The topic for this segment of our lessons is the life and writings of the apostle John. John was the author of five books of our New Testament – the Gospel of John, three epistles or letters of John, and the book of Revelation. All of the writings of John were penned after the year 90, making them the last books of the New Testament. Written from the perspective of age and wisdom, it is important for us to know the author so we can best understand his words.
Now write what you see, both the things that already are, and also the things that are going to happen subsequently.
Revelation 1:19
New Testament for Everyone
Revelation 1:19 NASB
Revelation 1:19 ESV
Revelation 1:19 NCV
Revelation 1:19 NKJV
Revelation 1:19 NIV
Revelation 1:19 NLT
Revelation 1:19 MESSAGE
Revelation 1:19 HCSB
Patmos
Visit the island of Patmos from the website, The Insider’s Guide Mysterious Greece
The general consensus among biblical scholars promotes the idea that John was the youngest of the apostles called by Jesus. If that be true, he was probably just a little younger than Jesus, perhaps born at the century’s turn. This would put him in his late 80s or 90s as we discover the writings of John. As we consider some of the characteristics of his life, let’s first examine a very familiar passage from the first chapter of his gospel.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we have contemplated His glory, a glory as of an only-begotten with a father), full of grace and truth; (John bears witness of Him, and he has cried, saying, This was He of whom I said, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me;) for of His fullness we all have received, and grace upon grace. For the law was given by Moses: grace and truth subsists through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the Only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him" (John 1:14-18 DARBY).
I picked this version of the Bible because it properly captures one word. Most translations mentioned that “we saw his glory” or “we beheld his glory.” The word does conjure the idea of noticing. But we notice so many things today. It is not just that we notice there is something different about Jesus – that his life resonates with holiness and glory. John says that he spend almost every free and waking hour thinking about it – wondering what will happen next, trying to perceive how it should impact his behavior and his life.
Honestly, these are the thoughts of an older, wiser individual. The thoughts are noticed and reflected upon in the writings of John. Let’s look at the man who contemplates Jesus at various points of his life.
John – The Son of Thunder
In the Bible, the apostle John is mentioned by name 30 times – in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, and Galatians. He first becomes a character in the book of Matthew:
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen). 19 He said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!” 20 They left their nets immediately and followed him. 21 Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Then he called them. 22 They immediately left the boat and their father and followed him (Matthew 4:18-22 NET).
Mark’s gospel give us an interesting insight into the personality of the brothers: “To James the son of Zebedee, and to his brother John, He (Jesus) gave the name “Boanerges” – that is, “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17 HCSB).
Perhaps this name gives us a glimpse of their nature. Here are a couple of examples during Jesus’ ministry.
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, because no one who does a miracle in my name will be able soon afterward to say anything bad about me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us (Mark 9:38-40).
Commentaries disagree with what to make of this incident. Perhaps the fisherman saw competition in everything around him. Jesus seems to be indicating this isn’t about John being the focus of attention or “winning,” but is gently reminding John of a bigger picture.
A second example also comes from Mark’s gospel. James and John approached and asked for the Master to grant them a request. “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left hand in your glory” (Mark 10:37 NET). Now John was turning the competition within the disciples – and perhaps even with his own brother. Again, Jesus gently, but firmly, steers them a different direction.
Finally, Luke informs us that Jesus and the twelve were heading toward Jerusalem for what would be the final time. As they were walking through Samaria, the people in a village would not welcome them. When they saw the reaction of the villagers, James and John said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them” (Luke 9:54 NET)? This time, Jesus rebuked them – sternly correcting the brothers.
John – The Apostle
The resurrection of Jesus transformed the disciples into Apostles. As they assumed leadership in the early church, John is mentioned on occasion in the book of Acts. History and tradition have John centering his ministry around Ephesus. His position was well-respected and he seems to have led from a position of wisdom and love.
John – The Writer
John ends his days by being known for his picturesque style of writing. His Gospel, three epistles, and book of Revelation provide us with an understanding of Jesus and what it means to be a faithful follower. This “son of thunder” paints a picture of love over and over again.
John – The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
In his gospel, John does not mention himself by name, choosing instead to use the label “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” While that may sound arrogant to today’s reader, a first century reader would conclude the author was the most humble man who ever lived.
John changed his demeanor and attitude because he followed a Messiah who didn’t care about political control. Perhaps we could benefit by doing the same.