The Apostle John, also known as John the Evangelist or John the Beloved, is a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and played a crucial role in the early Christian church. The story of John is found in various books of the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation.
Calling of John:
John was a fisherman by trade, working with his brother James and their father Zebedee on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus called John and James to be His disciples, and they immediately left their fishing nets to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22).
John's Close Relationship with Jesus:
Among the twelve disciples, John had a unique and intimate relationship with Jesus. He is often referred to as the "Beloved Disciple." John was present at significant moments in Jesus' life, such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the Agony in the Garden (Mark 14:32-42).
The Last Supper:
During the Last Supper, John sat next to Jesus, emphasizing their close bond (John 13:23-25). It was also at this event that Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him, prompting Peter to ask John to inquire about the traitor's identity (John 13:21-26).
Witness to the Crucifixion:
John stood by Jesus' side at the crucifixion along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, showing his unwavering loyalty (John 19:25-27).
Resurrection and Ascension:
After Jesus' resurrection, John, along with Peter, rushed to the tomb and confirmed that it was empty (John 20:1-10). He was also present at several post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Before Jesus' ascension, He gave the Great Commission to His disciples, including John, to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20).
Acts of the Apostles:
While the Book of Acts does not focus on John specifically, it mentions him as being present with the other apostles after Jesus' ascension, devoting themselves to prayer (Acts 1:13-14).
The Gospel of John:
Written by John himself, this Gospel provides a unique and theological perspective on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It emphasizes themes such as love, light, and eternal life.
Letters of John (Epistles):
John also authored three epistles, known as 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. These letters address various theological and practical matters, including love for one another, false teachings, and the importance of truth and righteousness.
The Book of Revelation:
The final book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation, is traditionally attributed to John. In this apocalyptic text, John receives visions and revelations from Jesus Christ while exiled on the island of Patmos. The book contains prophecies about the end times, the return of Christ, and the ultimate triumph of God's Kingdom.
Death and Legacy:
The Bible does not provide specific details about John's death. However, early Christian tradition indicates that he lived a long life and died of natural causes. His legacy as an apostle, writer, and witness to Jesus' life and teachings greatly influenced the early Christian church and continues to impact Christians worldwide.
Overall, the story of John the Apostle in the Bible depicts a devoted disciple of Jesus, who was not only an eyewitness to important events but also a significant contributor to the New Testament Scriptures. His writings have been cherished for their profound theological insights and practical guidance for Christian living.
