Reference: John the Apostle
Fausets
Younger than his brother James; being named after him in Matthew and Mark, the earlier Gospels; but Luke (Lu 9:28; Ac 1:13, the Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, Alexandrinus manuscripts), writing when John had gained so much greater prominence in the church, ranks him in the order of church esteem, not that of nature. Youngest of the twelve, probably of Bethsaida upon the sea of Galilee (Joh 1:44; Lu 5:10), the town of their partners Simon and Andrew. Caspari (Chronicles and Geogr., Introd. to Life of Christ) accounts for John's brief notice of Christ's Galilean ministry and fuller notices of His ministry in Judaea thus: Jewish tradition alleges that all Israelites dwelling in the Holy Land were entitled to fish in the sea of Gennesaret a month before each Passover, and to use the fish for the many guests received at the feast in Jerusalem. John used to stay in Galilee only during that month. However, no hint of this occurs in our Gospels. Zebedee his father owned a fishing vessel, and had "hired servants" (Mr 1:20).
Salome his mother ministered to the Lord "of her substance" (Lu 8:3), and was one of the women who came with Him in His last journey from Galilee to Jerusalem (Lu 23:55; 24:1; Mr 16:1), and after His death bought spices to anoint His body. John's acquaintance with the high priest (Joh 18:15) had been in early life, for it is not likely it would commence after he had become disciple of the despised Galilean. Hence, probably arose his knowledge of the history of Nicodemus which he alone records. John had a house of his own to which he took the Virgin mother, by our Lord's dying charge (Joh 19:27). The name, meaning "the favor of God", had become a favorite one in the age where there was a general expectation of Messiah, and members of the high priestly families bore it (Ac 4:6). These hints all intimate that John belonged to the respectable classes, and though called by the council "unlearned and ignorant" he was not probably without education, though untrained in their rabbinical lore (Ac 4:13).
Zebedee's readiness to give up his son at Jesus' call speaks well for his religious disposition. Salome went further, and positively ministered to Jesus. Even her ambitious request that her two sons, James and John, might sit on either side of our Lord in His coming kingdom shows that she was heartily looking for that kingdom. Such a mother would store her son's memory with the precious promises of Old Testament. The book of Revelation in its temple imagery shows the deep impression which the altar, the incense, the priestly robes, and the liturgy had made on him. John's first acquaintance with the Lord was when John Baptist pointed his two disciples Andrew and John to the Lamb of God. John followed Jesus to His place of sojourn. John probably accompanied Him on His homeward journey to Galilee from Jordan (John 1), and then to Jerusalem (John 2-3), again through Samaria to Galilee (4), and again to Jerusalem (5), for he describes as an eye witness. Resuming his fishing occupation he received his call to permanent discipleship after the miraculous draught of fish (Lu 5:10; Mt 4:18-22).
In the selection of the twelve subsequently the two sons of Jonas and Zebedee's two sons stand foremost. Peter, James, and J. form the inner-most circle. They alone witnessed the raising of Jairus' daughter, Jesus' transfiguration, His agony in Gethsemane, and with the addition of Andrew heard His answer to their private inquiry as to when, and with what premonitory sign, His prediction of the overthrow of the temple should be fulfilled (Mr 13:3-4). Grotius designates Peter as the lover of Christ, John the lover of Jesus. John as a "son of thunder" (Mr 3:17) was not the soft and feminine character that he is often portrayed, but full of intense, burning zeal, ready to drink the Lord's bitter cup and to be baptized with His fiery baptism (Isa 58:1; Jer 23:29; Mt 20:22; Lu 12:49-50), impatient of anyone in separation from Jesus' company, and eager for fiery vengeance on the Samaritans who would not receive Him (Lu 9:49,53-54).
Nor was this characteristic restricted to his as yet undisciplined state; it appears in his holy denunciations long afterward (1Jo 2:18-22; 2Jo 1:7-11; 3Jo 1:9-10). Through his mother John gained his knowledge of the love of Mary Magdalene to the Lord, which he so vividly depicts (John 20). The full narrative of Lazarus' restoration to life (John 11) shows that he was an eye witness, and probably was intimate with the sisters of Bethany. He and Peter followed Jesus when apprehended, while the rest fled (Joh 18:15), even as they had both together been sent to prepare the Passover (Lu 22:8) the evening before, and as it was to John reclining in Jesus' bosom (compare Song 8:3,6) that Peter at the supper made eager signs to get him to ask our Lord who should be the traitor (Joh 13:24). While Peter remained in the porch John was in the council chamber (Joh 18:16-28). John, the Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene accompanied the Saviour to Calvary, and to him Jesus committed as to a brother the care of His sorrowing mother.
Peter and John were in the same abode the ensuing sabbath, and to them Mary Magdalene first runs with the tidings of the tomb being empty. Ardent love lent wings to John's feet, so that he reached the tomb first; but reverent awe restrained him from entering. Peter more impulsive was first to enter (Joh 20:4-6). For at least eight days they stayed at Jerusalem (Joh 20:26). Then they appear in Galilee (John 21) again associated in their former occupation on the sea of Galilee. As yet they were uncertain whether the Lord's will was that they should continue their apostolic ministrations or not; and in the interval their livelihood probably necessitated their resuming their fishing occupation, which moreover would allay their mental agitation at that time of suspense. John with deeper spiritual intuition was first to recognize Jesus in the morning twilight, Peter first in plunging into the water to reach Him (Joh 21:7). Peter's bosom friendship for John suggested the question, after learning his own future, "Lord, and what shall this man do?" (Joh 21:21).
In that undesigned coincidence which confirms historic truth, the Book of Acts (Ac 3:1; 4:13; 8:14) represents the two associated as in the Gospels; together they enter the temple and meet the impotent man at the Beautiful gate; together they witness before the council; together they confirm in the faith, and instrumentally impart the Holy Spirit by laying hands on, the deacon Philip's converts in Samaria, the very place where John once would have called down fire to consume the Samaritans. So complete was the triumph of grace over him! At Stephen's death he and the other apostles alone stayed at. Jerusalem when all the rest were scattered. At Paul's second visit there John (esteemed then with James and Peter a "pillar") gave him the right hand of fellowship, that he should go to the pagan and they to the circumcision (Ga 2:9). John took part in the first council there concerning circumcision of the Gentiles (Ac 15:6). No sermon of his is recorded, Peter is always the spokesman.
Contemplation and communion with God purified the fire of his character, and gave him that serene repose which appears in his writings, which all belong to the later portion of his life. He is not mentioned as married in 1Co 9:5, where, had he been so, it would probably have been stated. Under Domitian (about A.D. 95) John was banished to Patmos (Re 1:9,11). "I John ... your companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle ... Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." The seven churches of western Asia were under his special care. In the Acts, epistles to Ephesians, and Timothy, recording Paul's ministry in connection with Ephesus, no mention occurs of John being there. Again John does not appear in Jerusalem when Paul finally visited it A.D. 60. Probably he left Jerusalem long before settling at Ephesus, and only moved there after Paul's martyrdom, A.D. 66. Paul had foreseen the rise of Gnostic heresy in the Ephesian region.
Also of your own selves shall men ari
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Above all things, be strong and harden thyself, to observe and to do according to all the laws which Moses my servant commanded thee. Turn there from neither to the righthand, nor to the left: that thou mayest have understanding in all thou takest in hand.
Above all things, be strong and harden thyself, to observe and to do according to all the laws which Moses my servant commanded thee. Turn there from neither to the righthand, nor to the left: that thou mayest have understanding in all thou takest in hand. Let not the book of this law depart out of thy mouth: but record therein day and night that thou mayest be circumspect to do according to all that is written therein. For then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have understanding. read more. Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear, nor dread. For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear, nor dread. For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear, nor dread. For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Behold, I have said unto thee, be strong and bold: neither fear, nor dread. For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, "Go through the midst of the host, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare you victuals: for after three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go and enjoy the land which the LORD your God giveth you, to possess it.'"
"Go through the midst of the host, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare you victuals: for after three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go and enjoy the land which the LORD your God giveth you, to possess it.'"
His left hand lieth under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.
O set me as a seal upon thine heart, and as a seal upon thine arm: for love is mighty as the death, and jealousy as the hell. Her coals are of fire, and a very flame of the LORD:
Cry with the throat and spare not. Lift up thy voice as a trumpet, and tell my people their offences and the house of Jacob their sins.
Is not my word like a fire, sayeth the LORD, and like a hammer that breaketh the hard stone?
As Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon which was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." read more. And they straightaway left their nets, and followed him. And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them. And they, without tarrying, left the ship and their father and followed him.
Jesus answered, and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism, that I shall be baptised with?" They answered to him, "That we are."
And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And he called James the son of Zebedee, and John, James' brother, and gave them Boanerges to name, which is to say, the Sons of Thunder.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly, "When shall these things be? And what is the sign, when all these things shall be fulfilled?"
And when the Sabbath day was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary Joseph, and Salome, bought ointments, that they might come and anoint him.
and so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
and so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men."
and Joanna the wife of Chuzaa, Herod's steward; And Susanna; And many others: which ministered unto them of their substance.
And it followed about an eight days after those sayings, that he took Peter, James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And John answered and said, "Master we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us."
But they would not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?"
I am come to send fire on earth: and what is my desire but that it were already kindled? Notwithstanding, I must be baptised with a baptism. And how am I pained till it be ended?
And he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare us the Easter lamb, that we may eat."
The women that followed after, which came with him from Galilee, beheld the sepulchre and how his body was laid.
On the morrow after the Sabbath, early in the morning, they came unto the tomb and brought the odours which they had prepared, and other women with them.
To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of whom he spake.
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and another disciple: that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and another disciple: that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake to the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter. read more. Then said the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, "Art not thou one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not." The servants and the ministers stood there, and had made a fire of coals. For it was cold, and they warmed themselves. Peter also stood among them and warmed himself. The high priest asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, "I spake openly in the world. I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple whither all the Jews resorted: and in secret have I said nothing: why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I said unto them. Behold they can tell what I said." When he had thus spoken, one of the ministers which stood by, smote Jesus on the face saying, "Answerest thou the high priest so?" Jesus answered him, "If I have evil spoken, bear witness of the evil: if I have well spoken, why smitest thou me?" And Annas sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. Simon Peter stood and warmed himself, and they said unto him, "Art not thou also one of his disciples?" He denied it, and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, his cousin whose ear Peter smote off, said unto him, "Did not I see thee in the garden with him?" Peter denied it again: and immediately the cock crew. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas into the hall of judgment. It was in the morning, and they themselves went not into the judgment hall lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the paschal lamb.
Then said he to the disciple, "Behold thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her for his own.
They ran both together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooped down and saw the linen clothes lying, yet went he not in. read more. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen clothes lie,
And after eight days again, his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Jesus then came when the doors were shut, and stood in the midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then said the disciple whom Jesus loved unto Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girded his mantle to him, for he was naked, and sprang into the sea.
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord what shall he here do?"
And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zealotes, and Judas James' son.
Peter and John went up together into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer:
as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest: were gathered together at Jerusalem,
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marveled: and they knew them, that they were with Jesus.
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marveled: and they knew them, that they were with Jesus.
When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter.
Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.
Either, have we not power to lead about a sister to wife as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
from the which things, some have erred, and have turned unto vain jangling, because they would be doctors of the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak, neither whereof they affirm.
having faith and good conscience, which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made shipwreck. Of whose number is Hymenaeus, and Alexander, which I have delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron, read more. forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth. For all the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer. If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ which hast been nourished up in the words of the faith, and good doctrine, which doctrine thou hast continually followed. But cast away unghostly and old wives' fables. Exercise thyself unto godliness.
and such as cleaveth unto the true word of doctrine, that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve them that say against it.
This witness is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Unto the pure, are all things pure: but unto them that are defiled, and unbelieving, is nothing pure: but even the very minds and consciences of them are defiled. They confess that they know God: but with the deeds they deny him and are abominable, and disobedient, and unto all good works discommendable.
And the elder women likewise that they be in such raiment as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much drinking, but teachers of honest things,
Little children it is now the last time, and as ye have heard how that antichrist shall come: even now are there many antichrists come already, whereby we know that it is the last time.
Little children it is now the last time, and as ye have heard how that antichrist shall come: even now are there many antichrists come already, whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out of us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us. But that fortuned, that it might appear that they were not of us.
They went out of us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us. But that fortuned, that it might appear that they were not of us. But ye have an ointment of the holy ghost, and ye know all things.
But ye have an ointment of the holy ghost, and ye know all things. I wrote not unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as unto them them that know it, and know also how that no lie cometh of truth.
I wrote not unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as unto them them that know it, and know also how that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is Christ? The same is the antichrist that denieth the father and the son.
Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is Christ? The same is the antichrist that denieth the father and the son.
Ye beloved, believe not every spirit: but prove the spirits whether they be of God, or not: for many false prophets are gone out in to the world.
John, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in Jesus Christ, was in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Jesus Christ.
saying, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. That thou seest, write in a book and send it unto the congregations which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
Hastings
The materials for a life of St. John may be divided into three parts: (1) The specific information given in the canonical Scriptures; (2) early and well-attested tradition concerning him; (3) later traditions of a legendary character, which cannot be accepted as history, but which possess an interest and significance of their own. But when all the evidence on the subject is gathered, it is impossible to give more than a bare outline of what was in all probability a long life and an unspeakably important ministry. The present article must he taken in conjunction with those that follow, in view of the controversies which have arisen concerning the authorship of the 'Johannine' writings.
1. The Scripture data.
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As Jesus walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon which was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." read more. And they straightaway left their nets, and followed him. And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and called them. And they, without tarrying, left the ship and their father and followed him.
The names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon which is called also Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way,
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
And when the ten heard this, they disdained at the two brethren.
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony.
Among which was Mary Magdalene; and Mary the mother of James and the mother of Joseph; and the mother of Zebedee's children.
As he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea, for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you to be fishers of men." read more. And they straightway forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, even as they were in the ship mending their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And forthwith, as soon as they were come out of the Synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
And he ordained the twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them to preach.
And he called James the son of Zebedee, and John, James' brother, and gave them Boanerges to name, which is to say, the Sons of Thunder.
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
And after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up into a high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfigured before them.
And whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me." John answered him, saying, "Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, which followeth not us and we forbade him, because he followeth us not."
And then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came unto him, saying, "Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we desire."
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly,
And he took with him Peter, James, and John, and he began to wax abashed and to be in an agony.
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the little and of Joseph, and Mary Salome: which also when he was in Galilee, followed him and ministered unto him, and many other women which came up with him to Jerusalem.
And when the Sabbath day was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary Joseph, and Salome, bought ointments, that they might come and anoint him.
It came to pass as the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of God, that he stood by the lake of Gennesaret: and saw two ships stand by the lakeside, but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. read more. And he entered into one of the ships, which pertained to Simon, and prayed him, that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people out of the ship. When he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let slip your nets to make a draught." And Simon answered, and said to him, "Master, we have laboured all night, and have taken nothing. Neverthelater, at thy word I will loose forth the net." And when they had so done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes. And their net brake: but they made signs to their fellows which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and they filled both the ships, that they sunk again. When Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' knees saying, "Lord go from me, for I am a sinful man." For he was utterly astonished, and all that were with him at the draught of fish which they took: and so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all, and followed him.
And as soon as it was day, he called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also he called his apostles.
And when he came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, James and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And it followed about an eight days after those sayings, that he took Peter, James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And John answered and said, "Master we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us."
When his disciples, James, and John, saw that, they said, "Lord, wilt thou that we command that fire come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?"
And he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare us the Easter lamb, that we may eat."
One of the two, which heard John speak, and followed Jesus, was Andrew; Simon Peter's brother.
There was one of his disciples which leaned on Jesus' bosom, whom Jesus loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of whom he spake. read more. He then, as he leaned on Jesus' breast, said unto him, "Lord who is it?"
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and another disciple: that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake to the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said unto his mother, "Woman behold thy son."
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true. And he knoweth that he saith true that ye might believe also.
Peter went forth, and that other disciple, and came unto the sepulchre.
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And yet Jesus said not to him, he shall not die: but, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" The same disciple is he, which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things. And we know, that his testimony is true.
And Peter fastened his eyes on him with John and said, "Look on us."
which, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost.
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
While we have, therefore, time; let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto them which are of the household of faith.
John, to the seven congregations in Asia. Grace be with you and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come: and from the seven spirits which are present before his throne,
John, your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in Jesus Christ, was in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Jesus Christ.
Morish
Son of Zebedee, and brother of James. James and John were fishermen, but when the Lord called them, they forsook all and followed Him. The Lord surnamed them BOANERGES, 'sons of thunder.'
John, Peter, and James were the three selected to be with the Lord on the mount of transfiguration, and in the garden of Gethsemane. In the Acts of the Apostles John was with Peter when the lame man was healed, and they were both cast into prison. They boldly declared that they could not but speak the things they had seen and heard. John was associated with Peter in visiting the Samaritans, who had received the word preached by Philip, and through the laying on of their hands the Holy Spirit was given. Acts 8.
John was one of the apostles at Jerusalem who, when Paul went thither, gave to him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that they should go to the heathen. Ga 2:9. He was afterwards banished to the Isle of Patmos, probably under the emperor Nero or Domitian; it is not known with certainty which, nor at what date. There he had the visions recorded in the Revelation. He also wrote the Gospel and the three Epistles bearing his name, which are generally judged to have been written after the other Gospels and Epistles.
John in his gospel calls himself 'the disciple whom Jesus loved;' at the last Passover he leaned upon the bosom of Jesus, and to his care did the Lord when on the cross commend His mother.
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and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
Smith
was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman on the Lake of Galilee, and of Salome, and brother of James, also an apostle. Peter and James and John come within the innermost circle of their Lord's friends; but to John belongs the distinction of being the disciple whom Jesus loved. He hardly sustains the popular notion, fostered by the received types of Christian art, of a nature gentle, yielding, feminine. The name Boanerges,
implies a vehemence, zeal, intensity, which gave to those who had it the might of sons of thunder. [JAMES] The three are with our Lord when none else are, in the chamber of death,
See James
in the glory of the transfiguration,
when he forewarns them of the destruction of the holy city,
in the agony of Gethsemane. When the betrayal is accomplished, Peter and John follow afar off.
Joh 18:15
The personal acquaintance which exited between John and Caiaphas enables him to gain access to the council chamber, praetorium of the Roman procurator.
Joh 18:16,19,28
Thence he follows to the place of crucifixion, and the Teacher leaves to him the duty of becoming a son to the mother who is left desolate.
Joh 19:26-27
It is to Peter and John that Mary Magdalene first runs with the tidings of the emptied sepulchre,
Joh 20:2
they are the first to go together to see what the strange words meant, John running on most eagerly to the rock-tomb; Peter, the least restrained by awe, the first to enter in and look.
Joh 20:4-6
For at least eight days they continue in Jerusalem.
Joh 20:26
Later, on the Sea of Galilee, John is the first to recognize in the dim form seen in the morning twilight the presence of his risen Lord; Peter the first to plunge into the water and swim toward the shore where he stood calling to them.
Joh 21:7
The last words of John's Gospel reveal to us the deep affection which united the two friends. The history of the Acts shows the same union. They are together at the ascension on the day of Pentecost. Together they enter the temple as worshippers,
and protest against the threats of the Sanhedrin. ch
The persecution which was pushed on by Saul of Tarsus did not drive John from his post. ch.
Fifteen years after St. Paul's first visit he was still at Jerusalem, and helped to take part in the settlement of the great controversy between the Jewish and the Gentile Christians.
His subsequent history we know only by tradition. There can be no doubt that he removed from jerusalem and settled at Ephesus, though at what time is uncertain. Tradition goes on to relate that in the persecution under Domitian he is taken to Rome, and there, by his boldness, though not by death, gains the crown of martyrdom. The boiling oil into which he is thrown has no power to hurt him. He is then sent to labor in the mines, and Patmost is the place of his exile. The accession of Nerva frees him from danger, and he returns to Ephesus. Heresies continue to show themselves, but he meets them with the strongest possible protest. The very time of his death lies within the region of conjecture rather than of history, and the dates that have been assigned for it range from A.D. 89 to A.D. 120.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain out of the way,
And he called James the son of Zebedee, and John, James' brother, and gave them Boanerges to name, which is to say, the Sons of Thunder.
And he suffered no man to follow him more than Peter, and James and John the brother of James.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him secretly,
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and another disciple: that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake to the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
The high priest asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas into the hall of judgment. It was in the morning, and they themselves went not into the judgment hall lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the paschal lamb.
When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said unto his mother, "Woman behold thy son." Then said he to the disciple, "Behold thy mother." And from that hour the disciple took her for his own.
Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said unto them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we cannot tell where they have laid him."
They ran both together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooped down and saw the linen clothes lying, yet went he not in. read more. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen clothes lie,
And after eight days again, his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Jesus then came when the doors were shut, and stood in the midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then said the disciple whom Jesus loved unto Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girded his mantle to him, for he was naked, and sprang into the sea.
Peter and John went up together into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer:
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marveled: and they knew them, that they were with Jesus.
Saul had pleasure in his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Jewry and Samaria, except the apostles.
And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter.