John is one of the most well-known and beloved figures in the Bible. He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. Here are some common questions people have about John and what the Bible tells us:
What was John’s background before following Jesus?
John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James (Matthew 4:21). Their father was a fisherman, so John grew up in the fishing business on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:19-20). John and James were partners in the fishing trade with Simon Peter and Andrew. John seemed to be part of a well-to-do family and was likely not poor (Mark 1:20, John 19:27).
How did John become a disciple of Jesus?
John was first a disciple of John the Baptist. When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and declared Him the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29-34), John and Andrew became followers of Jesus. Andrew then brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus (John 1:35-42). Jesus later formally called John and James to be his disciples as they were fishing, promising to make them “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20).
What was John’s personality and character?
John had a fiery and zealous personality. He and his brother James were called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus, likely due to their bold and thunderous preaching (Mark 3:17). While zealous, John also had a tender heart and is known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 21:20). He leaned upon Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper, illustrating his tender relationship with Christ.
What was John’s role among the twelve disciples?
Along with Peter and James, John was part of Jesus’ innermost circle of disciples. These three alone witnessed moments like the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) and Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). John likely knew Jesus better than most of the other disciples. He refers to himself in his gospel as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 21:20).
Did John leave Jesus after His “hard teaching”?
In John 6, Jesus gave a difficult teaching that many followers deserted Him over. However, while many left, the twelve disciples remained, including John. When Jesus asked if they would leave too, Peter spoke for the group by saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
How did John react when a man was casting out demons in Jesus’ name?
John came to Jesus saying they had seen a man driving out demons in Jesus’ name and had told him to stop since he was not one of them. But Jesus rebuked John, saying “do not stop him” and declaring that “whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:49-50). This shows John’s tendency to be exclusive but Jesus’ inclusion of all who do good works.
Did John want to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village?
Yes, when a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, James and John asked if they should call down fire from heaven to consume them (Luke 9:51-56). But Jesus rebuked them for this vengeful spirit. This illustrates John’s zeal and inner fire, which Jesus had to correct at times.
What request did John and his brother make of Jesus?
John and James requested to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand when He came into His glory (Mark 10:35-40). This illustrated their ambitious nature but earned a rebuke from Jesus. He said it was not for Him to grant who would sit at His right and left.
Did John flee when Jesus was arrested?
Yes, John fled along with the other disciples when Judas and the authorities came to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:56). John likely feared for his own life at this moment. But he regained courage and was present at Jesus’ crucifixion.
What did Jesus say to John as He hung on the cross?
As Jesus hung on the cross, he entrusted the care of His mother Mary to John (John 19:26-27). Jesus told John, “Behold your mother!” and told Mary, “Behold your son!” From that hour, John took Mary into his own home.
Where was John when Jesus appeared to the disciples after resurrection?
John was present both when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room the evening of His resurrection (John 20:19) and when Jesus appeared to them again eight days later (John 20:26). John was likely an eyewitness to these resurrection appearances.
Did John go fishing with Peter after Jesus’ resurrection?
Yes, John is mentioned going fishing with Peter and other disciples after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:1-14). This is where Jesus performed the miraculous catch of fish and restored Peter. It is the last personal interaction with Jesus that John records.
Was John imprisoned or exiled later in life?
According to early church historians, John was banished to the island of Patmos during the reign of Roman emperor Domitian. This likely dates the writing of Revelation to around 95-96 AD (Revelation 1:9).
How did John die?
There are differing accounts of John’s death. Some traditions say he died a natural death in Ephesus. However, Tertullian and Jerome record that he was martyred by being boiled in oil yet miraculously survived unharmed. This likely refers to an attempted martyrdom in Rome.
What books of the Bible did John write?
John is traditionally considered the author of five New Testament books: the Fourth Gospel (John), three epistles (1, 2, and 3 John), and the book of Revelation. These books bear John’s name and demonstrate common themes and writing characteristics.
What is John’s purpose statement for writing his gospel?
John 20:31 states, “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John wrote his gospel to present the truth about Jesus and engender faith in Him as God’s Son.
How is John’s gospel different from the synoptic gospels?
John’s gospel has a different structure and content than Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Over 90% of John is unique. John has no parables, no exorcisms, and focuses on fewer miracles. John also focuses heavily on Jesus’ divine identity with the “I Am” statements.
What are the main themes of John’s gospel?
Some key themes in John are: Jesus as the divine Word of God who took on flesh, His messianic identity, belief and unbelief, spiritual rebirth, the Holy Spirit, witness, signs, life, truth, light and darkness, glory, love, and eternal life.
What details does John give about “the Word” in John 1?
John 1 presents Jesus as the divine Word of God (logos) who took on flesh and “dwelt among us” (John 1:14). It says this Word was with God in the beginning, was God, and made all things. John the Baptist came to bear witness to this Word made flesh.
Why did John focus on 7 miracles and 7 “I Am” statements?
John included 7 miracles (like water to wine) and 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus (like “I am the bread of life”) that presented Him as the promised Messiah. The number 7 signified completion and fullness to Jewish readers. Through these signs they might believe in Jesus (John 20:30-31).
What are the 7 miracles in John’s gospel?
John’s gospel records 7 miracles designed to engender faith in Jesus: 1) Turning water to wine (John 2:1-12); 2) Healing an official’s son (John 4:46-54); 3) Healing a lame man at Bethesda (John 5:1-17); 4) Feeding the 5000 (John 6:1-15); 5) Walking on water (John 6:16-24); 6) Healing a man born blind (John 9:1-41); 7) Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44).
What are the 7 “I Am” statements in John’s gospel?
Jesus made 7 “I Am” statements in John: 1) I am the bread of life (6:35); 2) I am the light of the world (8:12, 9:5); 3) I am the door of the sheep (10:7,9); 4) I am the good shepherd (10:11,14); 5) I am the resurrection and the life (11:25); 6) I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6); 7) I am the true vine (15:1,5).
How does John present the Holy Spirit?
John has a robust theology of the Holy Spirit. He presents the Spirit as the promised “Helper” who will indwell believers as Jesus’ abiding presence (John 14:15-17). The Spirit will testify of Jesus, guide into truth, and glorify Him. The Spirit is given to believers at salvation (John 3:5-8).
What interactions does John have with Mary Magdalene after the resurrection?
In John 20, Mary finds Jesus’ empty tomb and tells Peter and John. They both run to the tomb, with John arriving first but not entering. After Peter enters, John enters and believes (John 20:1-9). After Jesus’ resurrection appearance, Mary goes to the disciples with the news (John 20:18).
Why does John emphasize seeing, hearing, and touching Jesus?
John emphasizes eyewitness testimony of Jesus’ resurrection. He describes seeing Jesus’ burial clothes in the empty tomb (John 20:6-7), hearing Jesus speak (John 20:16), and Thomas touching Jesus’ wounds (John 20:27). John gives firsthand sensory testimony to the reality of the risen Christ.
What is the purpose of John’s letters in the New Testament?
1 John was written so believers could have fellowship with God and assurance of eternal life (1 John 1:3-4, 5:13). 2 John warns about deceivers and affirms truth. 3 John commends Gaius for his hospitality and condemns Diotrephes for rejecting leadership.
Why was John concerned about false teachers in 1 John?
John was alarmed at false teachers infiltrating the church who denied Jesus was the divine Christ (1 John 2:18-27, 4:1-6). These were likely early Gnostics denying Jesus came in the flesh. John wrote, in part, to refute this Christological heresy.
What are the tests of true and false teachers in 1 John?
Tests of false teachers: They depart from the apostles’ teaching (1 John 2:19), deny Jesus is the Christ (1 John 2:22), and do not love others (1 John 3:10-17, 4:7-8). Tests of true teachers: They affirm sound doctrine (1 John 4:2-3), practice righteousness (1 John 2:29), and love others (1 John 3:14).
How does John describe God in 1 John?
John describes God as light (1 John 1:5), righteous (1 John 2:29), greater than our hearts (1 John 3:20), love (1 John 4:8), and life and eternal life (1 John 5:20). John stresses knowing and loving this true God.
What are the main themes in the book of Revelation?
Main themes in Revelation: Jesus’ second coming, judgment on evil, the final defeat of Satan, the glories of heaven, the new creation, end times tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom, the last battle, the New Jerusalem, God dwelling with man forever.
How does John identify himself in Revelation?
John identifies himself as “John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, who was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9).
What details does Revelation give about future events?
Revelation depicts: seven seals, trumpets, and bowls bringing judgment; the Antichrist and false prophet’s reign; Satan imprisoned and released; the battle of Armageddon; the Millennial reign of Christ; Satan’s final defeat; resurrection and final judgment; New Jerusalem on the new earth; eternity with God.
How does John characterize the church in Revelation?
John gives messages to seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3). He calls them to reject heresy, repent from sin, remain faithful through persecution, obey God’s commands, and hold fast to sound doctrine. Chapters 12+ portray the persecuted yet persevering church.
What encouragement does Revelation give to suffering Christians?
Revelation promises suffering Christians that God sees their plight (Rev 6:9-11), vindication is coming (Rev 19:2), and their perseverance will be rewarded (Rev 2:7, 3:5). Their present afflictions are not worth comparing to eternal glory in heaven (Romans 8:18).
How is John’s writing style in Revelation unique?
Revelation features vivid symbolism and imagery that led early interpreters to call it the apocalypse (“unveiling”). John uses visual word-pictures through images of horses, lamps, seals, trumpets, bowls, beasts, the harlot, the bride, Babylon, the dragon, war, fire, and more.
How should the vivid imagery in Revelation be understood?
The images in Revelation are symbolic and should not typically be taken literally. They utilize familiar Old Testament motifs that portray theological and spiritual truths. The figures represent various concepts like righteousness, evil, judgment, salvation, and the people of God. The figures convey meaningful ideas.
What warnings does Revelation give?
Warnings in Revelation include: Repent or face judgment (Rev 2:5); Hold fast or have your lampstand removed (Rev 2:5); Resist Satan or face imprisonment and testing (Rev 2:10); Wake up and strengthen what remains (Rev 3:2); Be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19); Stay holy or the second death will hurt you (Rev 20:14-15).
What promises and blessings does Revelation give?
Promises in Revelation to overcomers include: Eating of the tree of life (Rev 2:7), Not being hurt by second death (Rev 2:11), Eating hidden manna and a white stone (Rev 2:17), Authority to rule (Rev 2:26), White garments, name not blotted from book of life (Rev 3:5), Pillar in God’s temple (Rev 3:12), Sitting on Christ’s throne (Rev 3:21), Living water (Rev 7:17), No more tears or death (Rev 21:4).
