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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And He saith to them, "Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men." read more. And, immediately leaving their nets, they followed Him. And, having gone on thence, He saw other two brothers: James a son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them; and they, having immediately left the boat and their father, followed Him.
But Jesus, answering, said, "Ye know not what ye are asking. Are ye able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They say to Him, "We are able."
And straightway He called them; and leaving their father Zebedee in the boat, with the hired servants, they went away after Him.
and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (and He added to these the name "Boanerges," that is, "sons of thunder");
And, as He was sitting upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what is the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?"
And, the sabbath having past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that, coming, they might anoint Him.
and likewise also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not; henceforth you will catch men."
and likewise also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not; henceforth you will catch men."
and Joanna wife of Chuzas Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who were ministering to them of their substance.
And it came to pass, about eight days after these words, that, taking Peter, and John, and James, He went up into the mountain to pray.
And John, answering, said, "Master, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us."
And they did not receive Him, because His face was as if He were going to Jerusalem. And, seeing it, His disciples, James and John, said, "Lord, dost Thou wish that we bid fire come down from heaven, and consume them?"
"I came to cast fire on the earth; and what wish I, if it were already kindled? But I have an immersion to be immersed with; and how am I constrained until it be accomplished!
And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Going forth, make ready for us the passover, that we may eat."
And the women who had accompanied Him out of Galilee, following after, beheld the tomb, and how His body was laid.
But, on the first day of the sabbaths, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they prepared.
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Simon Peter, therefore, beckons to this one, and says to him, "Tell us who it is about whom He is speaking."
And Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. And that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;
And Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. And that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; But Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spake to her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. read more. The maiden door-keeper, therefore, says to Peter, Are you also one of this Man's disciples?" He says, "I am not." And the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals (because it was cold), and were warming themselves; and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest, therefore, asked Jesus concerning His disciples, and concerning His teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews assemble together; and in secret I spake nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard, what I spake to them; behold, they know the things which I said." And, when He had said this, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a blow with a rod, saying, "Dost Thou answer the high priest thus!" Jesus answered him, "If I spake evil, testify concerning the evil; but, if well, why do you beat Me?" Annas, therefore, sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. And Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said, therefore, to him, "Are you also one of His disciples?" He denied, and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, says, "Did not I see you in the garden with Him?" Again, therefore, Peter denied; and straightway a cock crowed. They led Jesus, therefore, from Caiaphas into the Praetorium; and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
Then saith He to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
And the two were running together; and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb; and, having stooped to look within, he beholds the linen cloths lying; yet he went not within. read more. Simon Peter, therefore, also comes, following him, and he went into the tomb; and beholds the linen cloths lying,
And, after eight days, again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you!"
That disciple, therefore, whom Jesus loved, says to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Simon Peter, therefore, having heard that it was the Lord, girded his outer garment (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
Peter therefore, seeing him, says to Jesus, "Lord, and what will this man do?"
And, when they entered, they went up into the upper-room, where they were abiding; both Peter and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer??he ninth hour.
and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.
Now, beholding the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and ignorant men, they were wondering; they also were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus;
Now, beholding the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and ignorant men, they were wondering; they also were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus;
Now the apostles in Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John;
And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter.
and from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Have we no right to lead about a sister as our wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
which some having missed turned aside to vain talk; wishing to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith; of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered up to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
But the Spirit expressly saith, that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and to teachings of demons, in hypocrisy of men speaking lies, branded in their own conscience with a hot iron; read more. forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God created for reception with thanksgiving by those who believe and have full knowledge of the truth. Because every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, when it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified through the word of God and intercession. Suggesting these things to the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good teaching which you have strictly followed; but refuse the profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself unto godliness;
holding fast the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the healthful doctrine, and to convict those who contradict.
This testimony is true. For which cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience have become defiled. They profess to know God; but by their works they deny Him; being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work worthless.
that aged women, in like manner, be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
Little children, it is the last hour; and, as ye heard that Anti-Christ is coming, even now many anti-christs have arisen; whence we know that it is the last hour.
Little children, it is the last hour; and, as ye heard that Anti-Christ is coming, even now many anti-christs have arisen; whence we know that it is the last hour. They went out from among us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest, that they are not all of us.
They went out from among us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest, that they are not all of us. And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye all know Him.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye all know Him. I did not write to you because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and because no falsehood is of the truth.
I did not write to you because ye know not the truth; but because ye know it, and because no falsehood is of the truth. Who is the liar, but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Anti-Christ, he that denies the Father and the Son.
Who is the liar, but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Anti-Christ, he that denies the Father and the Son.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
I, John, your brother, and fellow-sharer in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
saying, "What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven assemblies; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, walking by the sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And He saith to them, "Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men." read more. And, immediately leaving their nets, they followed Him. And, having gone on thence, He saw other two brothers: James a son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them; and they, having immediately left the boat and their father, followed Him.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
And, after six days, Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart;
Then came to Him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshiping and asking something of Him.
And the ten, hearing it, were much displeased with the two brothers.
And, taking with Him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be grieved and to be in distress.
among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
And, passing along by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers. And Jesus said to them, "Come after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." read more. And straightway, leaving the nets, they followed Him. And going on a little further, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, and those in the ship mending the nets. And straightway He called them; and leaving their father Zebedee in the boat, with the hired servants, they went away after Him.
And, straightway coming out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
And He appointed twelve [whom He also named apostles], that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach,
and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (and He added to these the name "Boanerges," that is, "sons of thunder");
And He permitted no one to follow with Him, except Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.
John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he was not following us."
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come to Him, saying to Him, "Teacher, we wish that Thou wouldest do for us whatsoever we ask."
And, as He was sitting upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately,
And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and to be in distress.
And there were also women, beholding from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome; who, when He was in Galilee, were following Him, and ministering to Him; and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.
And, the sabbath having past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that, coming, they might anoint Him.
Now it came to pass, as the multitude was pressing upon Him, and hearing the word of God, that He was standing by the lake Gennesaret; and He saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen, having gone out of them, were washing their nets. read more. And, entering into one of the boats, which was Simon's, He asked him to put out a little from the land; and, having taken a seat, He was teaching the multitudes out of the boat. And, when He ceased speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." And Simon, answering, said, "Master, having toiled through the whole night, we took nothing; but at Thy word I will let down the nets." And, doing this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking. And they beckoned to their partners in the other boat, to come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they were sinking. And Simon Peter, seeing it, fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, "Depart from me; because I am a sinful man, O Lord;" for astonishment seized him, and all those with him, on account of the draught of the fishes which they took; and likewise also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not; henceforth you will catch men." And, having brought their boats to the land, leaving all, they followed Him.
And when it became day, He called His disciples; and, having selected twelve from them, (whom He also called apostles):
And, coming into the house, He permitted no one to enter with Him, except Peter, and James, and John, and the father of the maiden, and her mother.
And it came to pass, about eight days after these words, that, taking Peter, and John, and James, He went up into the mountain to pray.
And John, answering, said, "Master, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us."
And, seeing it, His disciples, James and John, said, "Lord, dost Thou wish that we bid fire come down from heaven, and consume them?"
And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Going forth, make ready for us the passover, that we may eat."
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard it from John, and followed Him.
There was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter, therefore, beckons to this one, and says to him, "Tell us who it is about whom He is speaking." read more. He, leaning back as he was on the breast of Jesus, says to Him, "Lord, who is it?"
And Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. And that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; But Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spake to her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus, therefore, seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, saith to His mother, "Woman, behold your Son!"
And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he says what is true, that ye also may believe.
Peter, therefore, went forth, and the other disciple, and they were going to the tomb.
This saying, therefore, went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die; yet Jesus did not say to him, that he should not die, but, "If I wish him to remain till I come, what is it to you?" This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
And Peter, fixing his eyes upon him, with John, said, "Look on us."
who, indeed, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
So, then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, but especially to those of the household of the faith.
John to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you, and peace, from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is coming; and from the seven Spirits Who are before His throne;
I, John, your brother, and fellow-sharer in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
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 taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart;
and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (and He added to these the name "Boanerges," that is, "sons of thunder");
And He permitted no one to follow with Him, except Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
And, as He was sitting upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately,
And Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. And that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; But Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spake to her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
The high priest, therefore, asked Jesus concerning His disciples, and concerning His teaching.
They led Jesus, therefore, from Caiaphas into the Praetorium; and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
Jesus, therefore, seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, saith to His mother, "Woman, behold your Son!" Then saith He to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
She runs, therefore, and comes to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and says to them, "They took away the Lord out of the tomb, and we know not where they laid Him!"
And the two were running together; and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb; and, having stooped to look within, he beholds the linen cloths lying; yet he went not within. read more. Simon Peter, therefore, also comes, following him, and he went into the tomb; and beholds the linen cloths lying,
And, after eight days, again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you!"
That disciple, therefore, whom Jesus loved, says to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Simon Peter, therefore, having heard that it was the Lord, girded his outer garment (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea.
Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer??he ninth hour.
Now, beholding the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and ignorant men, they were wondering; they also were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus;
And Saul was approving of his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter.