witnesses and stirred the mob to choose Barabbas and cry for Christ to be crucified.Ms 150, 1899, par. 3–5 Outwardly his enemies triumphed, but the effort to extinguish the light only placed truth in bold relief.18MR 77.1–2

Left alone with God and his faith on that rugged, desolate island of rocks and cliffs, banished there by the emperor, he held communion with his Maker and reviewed his past Christian life.Ms 99, 1902, par. 80 At the thought of the blessings received from God's hand his heart was filled with peace so he could say in faith it is well with his soul.Ms 99, 1902, par. 80 In contrast the emperor could look back only on fields of warfare and carnage, desolated homes and weeping widows and orphans resulting from his ambitious desire for pre-eminence.Ms 99, 1902, par. 80

Banishment to Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ did not place John beyond the reach of Jesus, for Christ knew just where to find His faithful witness, His brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.Ms 59, 1911, par. 11+2 He was honored with Christ's presence because he was true and faithful, and Christ came personally to the Isle of Patmos to give the revelation to His servant and to educate him and show him things to be.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+2 Though very old, nearly one hundred, and separated from fellow believers, he shared their tribulation and their patient hope in Christ's kingdom, and his isolation became the setting where Christ revealed Himself to him and entrusted him with a message for the world.Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+2 He had kept talking of Christ in his old age until those who rejected the One who could have given them power to become sons of God banished him to be rid of his annoying testimony, yet on that very isle he was given a most wonderful revelation of his Saviour and of things to come to pass on the earth, and wrote out the record of his visions.Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10+1

Though separated from fellow believers and from strife and the work he loved, and withdrawn from worldly activity and outside influences, he remained acquainted with God and held precious communion with Him in solitude.Ms 165, 1904, par. 3–5+2 He was surrounded by angels, and heaven seemed open before him with unspeakable joy when a trumpet-like voice spoke to him and Christ opened heavenly mysteries to him.Ms 99, 1902, par. 75–77+1 On the lonely island he communed with God and studied nature and creation, seeing God's greatness and majesty in the island's rocks and waters, with Jesus as his teacher revealing future events and the closing scenes of earth's history.STE 50.2–3+2

It was on the Sabbath that the risen Christ made His presence known to the lonely exile, a Sabbath especially precious to him in his isolation as a fellow sharer in tribulation and patient endurance.Ms 81, 1900, par. 49–53+2 His exile had appeared to let enemies silence him for a testimony that disturbed those in power, but God used the solitude to prepare him to endure hatred and scorn and to receive precious truth for the churches.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39+1 There Patmos became a place of grace where he received a new revelation of the risen Christ for the world, a testimony also given to learn what will happen in the last days of earth's history.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39+1

There in holy vision he saw the One he honored and loved above all others, Jesus Christ presented in His glorified humanity and in the glory of the heavenly sanctuary, enabled to endure a vision of eternal importance.Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 He beheld the glorified person of his Lord more than fifty years after leaning on Jesus' bosom, clothed in glory beyond what a human being could ordinarily behold and live to see, with nail marks remaining His glory.Ms 94, 1897, par. 38–39+1 When Christ began to reveal Himself, John's humanity could not endure the glory and he fell as a dead man until Jesus revived and strengthened him to receive the message.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13

In exile he beheld his glorified Redeemer and saw more distinctly than ever before what was to be at the close of earth's history, with mercy, tenderness, and love blending with holiness, justice, and power.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8 Mercy and truth met together and righteousness and peace kissed each other, so that sinners find a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid, and instead of fleeing from God because of sin they flee to His arms for protection and pardon, and the throne terrible in unbelief becomes in repentance a place of refuge.Ms 38, 1905, par. 8 Christ whom he knew and loved came to comfort, encourage, and strengthen him in a hard and trying place, showing him future events to Christ's coming, heaven's glories, God's throne, and the redeemed through great tribulation, and charging him to write in a book what he was told and send it to the churches.8T 17.3+2 Christ knows where His people are when driven away for the truth, values and visits those who live wholly for Him, preserves them as precious and chosen, and gives them peace and joy so they are not left alone to be overcome.8T 17.3+2

On Patmos John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which is the word of God, not a sealed book but a mystery unfolded. Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 It was given by God to Jesus and sent through an angel to John, who recorded God's word and Jesus' testimony. Ms 92, 1891, par. 1–4+2 Christ Himself came to the isle to educate John and give instruction, coming in person to show him the things that must be, veiling His own glory through the person of His highest angels. Lt 311, 1905, par. 5–7+1

What was opened to him was the future of the church and of the world, the closing scenes of earth's history and what will take place just before the Son of man comes in the clouds with power and great glory. Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 He was shown events on earth, the church's condition, course, backslidings, trials, and final triumph and victory in God's kingdom, including the position it must take to please God. ST Mar 22, 1905+2 The book gives sacred instruction about dangers and conflicts for truth and about steadfast obedience to God's commandments under persecution, and its symbols will be fulfilled. Ms 92, 1891, par. 1–4+1 Its truths concern people living in the last days and call for diligent study, because the enemy will bring in everything he possibly can to carry out his deceptive designs. Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1

The words spoken there were not for John alone on Patmos nor for the seven churches in Asia alone. Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+2 Through those churches the inspired message was to come with powerful impression in every age to the close of history, to enlighten and strengthen the churches to the end of time. Ms 53, 1890, par. 46–47+1 The instruction to send what he saw to the seven churches represents all the churches in the world, the number seven representing a perfect whole, and the light was not to be hidden. Lt 110, 1902, par. 9–10

As commanded he wrote out the record of his visions in a book because they were of vast importance. Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+2 That testimony was light God designed to be immortalized and remain present truth until all the events foretold come to pass. Ms 155, 1902, par. 8–9+1 His Patmos visions were written down to carry the truth to people of every nation and to be made known to the world. ST Mar 22, 1905+3

The revelation is Jesus Christ revealing Himself in the correct representation as God designed, to be given in truth and righteousness in words of warning. Ms 88, 1910, par. 3 This first, important, solemn chapter is to be clearly understood, with every heart opened to take in its true meaning with solemn, humble effect and no mistakes in interpreting it. Ms 88, 1910, par. 3 God used human lips to reach people because an angel could not do the work, and messages from God must not be thrown aside because they come through a human. Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13

John received the spirit of prophecy on Patmos when more than half a century of the Christian age had passed, imbued with it in all its fullness when the wonderful Revelation was given to him. LS 331.3+1 This shows the gift had not ceased but continued in full manifestation late in the apostolic period, with no intimation that the gifts should cease until the day of glory is ushered in by the second appearing of Jesus Christ. LS 331.3 On that lonely isle he received more communications from heaven than he had received during the rest of his lifetime, even in old age and exile continuing to serve and proclaim the risen Saviour. RH Sep 12, 1912+3

The revelation Jesus Christ gave to John agrees fully with Scripture, which can only be tested by Scripture, with no contradiction. Ms 132, 1898, par. 1 It repeats what Moses recorded in Exodus and in the plagues the Lord brought upon Egypt. Ms 132, 1898, par. 1 Together with Daniel it is to stand out conspicuously in the last days, with past experience revived, the old waymarks carefully studied, and the established foundation principles held fast unto the end. 18MR 220.2–4 The message given there, including the power of Revelation 13 to be made prominent in the last days, is to come straight, sharp, and clean from all mixture of human wisdom and tradition. 18MR 33.2–34.1

On Patmos John was given a message to write that includes the promise that those who die in the Lord rest from their labors, so they are not to be judged as lacking faith if they are not restored to health. GW 218.3

The Revelation given to John on Patmos is the word of God, not a sealed book but a mystery unfolded, and its truths concern those living in the last days and call for diligent study.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 It gives sacred instruction about events leading up to the close of this world's history and what will take place on earth just before the Son of man comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, its symbols to be fulfilled, and its instruction is of eternal importance to be read, heard, understood, and put into practice.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+2 It holds broad and profound lessons worthy of careful study and contemplation, and this first important solemn chapter revealing Jesus Christ in the correct representation as God designed is to be clearly understood with open, solemn, humble hearts and no mistakes in interpreting what the Lord Jesus was to give to all alive on earth to hear and receive.Ms 88, 1910, par. 3+1 It must be searched diligently and understood for what it tells about the scenes to take place in the last days, because the enemy will bring in everything possible to carry out deceptive designs, and those with no desire to understand the things to take place lack wisdom.Ms 46, 1904, par. 3–6+1

What was given to John there was given for him to give in truth and righteousness to the people in words of warning, to be taught to those unacquainted with the truth, and to be studied and believed and preached today, with the light not hidden under a bushel.Ms 88, 1910, par. 3+1 Christ came personally to Patmos to give the revelation to His servant, who received Christ's warning about the closing events of earth's history with instruction to send the message to the seven churches, the number seven representing a perfect whole of all the churches in the world.Lt 126, 1906, par. 5+1 That warning was meant to be widely shared and continues to be proclaimed, the message Christ gave him there to be made known to the world.Lt 126, 1906, par. 5+2 It is to be preached with energy through well-prepared books and periodicals, presented by messengers seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit to speak God's words, with the supervised work of carrying John's instruction continuing under Christ in these last days despite Satan's learned scheming to make it of no effect.RH Jul 30, 1908

The first three chapters give an earnest warning to prepare to meet the Lord in the clouds of heaven because He comes with power and great glory.Lt 126, 1906, par. 5+2 The messages portray truth about events that will occur in the last days and confront indifference to the signs foretold, giving evidence that the end of the world is right upon us and that the end is near so people should prepare to meet God.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1+2 John's message calls people to receive Jesus and to perfect character through Him in order to be saved, a truth for this time to be professed and proclaimed including through medical ministry.RH Jan 19, 1905

Faithful bearing of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus may bring reproach, persecution, affliction, hardship, imprisonment, exile and death, with danger and sacrifice of earthly good.AA 570.3+4 John's banishment to Patmos for his faithfulness was the consequence of such persecution for his witness, an example of what God's appointed witnesses have faced for the truth.AA 570.3+4 When he was exiled nearly all his fellow ministers had been martyred and the remaining believers faced fierce opposition, with apostles exiled, crucified, beheaded, killed and stoned, yet the church kept growing and others took their place.AA 581.1–3+1 The same language describes the Waldenses, who for centuries endured persecution with patience and constancy, were hunted and killed, yet continued spreading truth and sending out missionaries.4SP 84.2+4 They planted the seeds of the Reformation before Luther, dying in the mountains of Piedmont and in France for the same Word and testimony, and their willingness to suffer and witness helped prepare the way and carry the work forward through later generations to the end of time.4SP 84.2+4

Patmos supplies the image for Luther's secluded Wartburg refuge, his rocky Patmos, where though withdrawn from public life he continued for nearly a year to proclaim the gospel.GC 168.3+2 From there he rebuked the errors and sins of his time and preached through his writings and his German translation of the New Testament.GC 168.3+2 God in unseen providence permitted John's exile, allowing the plans of wicked men to proceed while bringing good from the trial of one who remained loyal.RH Sep 12, 1912+4 It was recorded as a trial to teach submission, patience and faith for the benefit of all afterward called to endure affliction, showing that He leads His children by a way they know not yet does not forget or cast off those who trust Him.RH Sep 12, 1912+2 Though outwardly his enemies triumphed and meant to silence him and extinguish the light, the effort only placed truth in bold relief, for God used the exile as the setting for Christ to visit him and reveal divine truth and closing scenes to strengthen the churches until the end of time, and the man who exiled him is not released from responsibility though God used him to carry out His eternal purpose.RH Sep 12, 1912+3 No man could deprive him of the light and revelation of Christ, and a great light was to shine from Christ to His servant and through him to the world.18MR 77.1–2+1 God permits trials to assail His people so that by constancy and obedience they are spiritually enriched, drawn near to depend on His strength, prepared for service, and made a source of strength to others, with the very trials that task faith most severely and make it seem He has forsaken them leading them closer to Christ to lay all burdens at His feet and experience the peace He gives in exchange, for His thoughts are thoughts of peace and not of evil.RH Sep 12, 1912+2

Christ knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake lie in prisons and dungeons or are banished to lonely islands, and He comforts them in affliction.Ms 100, 1893, par. 1+4 He values, visits, communes with, encourages, strengthens, preserves and blesses them in hard and trying places, entering prisons and standing with them even at the stake, giving peace and joy when they are driven away for the truth.AA 588.2+4 In the deepest gloom God's glory is revealed most brilliantly, and Christ's light shines more clearly as darkness grows.AA 588.2+1 John identifies himself as brother and companion sharing the church's tribulation, through whom Christ reveals the fearful conflict His people must meet before His second coming and what His followers would suffer through the centuries.Ms 100, 1893, par. 1+1 Before the scenes of their bitter struggle are opened they are reminded that their brethren also drank of the cup and were baptized with the baptism, and He who sustained these early witnesses to the truth will sustain early and final witnesses in bitter conflict to the end and will not forsake His people or leave them to be overcome or to struggle alone.Ms 100, 1893, par. 1+1

Chains and imprisonment borne for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus are tokens of honor to be rejoiced in, not cause for shame or embarrassment.ST Nov 6, 1879+1 One who suffers in this way can stand bold and zealous for truth and for Christ as God's ambassador, even with outstretched hands clanking with chains before philosophers, kings and critics who hold his life in their hands.ST Nov 6, 1879 John had grown old in service when exiled to the lonely isle, where he received more communications from heaven than during the rest of his lifetime, therefore ministers who have faithfully done their work and borne its burdens are not to be forgotten or neglected when feeble in health, and conferences must care for their needs and not disregard them.ST Nov 6, 1879+1 Believers will soon know something of such trials and will need a living experience in and through the sanctification of the truth.Lt 58, 1895, par. 9–11+2 Teachers of the Word are to consider themselves one with Christ's little ones and learn of Him continually, recognizing that every slight placed on one of His little children is placed upon Him, and every soul must put on the whole armor for himself, with his own feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, today and every day.Ms 188, 1905, par. 28–30+1 Everyone has a testimony to bear and bearing it requires having Christ in the heart, and John's testimony voices the words of Christ for the last days joining His sayings that keeping the commandments of God, the ten commandments, is the sure evidence of love to Jesus.Lt 58, 1895, par. 9–11+3 Within the first three chapters the messages to the churches give the history of Satan's effort to bring dissension into the church, destroying through subtlety much of the good accomplished, a difficulty that must still be met today.Ms 100, 1893, par. 1+1