“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).

      John adds his perspective to this narrative by saying he was our brother and companion “in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus.” In this age, these are always found together with the true companions of the Lord. As we’re told in 2 Timothy 3:12, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

      Being persecuted is actually the normal state for Christians and churches that are seeking to live godly in Christ throughout the world. Why is it that so many in the West think when they are being persecuted, which is mostly by being falsely accused and slandered, that they have somehow displeased God? It is because this important element of walking with God is left out of the messages of many who preach the gospel today.

      Our brethren throughout the world are imprisoned, have their properties and belongings confiscated, and are tortured and killed for their faith. To suffer for His name’s sake is not a sign of God’s disfavor but of His favor. It is one of the greatest honors we can have in this life, even if the suffering is just slander and false accusations. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

       John understood the constant state of pressure and attacks suffered by all who held to the Word of God and the testimony of Christ. As he wrote this, he was in prison on the island of Patmos. He was there because authorities had repeatedly tried to execute him, even trying to boil him in oil, but he remained unharmed.

      As Jesus repeated to His disciples, as the world hated Him they would hate us, too. When presenting the gospel, we need to do a better job of letting new converts know that their decision to follow Christ is not going to make them popular in the world but rather the opposite, even with members of our own family. However, those who are mistreated because of their faith and remain faithful are the most honored in heaven, and they will be for eternity. We need to convey the greatness of this honor to those who have been “blessed” by this, as Jesus promised.

      To be “blessed” for patiently suffering persecution in any form is like getting martyr points for eternity. Isn’t this why we are called to take up our crosses and “die daily”?  In 2 Corinthians 4:17, the apostle Paul called this “momentary, light affliction” compared to the glories we will receive forever!

      This is something we get to do for Him who did so much more for us. Peter wrote that this testing of our faith is more valuable than gold, so we should get more excited about such trials than if we had just found a bag of gold.

      We can protest that the things we’re being accused of are lies, but what do we expect? Our enemy is “the father of lies.” Lies are his main weapon against us. He’s also the “accuser of the brethren,” because His greatest success comes from getting our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the accusing. So, we should not be surprised when this comes at us through other Christians. This gives us an even better chance to grow in the patience, love, and forgiveness—that is basic Christianity.

      We will have more to say about this later, as this persecution is sown throughout the Revelation, but for now we need to consider why was it that John could not be killed. Perhaps it was because he was yet to receive this Revelation that would be so important in sealing the entire written Word of God. The point is that John still had an assignment from God, and nothing in heaven, hell, or the earth can pluck us from His hand when we yet have a purpose to fulfill for Him.