| Saint John of Patmos | |
|---|---|
John on Patmos, by Alonso Cano (c. 1640) |
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| Seer, Theologian, Eagle of Patmos | |
| Died | Patmos (?) |
| Honored in | Christianity (usually identified with John the Evangelist or John the Apostle or both) |
| Feast | December 27 - Roman Catholic (as John the Evangelist) |
| Attributes | Depicted sitting on the Isle of Patmos |
| Major work(s) | Book of Revelation |
John of Patmos is the name given, in the Book of Revelation, as the author of the apocalyptic text that is traditionally canonized in the New Testament. According to the text of Revelation, John is living on the Greek island of Patmos, where by some, he is considered to be in exile.[1][2]
In Christian denominations, John of Patmos is regarded as a prophet and a saint who receives divine revelation. He has been referred to as John the Divine, John the Revelator, John the Theologian, Eagle of Patmos[3] and John the Seer.
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According to the text in Revelation, John of Patmos is instructed to write to the Seven Churches of Asia. Traditionally, this named author is believed to be the same person as both John the apostle of Jesus and John the author of the Fourth Gospel. The early 2nd century writer, Justin Martyr, was the first to equate the author of Revelation with John the Apostle.[4] However, some biblical scholars now contend that these were separate individuals.[5][6]
John the Presbyter, an obscure figure in the early church, has also been identified with the seer of the Book of Revelation by such authors as Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome.
John is considered to be exiled to Patmos, undergoing a time of persecution under Roman rule. Revelation 1:9 states: “I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation... was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Adela Collins, a theologian at the University of Notre Dame, writes:
| A series of articles on |
| John in the Bible |
|---|
| Johannine literature |
| Gospel of John · First Epistle of John · Second Epistle of John · Third Epistle of John · Revelation · Authorship |
| John the Apostle · John the Evangelist · John of Patmos · John the Presbyter · Disciple whom Jesus loved |
| Communities |
| Twelve Apostles · The Early Church |
| Related literature |
| Apocryphon of John · Acts of John · Logos · Signs Gospel |
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