The Gospel of John
Who Was John the Apostle in the Bible?
Apostle John is the author of five New Testament books: the gospel of John, his three short epistles, and the book of Revelation. He was part of Jesus’ “inner circle” and, along with Peter and James, was given the privilege of witnessing Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah on the mount of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). His importance in the Twelve grew as he matured; after the crucifixion, he became a “pillar” in the Jerusalem church, ministered with Peter (Acts 3:1), and finally was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans, where he received from God the majestic visions that comprise the book of Revelation.[1]
• Enjoy this epic 2003 video (full movie, 3 hrs.): narrator (Christopher Plummer), Jesus (Henry Ian Cusick), John (Stuart Bunce), Simon Peter (Daniel Kash), Judas Iscariot (Alan van Sprang); a word-for-word adaptation of the Good News Bible (GNT).
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John has a clear statement of purpose near the end of his gospel, as we read in John 20:30–31. He writes to provoke faith in Jesus, resulting in eternal life. As the last surviving apostle, he viewed his role as standing firm for the truth against those who would deny it. He remained passionate to proclaim the One who was “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).[2]
Watch this animated video (9 minutes) by The Bible Project, which provides a biblical overview of “John’s gospel,” chapters 1 through 12. The follow-up overview video (8.5 min.) of the second half of John’s gospel can be seen here.
