John: The Disciple Jesus Loved

by Robb Moser

John the Apostle was the brother of James the Greater. He was one, probably the younger, of the sons of Zebedee and Salome. He was born at Bethsaida. His father was apparently a man of some wealth. He was doubtless trained in all that constituted the ordinary education of Jewish youth. When he grew up he followed the occupation of a fisherman on the Lake of Galilee. When John the Baptist began his ministry in the wilderness of Judea, John, with many others, gathered round him, and was deeply influenced by his teaching. There he heard the announcement, Behold the Lamb of God, on the invitation of Jesus, became a disciple and ranked among his followers for a time. He and his brother then returned to their former avocation, for how long is uncertain. Jesus again called them, and now they left all and permanently attached themselves to the company of his disciples. He became one of the innermost circle. He was the disciple Jesus loved. In zeal and intensity of character he was a Boanerges. This spirit once and again broke out. At the betrayal he and Peter follow Christ afar off, while the others betake themselves to hasty flight. At the trial he follows Christ into the council chamber, and thence to the praetorium and to the place of crucifixion. To him and Peter, Mary first conveys tidings of the resurrection and they are the first to go and see what her strange words mean.

After the resurrection he and Peter again return to the Sea of Galilee, where the Lord reveals himself to them. We find Peter and John frequently after this together. John remained apparently in Jerusalem as the leader of the church there. His subsequent history is unrecorded. He was not there, however, at the time of Paul's last visit. He appears to have retired to Ephesus but at what time is unknown. The seven churches of Asia were the objects of his special care. He suffered under persecution, and was banished to Patmos; he again returned to Ephesus, where he died, probably about 98 AD having outlived all or nearly all the friends and companions even of his later years. There are many interesting traditions regarding John during his residence at Ephesus, but these cannot claim the character of historical truth.

This Gospel was probably written at Ephesus about 78 AD. The Gospel was addressed primarily to Christians, not pagans. There can be little doubt that the main object of John, who wrote after the other evangelists, is to supplement their narratives, which were almost confined to our Lord's life in Galilee. It was the Gospel for the Church, to cultivate and cherish the spiritual life of Christians and bring them into the closest relations to the divine Savior. It gives the inner life and teachings of Christ as revealed to his disciples. Nearly two thirds of the whole book belong to the last six months of our Lord's life, and one third is the record of the last week.

The following is an abridgment of its The Prologue. The History. Various events relating to our Lord's ministry, narrated in connection with seven journeys. First journey, into Judea, and beginning of his ministry. Second journey, at the passover in the first year of his ministry. Third journey, in the second year of his ministry, about the passover. Fourth journey, about the passover, in the third year of his ministry, beyond Jordan. Fifth journey, six months before his death, begun at the feast of tabernacles. Sixth journey, about the feast of dedication. Seventh journey, in Judea towards Bethany. Eighth journey, before his last passover. History of the death of Christ. Preparation for his passion. The circumstances of his passion and death. His resurrection, and the proofs of it. The Conclusion. Scope of the foregoing history. Confirmation of the authority of the evangelist by additional historical facts, and by the testimony of the elders of the Church. Reason of the termination of the history...

27 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2015

About the author

Robb Moser was the pastor of Way Home Church and the publisher of Verse to Verse. Robb was a Word of God preacher and a Gospel of Jesus teacher. Moser studied at Moody Bible Institute and Reformed Theological Seminary.

He was raised in the Presbyterian church and attended Congregational, Lutheran, and community churches for 50+ years before starting a home church called the Way on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011. The Way was the name of the Jesus followers and the Christ believers. Acts 24:14 But this I admit to you that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.