John
The Beloved Disciple
Beloved disciple who wrote a Gospel, letters, and Revelation.
John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was one of Jesus's closest disciples, often identified as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Originally a fisherman with a fiery temperament (nicknamed "son of thunder"), John was transformed into an apostle of love through his relationship with Christ. Present at key moments like the Transfiguration and in Gethsemane, John stood faithfully at the cross when other disciples fled, receiving the responsibility to care for Jesus's mother. In his Gospel and three epistles, John emphasized Jesus's deity, the incarnation, and the primacy of love. Later exiled to Patmos, he received the apocalyptic visions recorded in Revelation. Church tradition suggests John was the only apostle to die of natural causes after a long ministry in Ephesus.
Books Featured In
Timeline
10 AD
Born (approximate)
30 AD
Called as disciple
33 AD
Witness of crucifixion and resurrection
33-70 AD
Ministry in Jerusalem and Judea
70-95 AD
Ministry in Ephesus
95 AD
Exile on Patmos, Revelation received
100 AD
Death in Ephesus (traditional)
Key Events
Call to Discipleship
Jesus called John and his brother James while they were mending fishing nets.
Matthew 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20
Inner Circle Experiences
John witnessed special events including the transfiguration and raising of Jairus' daughter.
Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33
Last Supper Position
John reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper, asking who would betray Him.
John 13:23-26
At the Cross
John was the only male disciple present at the crucifixion, where Jesus entrusted Mary to his care.
John 19:25-27
Empty Tomb
John outran Peter to the empty tomb but let him enter first, then "saw and believed."
John 20:1-9
Recognition of Risen Lord
John was first to recognize Jesus during the miraculous catch of fish after the resurrection.
John 21:7
Patmos Exile
While exiled on Patmos, John received apocalyptic visions of Christ and the end times.
Revelation 1:9-19
Lessons We Can Learn
Transformation from anger to love
Intimate relationship with Christ
Faithful witness through persecution
Balance of truth and love
Spiritual vision beyond present circumstances