Apostle · Disciple · New Testament
The Story of John the apostle
Son of Zebedee. Not John the Baptist or John Mark.
Also: John, Yohana (Kiswahili)
Fisherman and apostle, son of Zebedee and brother of James, a leader of the early church in Jerusalem.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
John, son of Zebedee, left his nets with his brother James to follow Jesus. He was one of three disciples present at Jairus' house, the Transfiguration and Gethsemane. Mark 1:19–20Mark 5:37Mark 9:2Mark 14:33
After the resurrection he went with Peter to the temple, spoke boldly before the council, and was counted with James and Cephas as a pillar of the church. Acts 3:1Acts 4:13Galatians 2:9
Christian tradition identifies him with the unnamed disciple whom Jesus loved in John's Gospel, and with the John of Revelation; the texts themselves do not state either identification. John 13:23John 21:20–24Revelation 1:9
Life at a glance
- Family
- Son of Zebedee; brother of James Mark 1:19
- Nickname
- Boanerges, sons of thunder (with James) Mark 3:17
- Work
- Fisherman Luke 5:10
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of John the apostle
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Called from the boat
Jesus calls John and James from mending their nets.
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Parallel account: Matthew 4:21–22 · Luke 5:10–11
People: James, son of Zebedee, Jesus
With Jesus at the key moments
John witnesses the raising of Jairus' daughter and the Transfiguration.
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People: Simon Peter, James, son of Zebedee
The request for places of honour
John and James ask for the places at Jesus' right and left.
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People: James, son of Zebedee, Jesus
Preparing the Passover
Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal.
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People: Simon Peter
The disciple Jesus loved (traditional identification)
John's Gospel tells of a disciple whom Jesus loved, reclining next to him at supper and entrusted with Jesus' mother at the cross. Tradition identifies him as John; the Gospel does not name him.
The identification of the beloved disciple with John son of Zebedee is a tradition, not a statement of the text.
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Supporting passage: John 20:2–8 · John 21:20–24
People: Jesus, Mary, mother of Jesus, Simon Peter
With Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria
Acts 3:1–11 · Acts 4:13–21 · Acts 8:14–25
John goes with Peter to the temple when the lame man is healed, stands before the council, and is sent with Peter to Samaria.
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People: Simon Peter
A pillar of the church
Paul writes that James, Cephas and John, reputed pillars, gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.
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People: Paul, Barnabas, Simon Peter
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret John the apostle. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
- Luke 9:49–50 — John reports someone casting out demons in Jesus' name.
- Acts 1:13
- Acts 12:2 — His brother James is killed.
Family and relationships
- James, son of ZebedeeBrotherMark 1:19
- Simon PeterFellow apostleActs 3:1
- JesusTeacher and LordMark 1:20
Books associated with John the apostle
- John Traditionally attributed author
The Gospel says it rests on the testimony of the disciple whom Jesus loved, without naming him. Tradition identifies him as John son of Zebedee; scholars debate this. John 21:24
- 1 John Traditionally attributed author
1 John names no author; tradition links it to John.
- 2 John Traditionally attributed author
Written by 'the elder', traditionally identified as John. 2 John 1
- 3 John Traditionally attributed author
Written by 'the elder', traditionally identified as John. 3 John 1
- Revelation Attributed author (attribution debated)
Revelation names its author as John but not which John. Tradition identifies him with the apostle; this has been debated since early times. Revelation 1:1Revelation 1:9
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
LoveWitness
- What does Peter and John's answer in Acts 4:19-20 show?
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