Revelation 1:9; Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John was a prisoner for the cause of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. And Lenski observed well here, “Between “affliction or tribulation” and “endurance or patience” John places “kingdom.” Strange combination! Yet not strange. When the affliction sets in, the kingdom produces the endurance. Even the order of the three words is illuminating. Were it not for the kingdom, which the world opposes, there would be no affliction for the partakers of the kingdom; were it not for the powers of the kingdom, its partakers could not endure.”
The word “companion” means “partaker, one who takes part in something along with another fellow participant or partner.” He was a prisoner as a result of allegiance and faith in Jesus Christ, God’s kingdom. He refused to acknowledge the Roman emperor, Domitian, as lord and god. He tells his readers, “I am one with you in experiencing persecution for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Jesus is King and Lord, the only true God. He will not bow to any other.