It was at this critical time in the history of the church that John was sentenced to banishment. Never had his voice been needed by the church as now. Nearly all his former associates in the ministry had suffered martyrdom. The remnant of believers was facing fierce opposition. To all outward appearance the day was not far distant when the enemies of the church of Christ would triumph.

Det var på dette kritiske tidspunkt af menighedens historie, at Johannes blev dømt til landsforvisning. Aldrig havde menigheden trængt mere til hans røst end netop nu. Næsten alle hans tidligere medarbejdere i tjenesten havde lidt martyrdøden. De tiloversblevne troende stod overfor voldsom modstand. Efter det ydre at dømme var den dag ikke fjern, hvor Kristi kirkes fjender kunne triumfere.