After Jesus died, John went to Ephesus to spread the good news of salvation. Another answer from our community:Because he was a Christian preaching the Gospels. Are there any traditional stories about that? This would make its religious successor, Pergamos, the temporary new "Satan's seat" of the Babylonian mystery religion. The purpose of the . John the apostle died on the island of Patmos, as he was kept a Christ reminds the Thyatiran brethren they must come out of that worldly society, no matter how enticing it appeared, and not compromise with the truth. He recommends they focus instead on buying from Him the spiritual clothing of true righteousness that He later describes as "fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints" (Revelation 19:8 Revelation 19:8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.American King James Version). The Apostle John is also called John the Evangelist, John the Theologian, John the Apostle of Love, or the Son of Thunder. Because the author of the Book of Revelation identified himself as 'John', the book was once attributed to the apostle John. Most Johannine scholars doubt the reliability of its ascription to Papias, but a minority, including B.W. It is never explained how it was possible to exile John anywhere, if his enemies were unable to harm him. The Acts of the Apostles shows the disciple and Apostle John with Peter both in the healing and in the imprisonment of the two in the dungeon, which speaks of Johns role in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. We know from scripture that he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos near the end of his life - reliable understandings of when his epistles and the book of Revelation were penned indicate it was around the year 90 AD. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? There is no historical evidence that he travelled to Ephesus where he took care of Virgin Mary or that he lived there until the end of his life. So unless there is proof that he was forcibly restrained, it should be assumed that John of Patmos could leave the island whenever he chose, and return at any time he chose. And then he found his end suffering martyrdom. 22:10-11, John brings to a close his description of his interaction with the angel who helped convey this revelation from God. He detests the Laodicean attitude of compromising with God's laws. Is the Book of Revelation written by John? And, This suffering consists mainly of the daily worries and various conflicts that can arise in the bosom of any couple. What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea" (verse 11). The only eminently prophetic book of the New Testament, the Apocalypse, is traditionally also attributed to St John the Evangelist. John the Baptist did not write any books that we know of and he had his own disciples. So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nothing; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. How John Wrote the Book of Revelation is the first book that teaches the reader how to read Revelation the way it was . When John was aged, he trained Polycarp who later became Bishop of Smyrna. . God works in you and gives you, according to His pleasure, both the will and the doing. Christ says about this congregation: "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Beginning with Ephesus, the roads follow a geographic semicircle, extending northward, turning to the east, and continuing southward to Laodiceathus connecting the cities on what must have functioned as an ancient postal route" (Archaeology and the New Testament, 1997, p. 242). Without all these punishments, there is no reason to imagine John of Patmos as being blinded. The author was probably a Christian from Ephesus known as John the Elder. According to the Book, this John was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus (Rev. A messianic community existed at Ephesus before Paul's first labors there (cf. Relation between transaction data and transaction id. What is the main message of the book of Revelation? Since Thyatira was a religious center, and the home of powerful guilds demanding religious participation of their workers in their banquets, it was difficult for Christians to resist falling into idolatry. Christ uses this lesson to drive home a powerful spiritual point to His Church: "Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (verse 3). Is it plausible for constructed languages to be used to affect thought and control or mold people towards desired outcomes? And Jesus. He was visiting the surrounding area, setting up bishops, founding Christian communities, Drive-Thru, and reconciling the brethren. The original community was under the leadership of Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12). We do not know what happened to the apostle John after the biblical account of his life ended. What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? Among the ancient papyri letters that archaeologists have found is one with such a request and another with an accompanying certificate declaring: "We, the representatives of the Emperor, Serenos and Hermas, have seen you sacrificing.". Perhaps church tradition dated John's writings (particularly the Revelation) to be A.D. 90-100 in order to disprove the preterists' view. If "Scholarly research" is equivalent to the emporer's new clothes, then any old blog can certainly trump it. Poised above the rich Hermus Valley, Sardis was 30 miles south of Thyatira. He exhorts them: "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" (verse 11). Trying to find out if the apostle John was blind while on the island of Patmos but can't find any information. . Salome was Mary's younger sister making John Mary's nephew and Jesus' cousin. For examples of the seven-vision approach, see Ernst Lohmeyer, Die Offenbarung des Johannes (Tiibingen, 1926); John Wick Bowman, Since Christians confessed they had only one Lord, Jesus Christ, they were mercilessly hounded. 5 What is the main message of the book of Revelation? Cyrus could not find a way to get up to the citadel and even offered a reward to the soldier who discovered a pathway. The Book of Revelation was written sometime around 96 CE in Asia Minor. Patmos, a rocky, volcanic and sparsely populated isle, was an appropriate place to send captives. 3 Did John Write Revelation before the Gospel of John? If the former, can you change your wording as it is currently misleading (absence of evidence is not evidence of absence); if the latter as it seems from the reference to Cerinthus, what is the source of the claim please? Whoever this John was, it clearly was not the author of John's Gospel, as the style and the theology are too different. Yes. Johns brother was James, also one of the 12 apostles. It was proud that it had been declared a "free city," which meant its residents had the right to govern their own affairs. They learned that the four-walled, roofless ruin had been venerated for a long time by members of the mountain village of irince, 17 km distant, who were descended from the early Christians of Ephesus. The apostle John is best known and honored for his Gospel, one of the most beautiful biblical writings. In this way, the Roman emperors had become the heirs of "Satan's seat" during John's day. He tells them that "he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'as I also have received from My Father" (Revelation 2:26-27 Revelation 2:26-27 [26] And he that overcomes, and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 38 1 3 Related questions Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Christ says to this church: "These things says He who is holy, He who is true . Continue Learning about Religious Studies. And there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and John. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Previous to this, according to Tertullian's testimony (De praescript., xxxvi), John had been thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil before the Porta Latina at Rome without suffering injury. The mention of Satan's throne in Pergamos likely refers to the famous worship of its most popular deity, the serpent god Asklepios Soter, whose Latin equivalent means "the man-instructing serpent and savior." who said that he was writing from Patmos. Similarly, Ignatius of Antioch was a student of John and later appointed by Saint Peter to be the Bishop of Antioch. He was visiting the surrounding area, setting up bishops. In the Gospel of John, the disciple the Lords beloved is not mentioned by name, but only twice, together with his brother, as sons of thunder.. Many profound theological themes and images inspired the Churchs life. In the second part (chapters 422:5), visions, allegories, and symbols (to a great extent unexplained) so pervade the text that exegetes necessarily differ in their interpretations. Most definitely the gospel of John was written before the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) as references are made within the book to structures existing before that siege of Jerusalem. Second, Our Lord did seem to say to the Apostles that there were some present who would not "taste death" before the second coming. According to Tertullian (in The Prescription of Heretics) John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. No one signed the gospel now known as Johns Gospel and it was not even attributed to the apostle John until later in the second century. The name Revelation comes from the first word of the book in Koine Greek: (apokalypsis), which means unveiling or revelation. With three main roads crossing it, the city was one of the richest commercial centers in the world. "That seat," comments Alexander Hislop, "after the death of Belshazzar [the last Babylonian king], and the expulsion of the Chaldean priesthood from Babylon by the Medo-Persian kings, was at Pergamos, where afterwards was one of the seven churches of Asia. It is never explained how it was possible to exile John anywhere, if his enemies were unable to harm him.Another answer:John was exiled to Patmos as punishment for refusing to stop preaching the gospel. 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! We know that Paul died and Peter died but we don't know that John died. John was the youngest and most handsome. ", vi, 10). rev2023.3.3.43278. Reward to was john blind when he wrote revelation citadel and even offered a reward to the United States when he was one of coins. But I give you my advice, as one who has been married by the Lord, that I may be credible. Pergamos was so renowned for the worship of this god, who supposedly healed the sick, that this deity was called "the Pergamene god." John was the Lords most beloved disciple. Our Lord upon his his Cross said these words to the Apostle St. John: 26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Many of the Christians in Smyrna would die because of fierce persecutions. The apostle who leaned on Jesus chest at the Last Supper. John's traditional tomb is thought to be located at Seluk, a small town in the vicinity of Ephesus. Although Christ is clearly the central figure of Revelation, an understanding of the text presupposes familiarity with Old Testament language and concepts, especially those taken from the books of Daniel and Ezekiel. If John wrote about Christ's coming as future from A.D. 90-100, it is said to combat preterists, then Christ did not come back in A.D. 70 (John's writing would be pointless). John the Baptist was born about 6 months before Jesus and was His "forrunner". If he did not conform he was out of a job . But membership involved attendance at guild banquets, and this in turn meant eating meat which had first been sacrificed to an idol. He wrote Against Heresies in about 180 - it is this work where he makes the claim. With the wealth amassed, it had also become the banking center of the region. Whats the difference between John and John the Baptist? (Matthew 16:28) It's not definitive but is definitely intriguing to wonder if John is still with us, living privately somewhere. One day, while fishing with James at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus told them to follow Him. It enabled them to maintain a Christian profession while countenancing and even engaging in immoral heathen revels" (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 1975, p. 71). 1.10). This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to future generations. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?. Only he remained by the cross of Christ when all the others had left Him. When they reached the top, the place was again unguarded. (Matthew 16:28) It's not definitive but is definitely intriguing to wonder if John is still with us, living privately somewhere. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. A:Simply because the Book of Revelation was signed by a person called John, it was decided late in the second century that this must have been the apostle John. This concludes our archaeological review of the last book of the Bible. The disciple whom Jesus loved, one of the 12 disciples, and his inner three, John. But I can just spare you. John was not arrested at Golgotha giving us a clue also that he was young and harmless for Jews. R.H. Charles has called Pergamos 'the Lourdes of the ancient world' . And they, leaving their father and former lives, followed the Savior. Omissions? "For all its wealth, the city had poor water," says The Expositor's Bible Commentary. The Apostle and Evangelist John were from Bethsaida Galilee. [15] So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Since this John was not the author, we do not need the oil, nor the exile. From Ephesus he wrote the three epistles attributed to him. "Long before Rome was undisputed mistress of the world," comments William Barclay, "Smyrna had cast in its lot with her, never to waver in its fidelity. He wrote the Gospel, the three canonical epistles, and the Apocalypse by divine inspiration. The author names himself as John, but modern scholars consider it unlikely that the author of Revelation also wrote the Gospel of John. - Catholic Encyclopedia. When was the Gospel of John first written? "I know your works, your labor, your patience," He told them, "and that you cannot bear those who are evil" (Revelation 2:2 Revelation 2:2I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:American King James Version). Zebedees father was a fisherman with several employees, including his two sons, James and John. The other person is John the Baptist, the predecessor of Jesus, who baptised him in the river Jordan and prepared the way for him. There are a couple of points Vanessa could add to her answer. After his return from exile, Clement the Alexandrian tells us that John continued his apostolic ministry. Thank you. How are the Gospels and revelation similar and different? One way or another, we can say that the apostle John did not write the Gospel or epistles that became attributed to him. . He is said to have lived to an old age, dying at Ephesus sometime after AD 98. This site is dedicated to all kinds of people. The Evangelist John is the first of the saints to be called Theologian. Together with his brother James, sons of Zebedee and Salome, half-sister grandsons of Jesus. Where Was John When He Wrote Revelation? If you enjoyed our article, check out our Bible Trivia section for a Quiz about John the Apostle. One reason it is hard to determine the answer is that people frequently had someone help them when they wrote. Polycarp taught Irenaeus, passing on to him stories about John. Therefore, beloved, as you have always been obedient, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, not only when I am present but much more now in my absence. He was blessed with the power from above to write what he saw in the prophecies God revealed to him through His glory. 19952023 All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@ucg.org. Jesus tells the church in Smyrna: "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. An alternative account of John's death, ascribed by later Christian writers to the early second-century bishop Papias of Hierapolis, claims that he was slain by the Jews. Many people view Revelation, sometimes called the Apocalypse, as a mysterious book of strange symbols and images. After the death of the Saviour, the Apostle John took the Blessed Mary just like he was his beloved son. With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! John wrote sublime epistles for the early Christians, If you enjoyed our article, check out our Bible Trivia section for a, about the End and the Second Coming of Christ, Resurrection of Jesus Scripture. 271-272). [14] But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. "A 450-foot segment of the widest section was excavated and reconstructed so visitors to the site can experience a beautiful approach to the Asklepieion," notes John McRay. In the belief that this Certainly, nobody with house, wife and kids will go stay with another person. It is noteworthy that Revelation 17:4-5 Revelation 17:4-5 [4] And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: Under these conditions, a Christian named John wrote Revelation, addressing it to the seven churches that were in Asia Minor. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). He chose to live as a celibate, as a single person. . After the Assumption, Saint John went with his disciple Prochor to Asia Minor, where it fell to him to preach the Word of God. So I take it to mean, that John will be sent back to preach before the coming of Christ in our times. By contrast, He later describes those who are faithful to Him as "those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12 Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.American King James Version). We can say about us that we are a young married couple who strives to be a small light to the world. This is why in his Gospel, John calls himself the disciple whom Jesus loved.For this great love, God blessed John with long life, well into old age. The New Testament names James the Just, Joses, Simon, and Jude as the brothers (Greek adelphoi) of Jesus (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55, John 7:3, Acts 1:13, 1 Corinthians 9:5). Zahn argues that this reference is actually to John the Baptist. During the time of John's exile, traditionally 94-96, history records violent persecution against Christians under the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96). When you read Revelation, nowhere in the book does it state that John is in exile or imprisoned. wall.org/~aron/blog/the-gospels-arent-anonymous, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerinthus#Works_attributed_to_Cerinthus, from your pastor, priest, or other trustworthy counselor, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Acceptable comments policy for Christianity Stack Exchange. Hi, we are David and Mirabela. Revelation to John appears to be a collection of separate units composed by unknown authors who lived during the last quarter of the 1st century, though it purports to have been written by an individual named Johnwho calls himself "the servant" of Jesusat Patmos, in the Aegean Sea. The Saviour, looking lovingly at John, commissioned him to his Mother and the Virgin Mary to his care. The author was probably a Christian from Ephesus known as " John the Elder." According to the Book, this John was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor, "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. United Church of Godis a501(c)3organization. John proved to be the most compassionate and obedient apostle. While on Patmos, John received a long and complicated vision from Jesus Christ (verses 1-2, 10-20) with the instructions: ". A:We know nothing about John of Patmos apart from his authorship of the Book of Revelation, but presumably he was able to see, in order to be able. . The Apostle John spent a long time on the island of Patmos in exile. And Jesus was convinced that he would take care of Mary and his mother, perhaps even better than this. He was persecuted for his witness to Christ both in Jerusalem and Asia. And there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and John. There is no evidence that the apostle John was ever on the island of Patmos. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. Further more the House of Mary which St. John had built for Mary was discovered in 1818 and modern popes have given this location many indulgences, thus implicitly favouring this tradition as being true. John loved Jesus dearly and of all the apostles. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. The Apostle John states, whoever is born of God overcomes the world; and what wins the victory over the world is our faith. Bible Answer: biblical literature: The Revelation to John, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Revelation-to-John, McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Book of Revelation, PBS Frontline - Understanding The Book of Revelation, Book of Revelation - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The Christian writers of the second and third centuries testify to us as a tradition universally recognized and doubted by no one that the Apostle and Evangelist John lived in Asia Minor in the last decades of the first century and from Ephesus had guided the Churches of that province. Patmos is a small island of only 24 square miles (62 square kilometers), with a coastline in the shape of a horseshoe. Many scholars, however, agree that Revelation is not simply an abstract spiritual allegory divorced from historical events, nor merely a prophecy concerning the final upheaval at the end of the world, couched in obscure language. He warns them that, if they do not rapidly improve their spiritual condition, He will reject them. I guess all of us asked at least once why Jesus called John The Beloved One and why did Jesus choose John to be one of His disciples. So that in the day of Christ, I may boast that I neither ran nor toiled in vain. Another big clue that John did not have his own house, or wife, or kids, or estate is when he and James followed Jesus and asked him where he stayed. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. In his "Dialogue with Tryphon" (Chapter 81) St. Justin Martyr refers to "John, one of the Apostles of Christ" as a witness who had lived "with us", that is, at Ephesus. We Catholics have a weird tradition of digging up our saints and placing their bones under altars and things. That doesn't mean Jesus didn't love them all, but John was a spiritual thinker which drew Jesus to him in a kindred way. Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. But John was first a disciple of Saint John the Baptist. And then he found his end suffering martyrdom. John was a logical choice because he was believed to have been a bit younger than the other apostles, and he was the Apostle of whom it was written "Jesus loved". Originally Answered: Was John the Apostle the one who was responsible for writing the Book of Revelations, and how was he able to since it is said he was illiterate? How do the descriptions of these places compare with discoveries about them from history and archaeology? [16] Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. If those articles are accurate, then the attribution of authorship of "John" to Cerinthus (by the Alogi) is not only not credible (due to their totally contradictory doctrines), but is reported second hand from the 4th Century - do you have any better support for your assertion than this? Knowing this, Christ gives the brethren the hope that if they persevere in the faith they will receive something that all the temple worship of Diana could never give themthe gift of eternal life. Was John Blind When He Wrote Revelation? Patmos. After the Teacher of Nazareth calls Andrew and his older brother Peter to the apostolate, it is the turn of John and James, his close relatives. Have a good day and may God be with you! Luke 3:1-22, Matt. You shine as lights in the world, holding up the Word of life. Thus, pagan religion had its center in Pergamos. Many profound theological themes and images inspired the Churchs life. Browse other questions tagged, Like any library, Christianity Stack Exchange offers great information, but, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. 10 Is the Gospel of John written before the destruction of Jerusalem? John was the youngest and most handsome. Perhaps further to this issue, you could comment on the perspective on the matter taken here: @bruisedreed It wasn't until later in the second century that we have a positive assertion of John's authorship. How did serpent worship begin in Pergamos? We know where St. Peter's bones are, and several other apostles, but not St. John. Enjoy reading it; if you have questions, do not hesitate to ask. The last city on the route was Laodicea, 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Emmerich provided a number of details about the location of the house, and the topography of the surrounding area: Mary did not live in Ephesus itself, but in the country near it. Further, even if their clothing were world renowned, Christ tells them their "spiritual garments" were in pitiful condition. Later, when the Roman Empire collapsed, its successor, the Holy Roman Empire, would inherit the role. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. John of Revelation was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. As for Johns mother, Salome, Evangelist John was the youngest disciple of Christ. Christ recognizes the effort of the Ephesian brethren, in spite of many obstacles, to keep the faith and carry out the commission He had given them. The Book of Revelation was written sometime around 96 CE in Asia Minor. [5] And on her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. John was blind when he wrote the Revelation Book, but guided by the Holy Spirit, he finished writing it. . The author was probably a Christian from Ephesus known as " John the Elder." According to the Book, this John was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor, "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. It contains strong docetic themes, but is not considered in modern scholarship to be gnostic. Was it customary in the Roman Empire for convicts to be exiled to an island? In the path of Jesus journey on Earth. Before the Saviour called him to discipleship and made him a fisher of men, John the Theologian was a fisher of the sea. Have you bound yourself to the woman? The Laodiceans were famous for producing shiny, black wool clothing and boasted of an outstanding medical center that specialized in eye ointments. The watchmen had gone home to sleep, thinking there was no need to keep guard at nightand so Sardis fell. Christians, Muslims, or even atheists who want to seek the truth. If scholarly research is to be trumped by blogs, this discussion belongs on the chat room. . Revelation 1:1 states that the Book of Revelation was written by a person called John, and Revelation 1:9 says that he wrote from Patmos, without at any stage saying that he had been exiled to the island.