Patient Endurance

The Orthodox Study Bible (1Peter 2:9) "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, (10) who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."

In Christ we are a Royal Priesthood, the people of God who have obtained mercy. This is salvation in all its fullness. (Taken from the notes and commentaries found in the New Testament portion provided by numerous Orthodox contributors and consultants, of the Orthodox Study Bible.)

Hebrews (Chapter 7 verse 21), tells us "(for they have become priest without an oath,)". (Revelation 20:6) "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

If we are truly to become and are Priests of God and Christ, its about time we come to know Him. One of the best ways to know Him is through His Word. We must examine the evidence given to us by His followers, and his friends.

One such follower was His friend John, who gives to us five New Testament books, in which he relates to us that he, as an eyewitness, was allowed to observe Jesus in conversation with Moses and Elijah on Mount Tabor, during the transfiguration. Jesus, in (Matthew 17:2) reveals that "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." A voice out of the cloud (5) "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!" They reacted as any human would, fearfully. But Jesus came and touched them and said (7) "Arise, and do not be afraid."
Peter, James and John (brothers, called "sons of thunder") witnessed this great event which no doubt was a life changing experience. Yet, John was the only one who had the courage to follow Jesus to the cross. This young apostle, John, would have the special honor of looking after the Mother of God, Mary, as if she were his own mother. Johns joy was speaking the truth to others, condemning those who perverted it trying to lead other's astray.

John was called the "apostle of love" the one whom Jesus loved and is depicted leaning against Jesus chest at the Mystical supper. He had a zeal for the truth in love.

We must have a passion for the truth, like John, and having compassion for people, be steadfast in our desire to serve our Lord by reflecting His humanity and grace.

Some of the events that were witnessed by John the Theologian were the restoration of the daughter of Jairus to life, the simple act of servanthood in the washing of the disciples' feet, and the Lord's passion, crucifixion and  His death on the cross.

Some known stories, show that the Lord preserved him fourteen days in the sea, when he washed up on shore to preach to the pagans about Christ, with accounts of numerous miracles and, in the increase of believers in Ephesus. He was a pillar in the Jerusalem church, ministering with Peter.

During the persecution of Christians under the emperor Nero, John was sentenced to death for his confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Deadly poison, nor a cauldron of boiling oil did not cause his end and, emerging from their intent of death, he was sent to the island of Patmos, where he resided in a cave, and all the while was working miracles, and enlightening them with the light of the Gospel, healing great multitudes of the sick, casting out demons from pagan temples.

This apostle of love, wrote the book of Revelation known as the "Apocalypse" which were predictions of the tribulation of the Church and the end of the world.

As the only remaining eyewitness of the Lord, John reposed naturally when he was more than a hundred years old. He lay in a cross-shaped grave, beyond the city limits of Ephesus, kissed the disciples who tearfully fulfilled his bidding-- covering his face with a cloth, and filled in the grave. Many are healed on May 8th of each year of their sicknesses, as a fine dust comes forth from the grave.

The Church bestows on John the title "Theologian" the seer of the mysterious Judgments of God. It is in Revelation 1:1-2 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw."
(9) "I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for  the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John is no stranger to God. In fact, the Apostle John during a quaking earth and as thunder rumbled, secured Prochorus' help to write down what the Spirit of God revealed through the Apostle John in (Rev. 1:8) "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

He had learned to look beyond his earthly sufferings to the heavenly glory that awaits all who patiently endure. The eagle is the iconographic symbol of the Evangelist John the Theologian, due to the lofty heights of his theological thought.