Overview
Patmos is a rocky island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese Islands near the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). John was exiled there during Roman persecution, likely under Emperor Domitian in the late first century. It was on this isolated island that John received the magnificent vision of the risen Christ and the future of God's kingdom, which he recorded in the book of Revelation.
Key Scriptures
"I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." (Revelation 1:9, NASB)
The apostle Paul also wrote: "I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:6-7, ESV) - reflecting the perseverance required of believers facing persecution.
Application
Like John, we can trust that God uses difficult circumstances to draw us closer to His purposes and reveal His glory to us.