In brief
John is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, a fisherman from Galilee, son of Zebedee and brother of James. The Gospels place him among those closest to Jesus. Tradition identifies him as the disciple whom Jesus loved and as the author of the Gospel that bears his name, three letters and Revelation. He stays at the foot of the cross, then bears witness to the resurrection, and he writes from the island of Patmos.
What does the name John the Apostle mean?
His name comes from Hebrew and is generally linked to the phrase "the Lord has been gracious." This meaning fits his message about the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ.
The story of John the Apostle
A Disciple of Jesus
Mark 1:19-20John is fishing with his brother James and his father Zebedee on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus calls them and they follow him. John becomes one of the twelve apostles and belongs to the circle closest to Jesus, together with Peter and James.
At the Last Supper
John 13:1-30During supper, Jesus washes his disciples' feet, then announces that one of the twelve will betray him. The disciple whom Jesus loved, reclining right next to him, asks whom he means. The account shows the humility of Jesus and this disciple's closeness to his master.
At the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27While Jesus is crucified, the disciple whom he loved stands near the cross with Mary. Jesus entrusts his mother to this disciple, who takes her into his home. The same Gospel records that Jesus said: “It is finished.” This witness affirms that his testimony is true.
By the Sea After the Resurrection
John 21:1-24The risen Jesus appears to his disciples on the shore after a night of catching nothing. It is the disciple whom Jesus loved who tells Peter: “It’s the Lord!” Jesus restores Peter, then the text states that this disciple testifies to these things and has written them.
Exiled on Patmos
Revelation 1:1-11The author of Revelation introduces himself as John, brother and partner in the tribulation, on the island of Patmos because of the word of God. On the Lord's Day he is told to write what he sees and to send the book to the seven churches. The book opens with the revelation of Jesus Christ.
What John the Apostle teaches us
- John shows that being loved by Jesus does not make us proud: he simply stays close to him.
- Staying near the cross, even when it hurts, is an act of faithfulness to Jesus.
- Jesus lifts up those who have failed, like Peter by the sea, and he still calls them to follow him.
- Faithful testimony matters: John writes what he has seen so that others may believe.
Key verses
One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, is reclining next to Jesus at supper. Tradition recognizes the apostle John here, close to his master.
Jesus receives the vinegar and says: “It is finished.” Then he bows his head and gives up his spirit. The disciple present at the cross affirms that his testimony is true.
John calls himself a brother and partner in the tribulation, the kingdom and the perseverance in Jesus. He is on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Sermons about John the Apostle
Frequently asked questions
Why did Jesus choose John?
The Bible gives no particular reason. Jesus calls John and his brother James while they are mending their nets. They leave their boat and their father to follow him. John then belongs to Jesus' closest circle, together with Peter and James.
What does the name John mean?
The name John comes from Hebrew and is generally linked to the phrase "the Lord has been gracious." The Bible gives no explanation of it for the apostle. Yet this meaning matches the emphasis of his writings on the grace and love of God.
Where can I find the story of John in the Bible?
He appears in the Gospels, notably Mark 1 and John 13, 19 and 21, then in Acts. Tradition attributes to him the Gospel of John, three letters and Revelation, written from Patmos, as chapter 1 of that book says.