New Testament

John

The ‘beloved disciple’ who reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper and was entrusted with caring for Mary at the crucifixion. John was part of Jesus’ innermost circle and the only apostle known to have witnessed the crucifixion. He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation from exile on the island of Patmos. His writings emphasize love as the defining mark of God’s character, famously declaring ‘God is love.’ Tradition says John was the only apostle to die of natural causes.

Era
New Testament
When
~1-100 AD

The verse that names John

One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.John 13:23 · Berean Standard Bible

Where to read about John

Matthew 4:21-22

Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

Forty days of hunger, three devastating temptations, and the devil's best offer — Jesus refuses every shortcut to power.

John 13:23

One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.

Hours before His death, Jesus wraps a towel around His waist and washes His disciples' feet. Then He gives them a new command.

John 21:20-24

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!” Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die,…

The risen Jesus makes breakfast and restores Peter with three questions that mirror three denials. The last word isn't failure — it's 'Follow me.'

Revelation 1:1-4

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. John,

The Bible's final book pulls back the curtain on reality. What John sees is terrifying, beautiful, and ultimately hopeful — a God who makes all things new.

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