Chapter 56—Patmos
More than half a century had passed since the organization of
the Christian church. During that time the gospel message had been
constantly opposed. Its enemies had never relaxed their efforts, and
had at last succeeded in enlisting the power of the Roman emperor
against the Christians.
In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did
much to confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers. He bore a
testimony which his adversaries could not controvert and which helped
his brethren to meet with courage and loyalty the trials that came upon
them. When the faith of the Christians would seem to waver under the
fierce opposition they were forced to meet, the old, tried servant of
Jesus would repeat with power and eloquence the story of the crucified
and risen Saviour. He steadfastly maintained his faith, and from his
lips came ever the same glad message: “That which was from the
beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word
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of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.”
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John 1:1-3
.
John lived to be very old. He witnessed the destruction of
Jerusalem and the ruin of the stately temple. The last survivor of
the disciples who had been intimately connected with the Saviour, his
message had great influence in setting forth the fact that Jesus was the
Messiah, the Redeemer of the world. No one could doubt his sincerity,
and through his teachings many were led to turn from unbelief.
The rulers of the Jews were filled with bitter hatred against John for
his unwavering fidelity to the cause of Christ. They declared that their
efforts against the Christians would avail nothing so long as John’s
testimony kept ringing in the ears of the people. In order that the
miracles and teachings of Jesus might be forgotten, the voice of the
bold witness must be silenced.
John was accordingly summoned to Rome to be tried for his faith.
Here before the authorities the apostle’s doctrines were misstated.
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