John was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is traditionally believed to be the author of several New Testament writings, including the three Letters of John, the Fourth Gospel (the Gospel According to John), and possibly the Revelation to John. He is noted for his role in the early church at Jerusalem.
Born in Bethsaida, Galilee, John was the son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman, and Salome. Along with his brother, Saint James, John was among the first disciples called by Jesus. The brothers were given the nickname “Boanerges,” or “sons of thunder,” by Jesus, possibly due to their zealous nature1.
John, his brother James, and Saint Peter formed an intimate circle around Jesus and were present at significant events such as the Transfiguration. In the Gospel of Mark, John is always mentioned after his brother James, suggesting that he was the younger of the two.
The Gospel of John refers to an unnamed “disciple whom Jesus loved,” and while this disciple is not explicitly identified as John, early tradition ascribes this identity to him. However, the exact identification is not clear from the text itself.
John’s contributions to the New Testament and his close association with Jesus have made him a revered saint in various Christian denominations. His symbol, often found in art, is the eagle, which represents the height he soared to in his Gospel to present the divine nature of Jesus.
Saint John is believed to have lived a long life and, according to some traditions, was the only apostle to die of natural causes, with his death occurring around the year 100 CE. His legacy continues to influence Christian theology and art to this day.
Saint John the Apostle’s teachings are deeply embedded in Christian theology and are primarily derived from his writings in the New Testament. Here are some of the key teachings associated with him:
Love One Another: John emphasized the importance of love, echoing Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us. This teaching is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, advocating for a selfless and sacrificial love that reflects the love of God.
Walk in the Light: John encouraged believers to live in the light of Christ, which means living in truth, righteousness, and transparency. Walking in the light is contrasted with walking in darkness, which symbolizes sin and deception.
Belief in Jesus as the Son of God: John’s Gospel focuses on the divinity of Jesus Christ, urging believers to have faith in Him as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.
Eternal Life Through Christ: A recurring theme in John’s writings is the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Jesus Christ. He assures believers that faith in Christ grants them eternal life.
The Holy Spirit as a Helper: John speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete, or Helper, who would be sent by Jesus to guide, teach, and empower the believers after Jesus’ ascension.
Christian Fellowship: John’s teachings promote the idea of fellowship among believers, emphasizing the importance of community and unity within the church.
Overcoming the World: John encourages believers to be steadfast in their faith, assuring them that through Christ, they have the power to overcome the world and its trials.
These teachings delve into the core of Christian living, challenging individuals to examine their beliefs and embrace a transformative way of life. They continue to shape the spiritual journey of many and hold enduring relevance for faith and practice.
Saint John the Apostle’s role during Jesus’ crucifixion is one of profound significance and deep emotional resonance within Christian tradition.
John was the only one of the Twelve Apostles who is recorded to have been present at the crucifixion of Jesus1. His presence there is a testament to his loyalty and steadfastness. During the crucifixion, Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby. Addressing Mary, Jesus said, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple (believed to be John) took Mary into his home. John’s presence at the foot of the cross placed him as a direct witness to the suffering and death of Jesus. This experience would have had a profound impact on him and influenced his later writings. The act of entrusting His mother to John’s care was a symbolic adoption, creating a new family bond forged by Jesus’ love and sacrifice. This act also reflects the creation of a new spiritual family among Jesus’ followers.
John’s role during the crucifixion underscores his deep connection with Jesus and highlights the personal and communal dimensions of the Christian faith. His actions during this pivotal moment are remembered as examples of faithfulness and compassion.
Saint John the Apostle played a pivotal role in the early Christian church. His contributions were multifaceted and had a lasting impact on the development of Christian theology and community. Here are some key aspects of his role:
Authoritative Leader: John was one of the first disciples chosen by Jesus and later became an elder in the early church. He helped spread the gospel message and was a member of the inner circle of three who accompanied Jesus even when the others were absent.
Theological Contributor: John’s writings, especially the Gospel of John, were significant for the early Christian understanding of the person of Christ and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. His theological insights were foundational for the church’s teachings on the nature of Jesus as both divine and human.
Pastoral Figure: He played a leading role in the church at Jerusalem and was instrumental in laying hands on new converts, signifying their reception of the Holy Spirit and inclusion in the Christian community.
New Testament Author: John is credited with writing five books of the New Testament: the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. These texts have been central to Christian doctrine and practice.
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Church Builder: Following Jesus’ ascension, John was an influential leader in the church of Ephesus, one of the most important early Christian communities. His leadership and teachings helped shape the growth and development of the church.
John’s role in the early church was integral to the spread of Christianity and the formation of its core doctrines. His influence is still felt in the Christian faith today.
Prayer to St. John the Apostle
My most loving saint, St. John the Apostle,
behold me kneeling at your feet,
asking you with all the affection of my heart
to grant me your special protection,
particularly when in danger of offending God.
O my dear and holy advocate,
remember me before the throne of the most holy Trinity,
and obtain for me from the infinite goodness of God,
the virtues of humility, purity, obedience,
and the grace to fulfil exactly the duties of my state.1
This prayer reflects the deep connection and devotion to St. John the Apostle, seeking his guidance and protection. May it bring you comfort and strength in your spiritual journey.
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