Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom


I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 
Revelation 1:9 ESV


This verse really helps us to see the immediate context of the revelation. John referring to himself as brother, partner in the tribulation and kingdom speaks to his current condition. This is especially clear in the fact that he is on Patmos for preaching the word.

John doesn’t refer to the tribulation and the kingdom as future events, but as current. He is enduring tribulation, he is being persecuted for preaching the word of God. Although imprisoned on Patmos he still says he is a partner in the kingdom of Christ.

The statements that are made in this verse help us to see the context of the revelation. John was speaking in the present tense.

As we continue to read the revelation we can draw comfort from the fact that Christ is victorious in the lives of His followers at all times and in all places. John wrote in his day to comfort his fellow Christians of their victory in Jesus and by way of implication we too know we can find comfort in the revelation.

As we delve further into the revelation we will see that the main thrust of the book is faith. Faith in spite of circumstances.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman

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