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Apostle of love
John the Apostle
1st century AD · c. AD 6–100
Life
Son of Zebedee, brother of James. 'The disciple whom Jesus loved.' Cared for Mary after the cross. Exiled to Patmos.
Leaned on Jesus' breast; cared for Mary; wrote a Gospel, three letters, and Revelation.
Key Facts
- Inner circle (Peter, James, John)
- At the cross
- First to believe at the tomb
- Exiled to Patmos
- Wrote 5 NT books
Why this matters
Last surviving apostle; gave the church the most exalted portrait of Christ's deity.
Where to Read
Contemporaries
Mary, mother of Jesus
Mother of the Messiah
c. 18 BC – AD 48
Joseph of Nazareth
Earthly father of Jesus
c. 25 BC – AD 20
John the Baptist
Forerunner of Christ
c. 5 BC – AD 28
Jesus of Nazareth
Messiah, Son of God
c. 4 BC – AD 33
Peter
Apostle
c. AD 1–64
Paul (Saul of Tarsus)
Apostle to the Gentiles
c. AD 5–67
Barnabas
Son of Encouragement
Apostolic
Timothy
Paul's young companion, pastor of Ephesus
Apostolic
Luke
Physician, historian
Apostolic