What does Revelation 1:9 mean?

This is the second time in chapter 1 that John identifies himself directly. The first time (Revelation 1:4) he simply gives his name. Now, in verse 9, he writes that he is his readers' "brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus."

Although John could have called himself an apostle in verse 9, he chose to call himself simply a brother. The choice shows John's humility and is a strong indication that he and his readers shared an equal standing in God's family. Further, they were partners in suffering, as are all who live a godly life (2 Timothy 3:12). John tells his readers that he and they were patiently enduring tribulation with the hope of Christ's kingdom in their hearts.

Tradition holds that the Roman Emperor Domitian had banished John to Patmos around AD 95. Later in that exile, also according to tradition, John was forced into hard labor in the mines. Finally, Roman officials sent him to an ancient version of a concentration camp, where God communicated the book of Revelation to Him.

Because of his proclamation of God's Word and his witness about Jesus, John was banished to lonely Patmos, but the Roman Empire could not silence John. His testimony about Jesus continued in the form of the inspired book of Revelation. By faithfully writing Revelation, John reached more people with the good news about Jesus than he could have if he had continued his pastoral ministry at Ephesus.