Apostle John, the Beloved

John Boanerges is also known as the beloved. He authored five books: the Gospel of John; I, II, III John Epistles; and Revelation.

Family Background

John and James were sons of Zebedee and Salome (sister of Mary, the mother of the Lord). The family was wealthy, and Salome was one of the sponsors of the ministry of the Lord (Luke 8:3). Salome was present at the cross (Mark 16:1).

Special occasions

Peter, James, and John were together on three occasions: the raising of the daughter of Jairus, the Transfiguration, and the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 8:43-48; 9:28-36; Matthew 26:36-46).

Aggressive and ambitious

John wanted to summon fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans for not showing hospitality. (Luke 9:54) The Lord did not allow it. Nevertheless, his desire to bring "fire from heaven" was fulfilled when the new Samaritan believers received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John prayed for them. John’s ‘terrible’ desire was converted to a ‘transformation’ request. (Acts 8:17) He and James wanted to be seated on the right and left of the Lord. (Matthew 20:20-28) John forbade a non-disciple from casting out demons in the Lord Jesus’ name. (Mark 9:38)

Last supper and at Calvary

Peter and John were trustworthy and dependable disciples, sent ahead to prepare for the Last Supper. (Luke 22:8) In the Last Supper, he sat next to the Lord. (John 14:23) John was with the Lord in Gethsemane, through the ordeal of several hearings and the violent whipping of the Lord. He was courageous to stand alone at the cross. The Lord entrusted Mary to the care of John.(John 19:25-27)

Post-resurrection

Peter and John were among the disciples who went fishing after the resurrection. After the ascension and descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, John was present. His ministry is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. He was present in the Jerusalem Council in AD 51.

Exile and Death

John was exiled by Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD) to Patmos in 95 AD. John wrote Revelation.(Revelation 1:1,4,9)Then Nerva, his successor, allowed John to live in Ephesus. He died of old age, the only disciple to experience non-violent death.

Apostle of love

Though his aptitude was as his name ‘sons of thunder,’ God transformed him into a great, courageous, and loving apostle. No wonder, he is known as the ‘Apostle of Love,’ for his preaching, teaching, and writing on love.