Apostle John
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Apostle John in the Bible?
John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, traditionally identified as 'the beloved disciple'. He is historically associated with the early Jerusalem church and later with a significant ministry in Ephesus, Asia Minor.
SIGNIFICANCE
His traditional association with the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation makes him a pivotal figure in early Christian literature. Understanding the traditions surrounding him helps contextualize debates about authorship, literary styles, and the development of early Christian communities in the Roman East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.