Who wrote the book of Revelation — In Biblical Context
The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos, recording visions given to him by Jesus Christ about the end times.
The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos, recording visions given to him by Jesus Christ about the end times.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." — Revelation 1:1 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The author identifies himself as 'John' and was exiled on the island of Patmos 'for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.' Church tradition from the second century, including testimony from Irenaeus (who knew Polycarp, a disciple of John), identifies the author as the Apostle John, the same person who wrote the Gospel of John and the three Epistles of John. The book was likely written around AD 95 during the persecution under Emperor Domitian. Some scholars have proposed other Johns, but the traditional identification remains the majority view. John received the visions in a series of dramatic revelations and was commanded to write what he saw.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Revelation 1:1, sits inside Revelation 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."
Supporting Passages
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
"Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."
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