John the Apostle, also known as John the Evangelist, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. His name, “John,” is derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan), meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” John is thought to have been born circa 6 AD in Bethsaida, Galilee, to Zebedee, a fisherman, and Salome, who may have been a sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Early Life of John
John was a fisherman by trade, working alongside his brother James and their father Zebedee. He was also a disciple of John the Baptist before becoming a follower of Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20). John was the youngest of the apostles and formed part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and his brother James. He was present during many significant events in Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36).
Biblical Narrative
The Calling of John
John’s calling to follow Jesus is recorded in Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 1:16-20. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when He saw John and his brother James, the sons of Zebedee, in a boat with their father, mending their fishing nets. Jesus called out to them, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17).
Immediately, John and James left their boat and their father, and followed Jesus. This event marked the beginning of their journey as Jesus’ disciples and their transformation from fishermen to apostles, who would later play vital roles in spreading the gospel and establishing the early Christian church.
John’s Zealous Nature
John and his brother James were known for their zealous nature, which earned them the nickname “Boanerges,” meaning “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). This characteristic was displayed in Luke 9:51-56, when they wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that had refused to welcome Jesus. Jesus rebuked them for their attitude, teaching that His mission was to save lives, not destroy them.
John at the Transfiguration
John, along with Peter and his brother James, witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus. This event, described in Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36, took place on a high mountain, where Jesus’ appearance was supernaturally altered, and His face shone like the sun while His clothes became dazzlingly white. Moses and Elijah also appeared, conversing with Jesus. God’s voice was heard from a cloud, declaring Jesus as His beloved Son and commanding the disciples to listen to Him.
John and the Exorcist
In Mark 9:38-41 and Luke 9:49-50, John told Jesus about a man who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name, even though he was not one of the twelve apostles. John and the other disciples tried to stop him because he was not part of their group. However, Jesus taught them that whoever was not against them was for them and that they should not hinder the man’s work.
John and the Request for Seats of Honor
In Matthew 20:20-28 and Mark 10:35-45, John and his brother James, through their mother Salome, asked Jesus if they could sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom. Jesus replied that these positions were not for Him to grant and that they would need to be prepared to drink the cup He would drink and be baptized with the baptism He would undergo. This incident revealed the ambition of the two brothers and prompted Jesus to teach about true greatness being found in humble service.
John at the Trial of Jesus
According to John 18:15-16, John accompanied Peter to the courtyard of the high priest during Jesus’ trial. John was known by the high priest, which allowed him to enter the courtyard and bring Peter in as well. While inside, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as Jesus had foretold.
John and the Mother of Jesus
During the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother, Mary, to John. This poignant moment is recorded in John 19:25-27. From that time on, John took Mary into his home and cared for her as his own mother, demonstrating the close relationship between Jesus and John, as well as the deep trust Jesus had in him.
John at the Resurrection
John was one of the first disciples to learn about Jesus’ resurrection. In John 20:1-10, Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb and informed Peter and John. John outran Peter to reach the tomb first, but waited for Peter to enter before going in himself. Upon seeing the burial cloths, John believed that Jesus had risen from the dead.
John and Peter’s Miraculous Catch of Fish
After Jesus’ resurrection, John was present for a miraculous catch of fish, as described in John 21:1-14. John, Peter, and other disciples were fishing without success when Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They caught a large number of fish, and John recognized Jesus, prompting Peter to jump into the water and swim to shore. This event was one of several post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples.
John at Jesus’ Ascension
John was among the disciples present when Jesus ascended into heaven. This event is recorded in Acts 1:6-11, where Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. As Jesus ascended, two angels appeared and promised that He would return in the same manner.
John and Peter Heal a Lame Man
In Acts 3:1-11, John and Peter encountered a lame man begging for alms at the temple gate. Instead of giving money, Peter healed the man in the name of Jesus Christ, enabling him to walk and leap. This miracle led to a large crowd gathering, and Peter used the opportunity to preach the gospel, resulting in many conversions.
John as an Apostle
John played a crucial role in the early Christian church, as he was present at several key moments in Jesus’ ministry. He was there during the Last Supper (John 13:23-26) and was the only apostle to stand at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified (John 19:25-27). After Jesus’ resurrection, John was one of the first apostles to enter the empty tomb (John 20:1-10). He was also involved in the spread of the gospel after Jesus’ ascension, as recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 3:1-11, Acts 4:1-22, Acts 8:14-17).
John and the Early Church
In Acts 4:13-22, John and Peter were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. Despite threats and warnings from the religious leaders, they courageously continued to proclaim the gospel. Their boldness and unshakeable faith in the face of opposition were essential to the growth of the early church.
John at the Jerusalem Council
John was present at the Jerusalem Council, as mentioned in Acts 15:1-29. This council was a significant event in the early church, as it dealt with the issue of whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish customs and laws. The council concluded that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised or adhere to the full extent of Jewish law, but should observe certain restrictions. John’s presence at the council highlights his continued involvement in the development of the Christian church.
Death of John
John is believed to have died of natural causes at an old age, sometime around 100 AD. Church tradition maintains that he spent his final years in Ephesus, where he was a leader in the early Christian community. Unlike the other apostles, who were martyred, John is thought to have died peacefully.
Additional Notes
John’s Writings
The Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation are traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. The Gospel of John differs from the other three gospels, known as the Synoptic Gospels, in its unique presentation of Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1:1-18) and its emphasis on Jesus’ divine nature. The Epistles of John focus on themes such as love, faith, and fellowship, while the Book of Revelation is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic work detailing visions of the end times and the return of Jesus.
The Beloved Disciple
Throughout the Gospel of John, there are several references to “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). Although the identity of this disciple is not explicitly stated, church tradition and scholarly interpretation often suggest that this disciple is John the Apostle himself. This portrayal emphasizes the close relationship between John and Jesus.
Extrabiblical References to John
There are several ancient sources that mention John the Apostle, such as the writings of early Christian theologians like Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. These sources provide additional information about John’s life, including his ministry in Ephesus, his authorship of the Gospel of John, and his death. Archaeological evidence, such as the ruins of the Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, also supports the tradition of John’s presence and influence in the area.