St. John the Apostle: The Beloved Disciple and Evangelist
Quick answer
St. John, son of Zebedee and brother of St. James, was one of the Twelve and, by tradition, the "disciple whom Jesus loved." He leaned on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper, stood at the foot of the Cross, and received Mary as his mother. He is traditionally the author of the Fourth Gospel, three letters and the Book of Revelation. He died in old age at Ephesus. His feast is December 27.
Key takeaways
- He was a fisherman from Galilee, called with his brother James.
- At the Cross, Jesus entrusted His Mother to him (John 19:26-27).
- His Gospel begins, "In the beginning was the Word."
- Tradition says he was the only apostle not to die a martyr.
Of all the apostles, St. John seems to have understood best the heart of Jesus. He is the one who tells us, simply and forever, that God is love.
A Fisherman Called by Jesus
John and his older brother James were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, sons of Zebedee. They left their nets and their father to follow Jesus. Hot-tempered at first, they were called “sons of thunder.” With Peter, John witnessed the Transfiguration and the agony in the garden.
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
John’s Gospel speaks several times of “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” From early times the Church has identified him as John himself. At the Last Supper he leaned on Jesus’ breast. At the Crucifixion, when nearly all had fled, he stood at the Cross with Mary.
When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. (John 19:26-27, Douay-Rheims)
On Easter morning he ran with Peter to the tomb, outran him, and “saw, and believed” (John 20:8).
His Writings
Tradition attributes to John:
- The Gospel of John, which begins with the eternal Word made flesh and includes the Bread of Life discourse, the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus’ long farewell at the Last Supper.
- Three letters, including the words “God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16).
- The Book of Revelation, written, it says, on the island of Patmos.
His symbol is the eagle, for his Gospel’s lofty vision.
Old Age at Ephesus
St. Irenaeus, who learned the faith from St. Polycarp, John’s disciple, wrote that John lived at Ephesus into the reign of Trajan. St. Jerome tells a lovely story: when John was too old to preach, he was carried into the assembly and would only say, “Little children, love one another.” Asked why he always said the same thing, he answered that it was the Lord’s command, and if this alone is done, it is enough.
A Prayer to St. John (Original Prayer)
St. John, beloved disciple, you rested on the heart of Jesus and took Mary into your home. Teach me to love as you loved, to stay near the Cross, and to welcome Mary as my mother. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about his brother St. James the Greater, St. Peter, or St. Mark.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. John the Apostle?
December 27, two days after Christmas.
What is the symbol of St. John?
An eagle, because his Gospel soars to the heights of Christ's divinity from its very first line.
What does the blessing of wine on his feast mean?
A tradition says John drank poisoned wine without harm. On his feast some parishes bless wine, called the Love of St. John, for families to share.
Sources
- Gospel of John 13:23; 19:25-27; 20:2-8; 21:20-24 (Douay-Rheims)
- 1 John 4:7-16 (Douay-Rheims)
- St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.1 and III.3
- St. Jerome, Commentary on Galatians 6:10
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