Revelation 1:9: 9I, John, your brother and partner in suffering and kingdom and patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the witness of Jesus.
Verses 9–11 briefly describe the author and recipients of this book. John found himself exiled on the island of Patmos when he had the vision represented in the Book of Revelation. First, John describes himself in terms of his relationship to the recipients. As their brother, he shared their faith in Jesus. Everything he wrote in this book comes from this vantage of this shared faith, implying that they could respond like he outlines.
Second, from this common faith, John also shared three types of experiences. One was in suffering (thlipsei), a word that occurs also 2:9, 10; 7:14. Paul used this word frequently in his letters for the suffering and trials believers faced in the first century. John’s readers may have begun to experience more persecution under the Roman or provincial governments or their communities. John also shared in the kingdom. The answer to earthly tribulation is heavenly hope. Believers do not worship Caesar or any earthly leader but the King of kings and Lord of lords. Knowing this should help them grow in endurance that is found in Jesus. He is the one who would sustain them through any difficulties they faced, even to the point of death. This connection between John and his readers is a significant way to build rapport with his readers and adds weight to his words. His words are not theory but apply to real life. He and the readers shared in a common mission and outcome.
John was on the island of Patmos, a small piece of land that sticks out of the Aegean Sea about forty miles southwest of Ephesus. In the first century, it may have been used as a Roman penal colony. The reason John had been exiled was for his preaching of the word of God and his witness about Jesus. He was not a political prisoner because of insurrection but because of his faith. There is a difference between the suffering we experience because of our political views and the suffering we experience because of our faith in Jesus. Even some governments are confused about this. What is so threatening about the testimony of Jesus? Because people must bow down in humility before him, and they do not want to do that because of their pride. Some people feel threatened by Jesus because he will challenge human sovereignty and loyalties.