John, Son of Zebedee
- Born:
- c. 6 AD, Bethsaida or Capernaum, Galilee (probable)
- Died:
- c. 100 AD, Ephesus (traditional)
- Nationality:
- Jewish
- Profession(s):
- Apostle, Fisherman, Religious Leader, Theologian, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born in Galilee, likely in Bethsaida or Capernaum.
- Son of Zebedee and Salome.
- Brother of James the Greater, also an apostle.
- Worked as a fisherman with his father and brother on the Sea of Galilee.
Career and Major Achievements
- Called as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
- Part of Jesus's inner circle, along with Peter and James.
- Witnessed key events such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden.
- Traditionally identified as the "disciple whom Jesus loved."
- Played a significant role in the early Christian community after the ascension of Jesus.
- According to tradition, he ministered in Ephesus and surrounding regions.
Notable Works
- The Gospel of John (attributed)
- The Johannine Epistles: 1 John, 2 John, 3 John (attributed)
- The Book of Revelation (attributed)
Legacy and Impact
The lasting legacy of John, son of Zebedee, rests primarily on his attributed writings, which offer a unique theological perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. His contributions to Christian theology continue to influence believers worldwide.
Attributed Writings
| Title | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gospel of John | Gospel | Presents Jesus as the divine Logos and emphasizes His relationship with the Father. |
| 1 John | Epistle | Focuses on themes of love, obedience, and the nature of sin. |
| 2 John | Epistle | Warns against false teachers and encourages walking in truth and love. |
| 3 John | Epistle | Commends Gaius for his hospitality and warns against Diotrephes's pride. |
| Book of Revelation | Apocalyptic Literature | A vision of the end times, filled with symbolic language and imagery. |
Final Years
- Tradition holds that John lived to an old age, possibly the last of the apostles to die.
- He ministered in Ephesus and surrounding regions.
- The exact circumstances of his death are not recorded in the New Testament, but tradition states he died of old age in Ephesus.
The story of his life and works is considered an important part of the biblical cannon. This short presentation about the biography of john the gospel writer is a summary.