It is thought that he was exiled to Patmos during the rule of Roman Emperor Domitian (81 - 96 C.E.), who enforced emperor worship and became a persecutor of Christians.
Arvatakse, et ta pagendati Patmose saarele ajal, mil Rooma keisriks oli Domitianus (81 — 96 m.a.j.), kes nõudis enda kultust ja kiusas taga kristlasi.