Saint John, often called the Beloved Apostle, is one of the most important figures in Christianity. Known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, he is also the author of the Fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and, according to Christian tradition, the Book of Revelation. This article explores in depth the life, works, and legacy of Saint John.
Youth and Call of John
Origins and Childhood
John was born in Bethsaida, a town in Galilee on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, towards the end of the first century B.C. This area, although under Roman rule, was rich in Jewish traditions and community life centered around fishing and agriculture. Bethsaida was known as an important fishing center, and it was there that John grew up and learned the fishing trade.
John was the son of Zebedee, a prosperous fisherman, and Salome. His father, Zebedee, owned boats and employed laborers, indicating some family prosperity. His mother, Salome, is sometimes identified as a disciple of Jesus and may be related to Jesus' family, although the Gospels do not give specific details about this. John had an older brother, James, who would also become an apostle of Jesus.
Fisherman's Life
Before he was called by Jesus, John worked with his father and brother in the family fishing business. Fishing in Galilee was a demanding activity, requiring a good knowledge of the lake, the weather conditions, and fishing techniques. John and James were involved in every step of the job, from mending the nets to selling the fish at market.
The Call of Jesus
The biblical account of John's call is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These accounts show the simplicity and immediacy of Jesus' call and the response of the brothers.
In the Gospel according to Matthew (4:21-22) it says: "And going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. And he called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
The Gospel of Mark (1:19-20) recounts the call in a similar way: “And when he had gone a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, also in a boat mending nets. And he called them immediately; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the workmen, and followed him.”
In the Gospel of Luke (5:10-11), the call is embedded in the context of a miracle where Jesus helps fishermen catch a large quantity of fish: “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be a fisher of men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”
Meaning of the Call
The call of John and James is significant on several levels. First, it shows the power of Jesus’ authority and the faith of the brothers, who immediately left their jobs and families to follow an itinerant master. This immediate response underscores their devotion and trust in Jesus.
Furthermore, Jesus' use of the phrase "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) is symbolic. It indicates that John and James, as disciples, would now be involved in Jesus' mission of gathering souls and preaching the gospel. This transformation of their earthly occupation into a spiritual calling marks the beginning of their central role in the spread of Christianity.
Close Relationship with Jesus
After their call, John and James, along with Peter, became Jesus’ closest disciples. They were present at crucial moments, such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9), where they saw Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah, and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33–34), where they were called to watch with Jesus before his arrest. This closeness gave John a unique and privileged perspective on Jesus’ teachings and actions.
In summary, John's youth and calling illustrate his transition from an ordinary fisherman to a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. His immediate response to Jesus' call and his position as a member of Jesus' inner circle shaped his life and role in early Christianity, making him a key figure in Christian history.
The Beloved Disciple
Identification and Meaning
John is often identified as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," a unique designation that appears repeatedly in the Gospel of John (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). This designation is not used for any other disciple, suggesting a special and intimate relationship between Jesus and John. This special relationship is often interpreted as a sign of the depth of understanding and mutual affection between them.
The Last Supper
At the Last Supper, John is described as sitting next to Jesus, "reclining on Jesus' breast" (John 13:23-25). This scene, often depicted in Christian art, symbolizes the spiritual and emotional closeness between John and Jesus. Reclining on someone's breast was a gesture of great intimacy and trust, indicating that John had privileged access to Jesus' thoughts and feelings. It is also to John that Peter gestures to Jesus to ask who will betray him, showing the trust the other disciples had in him.
Witnesses of Crucial Moments
John is one of the three disciples, along with Peter and James, chosen by Jesus to witness crucial moments in his life and ministry. These shared experiences undoubtedly strengthened the bond between them and Jesus.
The Transfiguration
John is present at the Transfiguration of Jesus, an event where Jesus is transformed into a resplendent figure and speaks with Moses and Elijah on a mountain. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). John’s presence at this event underscores his role as a witness to divine revelations and the glory of Jesus. This certainly deepened his understanding of Jesus’ divinity and mission.
The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane
John also accompanies Jesus into the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prays intensely before his arrest (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42). John, along with Peter and James, is invited by Jesus to watch and pray with him, although they fall asleep several times. John's presence at this moment of vulnerability and suffering shows how close he was to Jesus and how involved he was in the most intimate moments of his ministry.
The Crucifixion
One of the most poignant moments in John’s Gospel occurs at the crucifixion of Jesus. John is the only male disciple recorded as being present at the foot of the cross, along with Mary, Jesus’ mother, and other devoted women (John 19:25–27). It is at this point that Jesus entrusts his mother to John, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to John, “Behold your mother.” This statement indicates great trust and affection, for in Jewish culture, entrusting the responsibility of caring for one’s mother was an act of great significance.
John's presence at the crucifixion and Jesus' entrusting his mother to him indicate not only the closeness between them, but also the spiritual responsibility John was to assume after Jesus' death. John accepts this mission, taking Mary into his home and caring for her as if she were his own mother.
John, as the “beloved disciple,” occupies a unique place among Jesus’ apostles. His physical and emotional closeness to Jesus at the Last Supper, his presence at pivotal moments such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in Gethsemane, and his role at the crucifixion, testify to a deeply personal and privileged relationship. This special relationship with Jesus not only influenced John’s life but also enriched his understanding and witness to Jesus’ teachings, making him a central figure and authoritative voice in the history of Christianity.
Author of the Fourth Gospel
Distinction of the Synoptic Gospels
The Gospel of John is distinctly different from the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in its literary style and theological content. While the Synoptics offer a similar narrative of Jesus' life and ministry, often with parallels and shared stories, John's Gospel presents a unique and complementary approach. It emphasizes Jesus' divinity, his miracles (called "signs"), and lengthy and profound theological discourses that reveal spiritual and mystical aspects of Jesus' nature.
Prologue: The Incarnate Word
The Gospel of John begins with a famous prologue that immediately establishes a powerful theological framework: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [...] And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we were made flesh, and we dwelt among us ...
This prologue presents Jesus as the Word (Logos) incarnate, co-eternal with God and the source of all creation. Using the concept of the Logos, John addresses both Jews and Greeks, integrating ideas from Greek philosophy and Jewish theology to describe the divine and pre-existent nature of Jesus. This introduction establishes a theological foundation that influences the rest of the Gospel.
Major Themes of the Gospel of John
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Divinity of Jesus : One of the central themes of John's Gospel is the affirmation of the divinity of Jesus. John presents Jesus not only as the expected Messiah, but as the Son of God and God himself incarnate. This affirmation is supported by numerous passages where Jesus uses expressions such as "I am" (Ego eimi), recalling the divine name revealed to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14).
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Signs and Miracles : John describes several miracles of Jesus as "signs" that reveal his glory and attest to his divinity. Some of the most famous include:
- The transformation of water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11).
- The healing of the royal officer's son (John 4:46-54).
- The healing of the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15).
- The multiplication of the loaves (John 6:1-14).
- Walking on water (John 6:16-21).
- The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41).
- The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44).
These signs are carefully selected to demonstrate the divine power of Jesus and to inspire faith in readers.
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Theological Discourses : Unlike the Synoptics, the Gospel of John contains extensive theological discourses by Jesus. These discourses, often called Johannine discourses, explore profound themes such as the nature of God, the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the promise of eternal life. Some of the most notable include:
- The Discourse with Nicodemus on the New Birth (John 3).
- The discourse on living water with the Samaritan woman (John 4).
- The Discourse on the Bread of Life (John 6).
- The Discourse on the Good Shepherd (John 10).
- The farewell speech to his disciples, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit (John 14-17).
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Light and Darkness : John uses the contrast between light and darkness as a metaphor to express the coming of Jesus into the world. Jesus is the "light of the world" (John 8:12), and his presence drives out the darkness of sin and ignorance. This duality is a recurring theme that highlights the struggle between good and evil, faith and unbelief.
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The Holy Spirit : John also places special emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit, described as the Paraclete or Comforter, who will guide the disciples into all truth after Jesus leaves (John 14:16-17, 16:7-15). The Holy Spirit is presented as a continuing presence of Jesus with his disciples, bringing them comfort, guidance, and divine revelation.
Testimony and Authorship
The Gospel of John presents itself as an eyewitness account of the events described. At the end of the Gospel it is written: "He who saw these things has borne witness, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he speaks the truth, so that you also may believe" (John 19:35).
Traditionally, this author is identified as John, the Beloved Apostle, although some modern scholars dispute this attribution. However, the early Church and the Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus of Lyons, largely held that the Apostle John was the author of this Gospel. They emphasize that John's apostolic authority and closeness to Jesus give this Gospel a unique theological depth and a special authenticity.
The Gospel of John offers a unique and deeply theological perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus. Through his prologue, miraculous signs, theological discourses, and recurring themes, John seeks to reveal the divinity of Jesus and inspire deep faith in him as the Son of God and Savior of the world. His distinctive approach enriches Christian understanding of the person and work of Jesus, making this Gospel a central pillar of the New Testament and Christian theology.
The Epistles of John
The three epistles attributed to John—1 John, 2 John, and 3 John—are pastoral letters addressed to the early Christian communities. These writings emphasize central themes such as love, truth, and communion with God. They play a crucial role in the development of Christian theology and in the defense of the faith against emerging heresies.
1 John: Love and Truth
Main Themes
1 John is a circular letter written to a broad Christian audience. It deals primarily with brotherly love and the nature of God as love. One of the most famous verses in this epistle is: “God is love; and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). This fundamental statement emphasizes that love is not simply a quality of God, but his very essence.
Brotherly Love
John emphasizes the importance of love between believers as a sign of their relationship with God. He writes, "We love, because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1 John 4:19-20). Brotherly love is presented as a tangible manifestation of divine love and a criterion of true Christian faith.
The Nature of God
The first epistle of John also emphasizes the nature of God as light and love. John uses the metaphor of light to describe the purity and holiness of God: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). This image contrasts divine holiness with the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Fight against Heresies
1 John addresses the emerging heresies that threatened the purity of the Christian faith. He warns against antichrists and false prophets who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ: "Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming and is now already in the world" (1 John 4:3). This opposition to gnosis and other erroneous doctrines is intended to protect believers from spiritual error.
2 John: Truth and Love
Recipient and Purpose
The Second Epistle of John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children," likely a local church or Christian community. This short letter reiterates the themes of truth and love, exhorting believers to walk in the truth and to guard against deceivers.
Main Themes
John emphasizes the need to remain faithful to Christ's teaching and avoid false doctrines. He writes, "I rejoice to find of your children walking in truth, as we have received commandment from the Father" (2 John 1:4). Christian love is again emphasized as evidence of obedience to God: "And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments" (2 John 1:6).
Warning Against Deceivers
John warns against those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, calling them deceivers and antichrists: "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist" (2 John 1:7). He exhorts believers not to receive these false teachers into their homes or greet them, so as not to participate in their evil works.
3 John: Hospitality and Faithfulness
Recipient and Purpose
The Third Epistle of John is addressed to Gaius, a faithful member of the church. This personal letter commends Gaius for his hospitality and faithfulness to the truth, and it addresses practical matters of church life.
Main Themes
John commends Gaius for his support of missionaries and traveling brothers: "Beloved, you are faithful in what you do for the brothers, even for strangers" (3 John 1:5). Hospitality is presented as an expression of Christian love and fellowship.
Conflict and Authority
John also addresses a conflict within the church, mentioning Diotrephes, a member who likes to be first and refuses to welcome the brothers sent by John. John promises to address this problem when he comes: "I will write a few words about this, if I come, and will bring to remembrance his deeds which he has done in speaking evil against us" (3 John 1:10). This mention underscores the importance of apostolic authority and church discipline.
Fidelity to the Truth
John ends his letter by praising another member, Demetrius, for his good witness: "All men bear witness to him, and the truth itself bears witness; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true" (3 John 1:12). Faithfulness to the truth is a central value that runs through all of John's epistles.
John’s epistles, though short, are rich in theological and practical teachings. They emphasize brotherly love, truth, and fidelity to apostolic teaching. They also address the challenges of heresy and internal conflict, offering valuable guidance for community life and the protection of the Christian faith. Through their spiritual depth and pastoral relevance, these letters continue to inspire and guide believers throughout the ages.
The Apocalypse of John
Background and Attribution
The Apocalypse, the last book of the New Testament, is a prophetic work attributed to John. Written during his exile on the island of Patmos under the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. 95–96 AD), this apocalyptic vision describes the struggle between good and evil, the end of time, and God's ultimate victory. The author identifies himself as John (Revelation 1:1, 1:9), and Christian tradition has often associated him with John the Apostle, although some modern scholars propose that he was another John, perhaps a Christian prophet.
Structure and Main Themes
Structure
The Apocalypse is structured into distinct visions and sections, each filled with symbolism and prophecy. Major sections include:
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Introduction and Letters to the Churches (chapters 1-3) : John describes his initial vision of the glorified Christ and transmits letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). These letters contain messages of rebuke, encouragement, and exhortation.
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Vision of the Heavenly Throne (chapters 4-5) : John is transported to heaven where he sees the throne of God, surrounded by heavenly creatures and beings worshiping God. A lamb, representing Christ, is deemed worthy to open a book sealed with seven seals.
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The Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, and the Seven Bowls (chapters 6-16) : These sections describe successive divine judgments upon the earth. Each series of judgments becomes increasingly intense, symbolizing the tribulations and catastrophes that will precede the end of time.
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The Woman and the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophets (chapters 12-14) : Allegorical visions representing the struggle between good and evil, including a pregnant woman (symbolizing Israel or the Church), a dragon (Satan), and beasts representing oppressive and corrupt powers.
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The Fall of Babylon (chapters 17-18) : The great whore Babylon represents a corrupt world system, and her fall is prophesied as an act of divine judgment.
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The Final Triumph (chapters 19-22) : These chapters describe the triumphant return of Christ, the final defeat of Satan, the Last Judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, with the New Jerusalem descending from heaven as the eternal home of the saints.
Main Themes
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The Sovereignty of God : God is presented as the ultimate sovereign of the universe, controlling history and end-time events. Heavenly visions emphasize his power and glory.
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The Battle between Good and Evil : The Apocalypse describes the cosmic struggle between divine and demonic forces. This battle manifests itself through earthly and celestial conflicts.
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Divine Judgment : A recurring theme is God's judgment on evil and injustice. The visions of the seals, trumpets, and bowls illustrate the different phases of this judgment.
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Hope and Redemption : Despite the terrifying visions of destruction, Revelation is also a book of hope, promising God's final victory and salvation for the faithful. The New Jerusalem symbolizes restoration and perfect communion between God and his people.
Symbolism and Allegorical Visions
The Apocalypse is famous for its rich and complex symbolism. Some of the most iconic allegorical visions include:
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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (chapter 6) : Represent conquest, war, famine, and death, symbolizing divine judgments and catastrophes that befall the world.
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The Beast (chapters 13, 17) : Often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive and anti-Christian political powers. The Beast coming out of the sea and the Beast coming out of the land represent earthly and religious forces that oppose God.
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The Woman and the Dragon (chapter 12) : The pregnant woman symbolizes God's people, and the dragon represents Satan, illustrating the conflict between good and evil throughout history.
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The New Jerusalem (chapter 21) : The vision of a heavenly, perfect and glorious city, descending from heaven, symbolizes the eternal home of believers with God.
Influence and Interpretation
The Apocalypse of John has been a source of inspiration and debate for Christians throughout the centuries. Its symbolic language and dramatic visions have influenced Christian theology, art, and literature. Interpretations of the Apocalypse vary widely, from literal to allegorical and historical readings.
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Premillennial Interpretations : These interpretations view the prophecies of Revelation as literal future events, with a millennial reign of Christ on earth after his second coming.
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Amillennial Interpretations : These readings view the millennium as symbolic of the current Church Age, with the prophecies of Revelation describing spiritual realities rather than literal future events.
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Historical and Preterist Interpretations : These approaches view the visions of Revelation as descriptions of past historical events or as allegories of the spiritual struggles and victories of the Church throughout the ages.
The Apocalypse of John is a complex and powerful prophetic work that continues to fascinate and inspire believers. Through its symbolic and allegorical visions, it offers both a warning and a promise: a warning of coming judgments and a promise of God’s final victory and redemption for those who are faithful to him. Its theological richness and spiritual depth make it a central book for the Christian understanding of the end times and eschatological hope.
John in Tradition and Worship
Veneration of Saint John
Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist is venerated in many Christian traditions, where he holds a prominent place because of his significant role in the New Testament.
Liturgical Feast
The Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on December 27, just after Christmas, reflecting his importance among Jesus' early followers and his major contributions to the Christian faith. This date is also recognized by some Orthodox and Anglican churches.
Symbolism in Christian Art
In Christian art, John is often depicted with an eagle, one of the four symbolic animals associated with the Evangelists, according to the vision of the Apocalypse (Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4:7). The eagle symbolizes the divine inspiration and spiritual height of his Gospel, which begins with a deeply contemplative theological prologue on the Word of God. The eagle, able to fly high and look directly at the sun, also represents John's ability to reach the heights of divine truth and to contemplate heavenly mysteries.
John and the Churches of Asia Minor
John is also considered the founder of the Churches of Asia Minor, particularly that of Ephesus, where he is said to have spent his last years.
Ephesus
According to tradition, John settled in Ephesus after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and he played a crucial role in the development and supervision of the local Christian community. Ephesus was an important center of early Christianity, and John brought strong apostolic authority and spiritual direction to the place. He is said to have written the Gospel of John and the three Epistles in Ephesus, sharing his visions and teachings with believers in the region.
Pastoral Contributions
John's pastoral contributions to these communities included combating emerging heresies, promoting brotherly love, and encouraging fidelity to gospel truth. His writings show a constant concern for the purity of faith and the unity of believers, especially in the face of the theological and moral challenges of the time.
Longevity and Death
According to Christian tradition, John is the only one of the twelve apostles to have died a natural death. He is said to have lived to a ripe old age, perhaps until the end of the first century or the beginning of the second century, which would have allowed him to see several generations of Christians. This longevity reinforced his authority and prestige within the early Church.
Natural Death
John is often presented as having lived to a ripe old age, a rarity among the apostles, most of whom suffered martyrdom. This tradition of longevity echoes Jesus' implicit promise to Peter regarding John's fate: "If I will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" (John 21:22). Accounts of his peaceful death contrast with the violent persecution suffered by his fellow apostles.
Influence and Legacy
Theology and Writings
John's influence on Christian theology is immense, especially through his writings. The Gospel of John, with its themes of light, truth, and love, has profoundly shaped Christian thought. John's Epistles continue to serve as a spiritual guide for believers, emphasizing the importance of love and fidelity to the truth.
Places of Pilgrimage
Ephesus remains an important place of pilgrimage for Christians, where local tradition claims John was buried. The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, is dedicated to his memory and attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Iconography and Liturgy
Christian iconography, particularly in Byzantine and medieval art, often depicted John as a beardless young man, symbolizing his youth and purity. His association with mystical visions and apocalyptic revelations also made him appear in many works of art depicting the end of time and heavenly vision.
Conclusion
Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist occupies a central place in the Christian tradition, not only through his writings, which are among the most influential in the New Testament, but also through his role as founder and spiritual guide of the early churches of Asia Minor. Revered as a model of a beloved disciple and faithful witness to Jesus, his legacy continues to inspire and guide Christians throughout the centuries. His liturgical feast, artistic representations, and places of pilgrimage in his honor attest to the enduring impact of his life and ministry on the Christian faith.
