Where Was Revelation Written?
Quick Answer — Where Was Revelation Written?
The Book of Revelation was written on the small Greek island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea about 40 miles off the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). John, the author, says he was there “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9), most likely as a prisoner in exile under Roman rule.
Introduction
Revelation’s visions of thrones, angels, beasts, and the New Jerusalem were first recorded in a setting far less glorious: a rocky island used for political banishment. Patmos is more than a backdrop—it’s a clue to the hardship and hope that run through the book. Knowing where John wrote helps us feel the weight of his message and the faith that sustained him.
Patmos is one of the many Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. Souce Wikipedia.
Patmos in the Bible
Patmos appears only once in Scripture, in Revelation 1:9. John calls himself a “brother” and “companion in the suffering” of believers, writing from Patmos because of his faithful witness to Christ. While the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly how or when he arrived, early Christian tradition affirms this exile.
Location and Geography
Patmos is part of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, covering about 13 square miles. Its jagged coastline is marked by deep bays, and its interior is rugged and rocky. In John’s time, Patmos was sparsely populated—ideal for isolating political and religious prisoners.
Modern location: Patmos is still part of Greece today, reachable by ferry from other Aegean islands or the mainland.
Why Was John on Patmos?
John explains his exile simply: “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). In other words:
He was preaching the gospel in Asia Minor.
His message challenged Roman imperial authority.
The state saw him as a threat.
Under emperors like Domitian (AD 81–96) or possibly Nero (AD 54–68), exile to an island was a common punishment for those who refused to honor the emperor as divine.
Kalikatsou Rock anchors the shoreline of Petra Beach with its uniquely shaped, weather-worn silhouette. Source Wikipedia.
Historical Background
Early writers such as Eusebius and Jerome connect John’s exile to persecution under Domitian. Roman authorities often sent offenders to remote islands for forced labor or confinement.
G. K. Beale (The Book of Revelation, NICNT, p. 182) notes: “Patmos functioned as a Roman penal colony, where political and religious prisoners were sent to work in harsh conditions.”
The Cave of the Apocalypse
Tradition identifies a grotto on the island as the place where John received his visions. Known as the Cave of the Apocalypse, it lies between the modern port of Skala and the Monastery of St. John. While we cannot verify it historically, it has been a site of pilgrimage for centuries.
The Significance of Patmos for Revelation’s Message
The isolation of Patmos mirrors the experience of the churches John writes to—facing pressure, marginalization, and persecution. Yet from this place of exile comes a message filled with worship, hope, and the assurance that the Lamb reigns.
Meaning for Today
Revelation’s origin on a barren island reminds us that God’s Word is not bound by location or circumstance. Even in seasons of isolation, God can give vision, courage, and hope.
FAQ
Q: Where is Patmos today?
A: In the Aegean Sea, part of Greece’s Dodecanese island group.
Q: Why was John sent to Patmos?
A: Likely as punishment for preaching the gospel and refusing emperor worship.
Q: Is Patmos mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
A: No, only in Revelation 1:9.
Q: What does Patmos mean?
A: The name’s origin is uncertain, though some suggest it means “my killing” or “mortal.”
Q: Is Patmos in Greece?
A: Yes, it is part of Greece today.
