Early Life and Calling

John was born in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, likely between 6 and 15 AD, although the exact date remains uncertain. He was the son of Zebedee, a prosperous fisherman, and Salome. John and his elder brother, James, were both involved in the family fishing business. John’s early exposure to Judaism and his family’s religious piety would profoundly shape his later vocation.

The Gospels first introduce John as a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40). After hearing John the Baptist proclaim Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” John and another disciple, traditionally identified as Andrew, followed Jesus. This pivotal encounter would alter the course of his life, as John became one of Christ’s closest companions (Matthew 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20).

Role Among the Apostles

John, along with Peter and his brother James, formed the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. They were present at critical moments in Jesus’ ministry, witnessing the raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). John’s proximity to Jesus at these moments underscores his significance among the apostles.

Scripture frequently refers to John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 19:26). At the Last Supper, it is John who leans on Jesus’ breast, signifying a unique intimacy (John 13:23-25). He is the only male disciple recorded as present at the crucifixion, where Jesus entrusts the care of his mother Mary to him (John 19:26-27), a gesture reflecting both deep trust and enduring spiritual kinship.

Author of the Fourth Gospel and Other Writings

John is traditionally credited with authoring the Gospel of John, three Epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. Early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies, Book III) and Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History) affirm his authorship and position him as a theological and literary luminary.

The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), offering a more theological and contemplative portrait of Christ. It emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, pre-existence, and the motif of eternal life (John 1:1-18, 3:16).

The Johannine Epistles focus on love, truth, and the incarnation (1 John 4:7-21). They address challenges within early Christian communities, urging adherence to the apostolic teaching.

The Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse, is a prophetic and symbolic vision of the final triumph of Christ.

Later Life and Key Historical Dates

After the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, John emerges as a leader in the early Jerusalem Church (Acts 3:1, 4:13, Galatians 2:9). He is present at the Council of Jerusalem (circa 49 AD).

According to tradition, John later moved to Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey), where he ministered to the Christian community and where he is believed to have written his Gospel and letters. The Roman Emperor Domitian’s persecution (circa 81-96 AD) led to John’s exile on the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in Revelation (Revelation 1:9).

John is the only apostle believed to have died a natural death; all others are said to have been martyred. Ancient sources, especially Polycrates of Ephesus (as quoted by Eusebius), claim that John lived to an old age, possibly into the early second century (circa 100 AD). According to some accounts, his tomb is located in Ephesus, where the Basilica of St. John stands today.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of Saint John the Evangelist endures not only in the scriptural canon, but also in theology, art, and devotional practice. His writings have profoundly shaped Christian understandings of the nature of Christ, love, and the promise of eternal life. Churches, universities, and cities across the world bear his name, and countless works of art, from illuminated manuscripts to stained glass windows, depict his life and visions.

John’s emphasis on love as the hallmark of true discipleship (“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them,” 1 John 4:16) continues to inspire Christians and seekers today.

Symbols: Eagle, chalice with serpent, book

Main patronages: Authors, theologians, friendship, Asia MinorIconography frequently depicts John as a youthful, beardless man, often holding a chalice (sometimes with a serpent, referencing the legend of his survival of poisoned wine), a book or scroll, and sometimes an eagle, symbolizing the soaring theological heights of his Gospel.