John the Apostle, also known as the "beloved disciple," was one of the closest followers of Jesus. He played a key role in the early church and left behind several important writings in the New Testament. His life shows deep devotion, bold truth, and a heart full of love.
1. John Was the Brother of James
John was the younger brother of James. They were the sons of Zebedee and Salome. Together, they worked as fishermen before Jesus called them.
Matthew 4:21 (KJV) – “And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother…”
2. He Was One of the "Sons of Thunder"
Jesus gave John and his brother James the nickname Boanerges, which means "Sons of Thunder."
Mark 3:17 (KJV) – “And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.”
3. He Was One of Jesus' Closest Disciples
John was part of Jesus’ inner circle with Peter and James. These three were present during special moments, such as the Transfiguration and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane.
Matthew 17:1 (KJV) – “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother…”
4. John Is Called “The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”
John often referred to himself this way in the Gospel he wrote. This showed a close personal relationship with Jesus, full of love and trust.
John 13:23 (KJV) – “Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.”
5. He Was the Only Apostle at the Crucifixion
All other disciples fled when Jesus was crucified, but John stayed. Jesus even entrusted him with the care of His mother, Mary.
John 19:26–27 (KJV) – “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”
6. John Wrote Five Books in the New Testament
John wrote the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. His writings focus on love, truth, and eternal life.
| Book | Main Theme |
|---|---|
| Gospel of John | Belief in Jesus as the Son of God |
| 1 John | Love and fellowship with God |
| 2 John | Truth and love in action |
| 3 John | Hospitality and truth |
| Revelation | Christ’s victory and the end times |
7. He Emphasized Love More Than Any Other Apostle
John is often called the “Apostle of Love” because of his constant teaching about God’s love and the need to love one another.
1 John 4:7 (KJV) – “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God…”
1 John 4:8 (KJV) – “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
8. He Lived Longer Than All the Other Apostles
While many of the apostles were martyred, church history says John lived into old age. He likely died around A.D. 100.
John 21:22–23 (KJV) – “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? ...”
9. John Was Exiled to Patmos
John was banished to the island of Patmos for preaching the Gospel. It was there that he received the vision recorded in Revelation.
Revelation 1:9 (KJV) – “I John, who also am your brother… was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
10. John Saw the Glorified Christ
John, who once leaned on Jesus at the Last Supper, later saw Him in all His glory. This vision of Jesus was powerful and full of majesty.
Revelation 1:17 (KJV) – “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me…”
Summary Table
| Fact | Reference |
|---|---|
| Brother of James | Matthew 4:21 |
| Son of Thunder | Mark 3:17 |
| Inner Circle | Matthew 17:1 |
| Beloved Disciple | John 13:23 |
| At the Cross | John 19:26–27 |
| Wrote Five Books | Various |
| Focus on Love | 1 John 4:7–8 |
| Lived Long | John 21:22–23 |
| Exiled to Patmos | Revelation 1:9 |
| Saw Christ’s Glory | Revelation 1:17 |
