John the Apostle

John was the son of Zebedee and brother of James, both fishermen whom Jesus called to follow Him. Together they were nicknamed "Boanerges," meaning "Sons of Thunder," perhaps reflecting their fiery temperaments. John is often identified as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," resting against Jesus at the Last Supper and standing at the foot of the cross.

Along with Peter and James, John belonged to Jesus' innermost circle. He witnessed the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus's daughter, and Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. Though all the disciples fled when Jesus was arrested, John followed to the high priest's courtyard and later stood at Calvary. There Jesus entrusted His mother to John's care.

On resurrection morning, John outran Peter to the empty tomb. He was present at Jesus' appearances and at the Ascension. In the early church, he was considered one of the "pillars" along with Peter and James. He worked primarily in and around Jerusalem and later in Ephesus, where he is said to have cared for Mary until her death.

In his old age, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in Revelation. His Gospel, written last among the four, presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh. His letters emphasize love as the essential mark of true Christianity: "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." John is the only apostle believed to have died of natural causes, likely around AD 100.