Lifespan

Exact dates are not known.

Ministry

John is the author of the Gospel of John. He was one of three Apostles during Jesus Christ’s ministry who were witness to the raising of Jairus’s daughter, the Transfiguration, and the Savior’s agony in Gethsemane. Following Jesus’ Crucifixion and subsequent Resurrection, John continued to teach the gospel. After he was banished to the isle of Patmos for doing so, he continued writing and is responsible for having written what is now know as the book of Revelation.

Preparation and Calling

John seems to have been an early disciple of John the Baptist. Professionally he was a fairly successful fisherman on the Sea of Galilee prior to his being called to serve as one of Jesus’s Twelve Apostles. Jesus called both him and his brother, James, while they were mending fishing nets with their father. Their obedience is demonstrated by the simple statement: “They immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (Matt. 4:22).

Interaction with God

John’s love for the Savior is clear from the accounts of the Crucifixion and Resurrection in particular. That he sought and received direction from the heavens himself is manifest by the book that now concludes the New Testament-the Revelation of St. John.

Social Situation

Proselyting a new religion.

Key Teachings

John’s teachings are filled with imagery and symbols-light, dark, vines, sheep, and the like. Such images are combined with a love for Jesus Christ to bear firm testimony of the Son of God.

Testimony of Christ

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).

Living with the Prophet

John was working with his brother James, alongside his father, mending fishing nets for the family business when Jesus called to him and invited him to follow and become one of his disciples. Immediately the two sons of Zebedee left their nets to follow the Master. Little is said of their father, but it is difficult to believe that both sons would leave their father alone without his encouragement to do so. How can you be more supportive of people you love-family and friends-who become involved in doing good to others?

Sources:

LDS Bible Dictionary

Oxford Companion to the Bible, edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan