Beloved Disciple of Love and Truth
John, often referred to as “the beloved disciple,” was the brother of James, son of Zebedee. He was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, and later lived in Capernaum. Before following Jesus, John worked as a fisherman alongside his father and brother. Jesus called him and James to be disciples, and they quickly became part of His inner circle. They witnessed many key events in Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration. John is notably the only apostle who remained at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion, demonstrating his loyalty and love for Jesus. In his early years, he acted somewhat ambitiously and aggressively, such as when he forbad a man from casting out demons (Mark 9:38-41), when he wanted to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:51-54), and when he strove over being the greatest (Matthew 20:20-24). He matured into a man of great love and humility, and Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John
(John 19:25-27).
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, John played a crucial role in the early church, primarily in Jerusalem. He was instrumental in spreading the Gospel among the Jewish population and later among Gentiles. John is traditionally believed to have preached in Asia Minor, particularly in Ephesus, where he became a prominent leader in the Christian community.
John was arrested in Ephesus and was thrown into a vat of boiling oil; God miraculously delivered him. He was then exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans where he received the vision of Jesus Christ and wrote the prophetic book of Revelation.
John was referred to by other names: John of Patmos, John the Evangelist, John the Elder, and John the Presbyter. He is credited with writing five books in the New Testament: the Gospel of John, three epistles (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. His writings emphasize themes of love, faith, and the divinity of Christ, offering a unique theological perspective.
Tradition holds that John lived to an old age, likely dying around 100 AD in Ephesus. He is said to have died a natural death, which distinguishes him from most of the other apostles who were martyred. His legacy as a theologian and evangelist has had a profound impact on Christianity, and he is often regarded as a model of faithfulness and devotion
to Jesus. ■
This biographical information is obtained from many sources. Outside of Scripture, there is little recorded factual evidence. Details are drawn from sometimes conflicting historical writings and traditions that paint a picture of these men’s lives and deaths. The history of the twelve disciples is an inspiration and challenge. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the New Testament provides the most extensive biographical information about the most significant figure—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. (All images are for illustrative purposes only.)
