John
The Apostle of Love and Truth
Name Information
- Meaning: "God is gracious" (Hebrew: Yohanan)
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and part of His inner circle. Known as the 'disciple whom Jesus loved,' John’s deep understanding of God’s love shaped his identity and message. He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation, emphasizing the love of God, the deity of Christ, and the promise of eternal life.
⏰ 1st century AD
Roles
- Apostle
- Disciple
- Author
Relationships
- Brother: James
Story
Left his fishing boat to follow Jesus.
Often near Jesus during His ministry — at the Last Supper, the cross, and the empty tomb.
Described himself not by name, but as the one whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 19:26).
Wrote deeply about God’s love: 'We love because He first loved us' (1 John 4:19).
Received visions of the risen Christ and the future glory to come while exiled on Patmos.
Spiritual Significance
- The 'disciple whom Jesus loved' — a title expressing his deep awareness of Christ's personal love.
- Author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
- Witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration, crucifixion, and resurrection.
- Entrusted by Jesus with the care of His mother, Mary.
- Lived into old age, ministering faithfully, likely in Ephesus.
Christ Connection
John’s Gospel reveals Jesus as the eternal Word and Son of God.
His letters declare the nature of God as love, fulfilled in Christ.
Revelation shows Jesus as King of kings and victorious Savior — the Lamb who was slain and reigns forever.
What We Can Learn
- Knowing you are loved by God changes how you live and love others.
- Intimacy with Jesus produces a lasting witness.
- Truth and love are inseparable in faithful discipleship.
Memory Verses
We love because He first loved us.
— 1 John 4:19In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1
Key Passages
- John 13:23
- John 19:26–27
- John 20:2–9
- 1 John 4:7–21
- Revelation 1:9–20
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