John the apostle
Israelite / Jew Jewish, a Galilean fisherman · Life of Christ · New Testament
- Also called
- John, John son of Zebedee, Boanerges
- Name means
- 'the LORD is gracious'
- Role
- Apostle; one of the three closest to Jesus
- When
- c. AD 28 - late first century
What they did
Called with his brother James, he was with Jesus at the transfiguration and in Gethsemane, ministered with Peter in Jerusalem, was counted a pillar of the church, and received the visions of Revelation on the isle of Patmos.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His witness centres on the love of God revealed in Christ; he is traditionally identified with 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' and as the writer of the Gospel and Epistles of John.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (KJV)
Bible references
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Mark 1:19-20 (KJV)
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: Mark 3:17 (KJV)
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. Acts 3:1 (KJV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (KJV)
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Galatians 2:9 (KJV)
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:9 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Zebedee
- Brothers / sisters
- James
Traditionally identified with the disciple to whom Jesus entrusted his mother at the cross (John 19:26-27).