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. How John Wrote the Book of Revelation: From Concept to Publication The text includes no indication that John of Patmos and St. John the Apostle are the same person. Therefore, beloved, as you have always been obedient. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The day after the Lords baptism, the forerunner showed them Jesus passing by and said, Behold, the Lamb of God! They followed Him for the rest of their days. Answer (1 of 11): Revelation chapter 17 tells us clearly that Revelation was written within a ten-year span: 69 - 79 AD, during the reign of Vespasian. And there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and John. The Apostle John states, whoever is born of God overcomes the world; and what wins the victory over the world is our faith. John was blind when he wrote the Revelation Book, but guided by the Holy Spirit, he finished writing it. A messianic community existed at Ephesus before Paul's first labors there (cf. Jesus was related to John in the flesh, or instead, he was his cousin. The original community was under the leadership of Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12). Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days" (verse 10). On the other hand the stories told in the apocryphal Acts of John, which appeared as early as the second century, are unhistorical invention. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren. When was the book of the Revelation written? He states that he is there for the Gospel. Using Kolmogorov complexity to measure difficulty of problems? John the Apostle and John the Evangelist are the same person. Second, our Lord did seem to say to the apostles that there were some present who would not "taste death" before the second coming. John loved Jesus dearly and of all the apostles. 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. Which is the best religion in the world. 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. ), who was called Philadelphus ("brother lover") in honor of his loyal affection toward his brother, King Eumenes II of Pergamos. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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. John the Apostle and John the Evangelist are the same person one of Jesus original 12 disciples. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Updates? "From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He was visiting the surrounding area, setting up bishops. "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. Jesus was taking on disciples at Bethabara and we suppose John was there looking for a teacher. John was the youngest and most handsome. The book comprises two main parts, the first of which (chapters 23) contains moral admonitions (but no visions or symbolism) in individual letters addressed to the seven Christian churches of Asia Minor. When was the Gospel of John first written? 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). 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. He did not know any books or was a sage man at the beginning, like the other Apostles, but was from a wealthy family. Fourth Bowl. There was the worship of Athene and Zeus, with its magnificent altar dominating the city [now partially reconstructed in the Pergamum Museum in Berlin]. John, the last living apostle of the original 12, apparently was banished for this reason. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. . If he did not conform he was out of a job . Varying fragments survived in Greek and Latin within monastic libraries. 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. American King James Version, 18 reveals that in the end time a powerful religious system from the ancient past will again reign over the nations and be identified as "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth.". The remains of the shrine to Asklepios have been uncovered by archaeologists. So from this, we can assume that John did not have his own house or wife or kids or estate but took Mary to his parents Salome and Zebedee house. Banishment was a terrible punishment that often involved whippings and being bound in chains before the prisoner was sent off for years of hard labor in rock quarries. Accompanying Johnson on vocal and guitar is Willie B. Harris (sometimes identified as his first wife), who sings the response parts of the song. But these blessings are for those who obey Gods Word and are overcomers: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches, To him, that overcome the will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the heaven of God., According to the New Testament, a person is victorious in two ways: by salvation and by sanctification. Please refrain from using the fallacy of argument from authority - try and engage with the actual issues. Have a good day and may God be with you! Irenaeus makes the claim that John wrote the Gospel and his letters at Ephesus and the Revelation when he was on Patmos. 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). it was the first city in the world to erect a temple to the goddess Roma" (Letters to the Seven Churches, 1957, p. 29). 271-272). Christ exhorts this church, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God" (Revelation 3:2 Revelation 3:2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.American King James Version). Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey was named Foundress of Mary's House by the Catholic Church and was responsible for acquiring, restoring and preserving Mary's House and surrounding areas of the mountain from 1891 until her death in 1915. Seek not to disfellowship. When they reached the top, the place was again unguarded. The only two times Sardis had been conquered were when its citizens had become overconfident and failed to watch. Some historians trace it to the collapse of the Babylonian Empire, when some Chaldean priests established their religious center in Pergamos. 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. person must have been the apostle John, Christians began to wonder 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! He wrote the Gospel, the three canonical epistles, and the Apocalypse by divine inspiration. The Book of Revelation was written sometime around 96 CE in Asia Minor. 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. 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. . He did not know any books or was a sage man at the beginning, like the other Apostles, but was from a wealthy family. 8 Is the Book of Revelation written by John? It is said that all in the audience of Colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Five roads converged below it and contributed to Sardis's status as a great commercial center. After his return from exile, Clement the Alexandrian tells us that John continued his apostolic ministry. 4 What are the 7 churches mentioned in Revelation? The Sardian brethren could readily identify with a warning to be watchful. 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. The only eminently prophetic book of the New Testament, the Apocalypse, is traditionally also attributed to St John the Evangelist. When the Apostle John wrote Revelation, he began with: "John, to the seven churches that are in Asia." (Rev 1:4). 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. Christ says to this church: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The name Revelation comes from the first word of the book in Koine Greek: (apokalypsis), which means unveiling or revelation. 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. How can this new ban on drag possibly be considered constitutional? cit., II, xxii, 5). Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the Roman roads that stretched from Ephesus to Laodicea. From Ephesus he wrote the three epistles attributed to him. One of Emmerich's accounts was a description of the house the Apostle John had built in Ephesus for Mary, the mother of Jesus, where she had lived to the end of her life. Internal Evidence #1: No warnings to flee the destruction of Jerusalem which was only 4-8 years away when John supposedly wrote the book before AD 70: 1. What is the origin of the story that the Apostle John taught only "love one another"? 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. It Continue Reading 1 Lawrence C. And, This suffering consists mainly of the daily worries and various conflicts that can arise in the bosom of any couple. 22:10-11, John brings to a close his description of his interaction with the angel who helped convey this revelation from God. In this way, the Roman emperors had become the heirs of "Satan's seat" during John's day. When Was The Book Of Revelation Written? Why it Matters! 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. There was the worship of Asklepios, bringing sick people from far and near, and above all there were the demands of Caesar worship, hanging forever like a poised sword above the heads of the Christians" (The Daily Study Bible, notes on Revelation 2:12-17 Revelation 2:12-17 [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges; Once again, there is no reason to believe the apostle John wrote this book, and many scholars now refer to its author as 'John of Patmos' in order to avoid confusion. John's living in Ephesus, if Irenaeus is correct, would have to occur AFTER the "coming of the Son of Man". 38 1 3 Related questions There is a legend that says that John traveled to Ephesus where he took care of Virgin Mary and that he lived there until the end of his life. This despot declared himself a god and demanded the worship of his subjects with the exception of Jews. (Matthew 16:28) It's not definitive but is definitely intriguing to wonder if John is still with us, living privately somewhere. Was John blind when he wrote Revelations? If so, how do we know that it The next city on the ancient postal circuit was Smyrna, about 40 miles north of Ephesus. Certainly, nobody with house, wife and kids will go stay with another person. Who was one of Josephs daughters, the Virgin Marys betrothed? Again, this prophecy had a literal fulfillment as well as serving as a description of a future time for the Church. In John 21:21 Jesus told John to tarry till I come and in Revelations 10 John was told that he must prophecy again before many peoples nations and tongues. After the death of the Saviour, the Apostle John took the Blessed Mary just like he was his beloved son. What is the true religion of God? was john blind when he wrote revelation Hence part of the message of Revelation would apply to John's time, and part would be for future generations. On the island of Patmos, he receives an eschatological revelation about the history of all humankind, summarized in the book that concludes the New Testament, suggestively entitled The Apocalypse. He returns to Ephesus in 97, during the reign of Emperor Nerva. Is this legend true? Before the Saviour called him to discipleship and made him a fisher of men, John the Theologian was a fisher of the sea. Since Christians confessed they had only one Lord, Jesus Christ, they were mercilessly hounded. 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. Wikipedia, citing 9 published works, says, "The Gospel of John was written in Greek by an anonymous author." Is a PhD visitor considered as a visiting scholar? . After Jesus died, John went to Ephesus to spread the good news of salvation. . According to Church tradition, Salome was one of the three daughters of the righteous Joseph, betrothed to the Virgin Mary from his first marriage. Corrections? Where he was between ~50AD and 90AD (with 50 being a plausible time for Paul's early writings, and the original disciples/apostles to still be in Jerusalem), I don't believe we're ever told. Gal. Or others may say that John was Jesus uncle, so we think they knew each other before Jesus baptism. John was not arrested at Golgotha giving us a clue also that he was young and harmless for Jews. Acidity of alcohols and basicity of amines. 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! The fanciful tradition that the apostle John was boiled in oil then exiled to Patmos was needed in order to get him to Patmos so that he could write the book there. GN. What did Peter, James and John see on the Mount of Transfiguration? Did the apostle James the Greater travel to Spain and was he martyred in Jerusalem? With the wealth amassed, it had also become the banking center of the region. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and nakedI counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (verses 15-18). Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 9 How are the Gospels and revelation similar and different? John was allegedly banished by the Roman authorities to the Greek island of Patmos, where, according to tradition, he wrote the Book of Revelation. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. In 95 AD, he was sent to Rome. There is no biblical evidence indicating that John the Baptist ever became a disciple of Jesus, even though it seems he had plenty of time to do so. Polycarp taught Irenaeus, passing on to him stories about John. Are there any historical accounts that support the legend? Did John Write Revelation before the Gospel of John? Why was John of Patmos blind? - Answers If they persevere in His Word, He will give them a crown that they may rule with Him in His Kingdom. The case for a late date authorship of the Book of Revelation (95-96 AD) There really is only one point that people hold onto for a late date authorship of the Book of Revelation. We learn from John that he wrote Revelation from the island of Patmos (verse 9), in the Aegean Sea 40 miles off the coast of Asia Minor (modern- day Turkey). Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7. Numerous treatment rooms, sleeping rooms (for incubation and autosuggestion in psychiatric treatment), meeting rooms, and temples were located here . . In Against Heresies, Irenaeus relates how Polycarp told a story of, John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, "Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.". If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They went close to him and became his disciples. John of Patmos - Wikipedia Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Under these conditions, a Christian named John wrote Revelation, addressing it to the seven churches that were in Asia Minor. According to Church tradition, Salome was one of the three daughters of the righteous Joseph, betrothed. But I give you my advice, as one who has been married by the Lord, that I may be credible. One of the New Testament gospels now bears his name as author, although it was anonymous until later in the second century, in which case he not only preached the gospel but wrote an account of the mission of Jesus. The disciple whom Jesus loved, one of the 12 disciples, and his inner three, John. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. What was a Christian to do? . "For all its wealth, the city had poor water," says The Expositor's Bible Commentary. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. Remember that years later at about 25 years old John was still in Jerusalem not Ephesus or somewhere else. But we can understand that some Christians would welcome a heresy of this type. John was on the Greek island Patmos when he wrote Revelation. It was there that Paul had warned the "elders of the church" (Acts 20:17 Acts 20:17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.American King James Version): "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. The Apostle John states. John the Baptist did not write any books that we know of -and he had his own disciples. When fellows were 17 and if their families had th. [17] He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it. One day, while fishing with James at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus told them to follow Him. 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. Who Wrote Revelation? Bible Book Study - Bible Study Tools The author of the Book of Revelation identifies himself only as John. American King James Version: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." "The water either came from the nearby hot springs and was cooled to lukewarm or came from a cooler source and warmed up in the aqueduct on the way" (notes on Revelation 3, Zondervan software). We find a definite theme of brotherly fidelity in this section. [49] According to tradition, after the Assumption of Mary, John went to Ephesus. Pergamos was so renowned for the worship of this god, who supposedly healed the sick, that this deity was called "the Pergamene god." Thus, the sons of this woman are mentioned among the Myrrhbearers. The mountain on which the Church of the Apostle John is built is called Livaton. John was a fisherman, so he met Jesus on the sea of Galilee, where Jesus told him to follow His steps. Another answer from our community:Because he was a Christian preaching the Gospels. He promises to those of Thyatira who remain faithful that they will be arrayed, not in Thyatiran purple, a cloth used mainly by Roman royalty, but at His coming with the spiritual mantle of rulership over the nations.