Does Revelation 1:9 prove we're already in the Tribulation?
Some claim it does:
“I, John, your brother and companion in the tribulation…”
(Rev. 1:9, NKJV)
They argue:
"See? John said he was already in the Tribulation. So there’s no future 7-year period—it was happening in his time."
But is that what the verse really says?
A breakdown:
Misuse of Revelation 1:9
This verse is often used by:
Preterists
Amillennialists
Some post-tribulationists
Their claim:
"Tribulation is symbolic or ongoing. Revelation isn’t about future wrath—it’s about 1st-century persecution."
Why That Interpretation Doesn’t Hold Up
No definite article in Greek
It says “in tribulation,” not “in the tribulation”
Greek: thlipsฤi (general affliction)
Tribulation ≠ The Great Tribulation
Jesus:
“In the world you’ll have tribulation” (John 16:33)
“Then will be great tribulation…” (Matt. 24:21)
Revelation 6–19 describes a specific future period of wrath
Revelation 1:9 is about persecution, not judgment
John was exiled on Patmos
He’s identifying with suffering believers—not saying the end had begun
Revelation’s structure (1:19):
“What you have seen” (ch. 1)
“What is” (ch. 2–3)
“What will take place after this” (ch. 4–22)
→ Tribulation in 1:9 = present suffering
→ Great Tribulation = future wrath
Conclusion:
John was suffering—just like many believers have throughout history.
But Revelation 1:9 does not mean the Great Tribulation had already started.
It's not about God's wrath on the world—it's about the world's hatred of God’s people.
Big difference.
