John the Apostle
John was born in 6AD in Bethsaida in an area called Galilee which was ruled by Herod Agrippa at the time. John was the son of Zebedee and Salome. He was also the brother of the first Christian martyr listed, James, and was part of the Twelve Apostles and followed Jesus Christ as on of his closest friends. John is mentioned many times in the New Testament and wrote a few books himself too called, The Gospel of John, John 1, 2 and 3. He also wrote the last testament and the only book based upon one's vision: Book of Revelation.
Family Life/ Life before Jesus Christ
John was the first son of Zebedee and Salome and the only brother of James and he was a bright child growing up. Historians suggest John was privileged, if not rich and they have 3 points to support themselves:
- He was known by name to the high- priest. The high-priest was at the very top of Jewish society.
- He was classically educated. He could read letters and spoke Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek and maybe even a bit of Roman.
- His father relied on ''hired men'' or ''bought men'' in other translations, suggesting he had slaves. Slaves are expensive!
Life being Jesus Christ's apostle
John would've probably used his literary skills to get Jesus everywhere and would've got connections to help out with money and shelter. John was amazing and you can read about him and his portrayal in a new TV Show called The Chosen here; https://the-chosen.fandom.com/wiki/John
John would also be HEAVILY affected with the behaviour of others like the Samaritans and Jesus himself.
Life after Jesus' death
John would've been devastated. Jesus would have been like a second brother to him and he would be utterly shattered. Then with the resurrection and ascension he woud have been overjoyed. Amazed, even. John stayed in Jerusalem until the spirit of the Holy Spirit promise of the Pentecost had passed and he travelled all the way
After Pentecost, the next known place John went is unclear. He most likely went to his hometown in Galilee, Bethsaida and preached to the people there. He stayed in touch with the others when they went through Samaria and Jerusalem.
Feast Day
The feast day is celebrated on December 27.
John The Apostle Media
John the Apostle, detail of the mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th century
Russian Orthodox icon of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, 18th century (Iconostasis from the Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi Monastery)
John the Evangelist and Peter by Albrecht Dürer (1526)
Byzantine illumination depicting John dictating to his disciple, Prochorus (c. 1100)
Tomb of Saint John the Apostle, Saint John's Basilica, Ephesus, Turkey
Statue of John the Evangelist by August Wredow on Helsinki Cathedral