St. John the Apostle, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, was known as the "Beloved Disciple" and the author of the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. He was the only apostle to remain with Jesus at the crucifixion and was entrusted with the care of the Virgin Mary. He lived to old age, dying around 100 AD in Ephesus. His feast day is celebrated on December 27.
St. John the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus and played a central role in early Christianity. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the younger brother of St. James the Greater. Along with Peter and James, he was part of Jesus’ inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane.
John is often referred to as the "Beloved Disciple" in the Gospel that bears his name. He had a deep and intimate relationship with Christ, reflected in the fact that he was the only apostle present at the crucifixion. As Jesus was dying on the cross, He entrusted His mother, Mary, to John's care, saying, "Behold your mother" (John 19:27). This act highlights John's role as a spiritual son to Mary and the protector of the early Christian community.
After the resurrection, John became a leader in the early Church. He preached in Jerusalem and later traveled to Ephesus, where he spent much of his later life. According to tradition, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions that formed the Book of Revelation. After Domitian's death, John returned to Ephesus, where he continued to guide the Christian community.
John was the only apostle who was not martyred. He died peacefully around 100 AD, making him the longest-living apostle. His theological writings, especially the Gospel of John, emphasize Jesus as the divine Word made flesh and highlight love as the foundation of Christian life. His three Epistles reinforce this theme, urging believers to walk in the truth and love one another.
His tomb in Ephesus became a revered pilgrimage site, and his influence extended into Christian theology, shaping the Church’s understanding of Jesus’ divinity and love. He is honored as a patron saint of love, loyalty, writers, and theologians. His legacy continues through the writings attributed to him, which remain essential to Christian teaching. His feast day is celebrated on December 27.