"Saint John on Patmos" by Hans Baldung Grien, 1511

John of Patmos is the name given to the author of the Book of Revelation (or Book of the Apocalypse) in the New Testament. According to the text of Revelation, the author, who gives his name as "John," is living on the Greek island of Patmos. Many believe John was in exile.^[1][2] In Revelation, he writes to the seven Christian churches in Asia to relate two numinous visions he has experienced. John of Patmos is often referred to as John the Divine, or John the Theologian, and the message he received is considered divine revelation by most Christians and Rastafarians. Apocalypse is a Greek word for revelation or uncovering, and divine an old Anglican^[3] usage meaning theologian. He is also known as the Eagle of Patmos^[4] and John the Seer. Several Christian denominations regard him as a prophet and a saint.

The author of the Book of Revelation, is traditionally believed to be the same person as both John, the apostle of Jesus and the author of the Fourth Gospel. Justin Martyr, writing in the early 2nd century, was the first to equate the author of Revelation with John the apostle.^[5] Some biblical scholars now contend that these were separate individuals.^[6][7]

John the Presbyter, an obscure figure in the early church, has been identified with the seer of the Book of Revelation by authors as Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome.

[edit] See also

Saint John of Patmos, by Jean Fouquet

• Authorship of the Johannine works

[edit] References

1. ^ Souvay, Charles. "Patmos." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 12 Jan. 2009
2. ^ Phillips, J. B. "Book 27 - BOOK OF REVELATION" People, Places, Customs, Concepts, Journeys - the New Testament with integrated notes and maps 1962. 12 Jan. 2009
3. ^ this being the old English translation
4. ^ http://www.catholictradition.org/Saints/saints12-10.htm accessed September 15, 2007
5. ^ Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, 81.4
6. ^ Harris, Stephen L., Understanding the Bible. Palo Alto: Mayfield. 1985. p. 355
7. ^ Ehrman, Bart D. (2004). The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings. New York: Oxford. p. 468. ISBN 0-19-515462-2.