Topical Encyclopedia John, mentioned in the New Testament, is identified as a relative of Annas, the high priest. His presence is noted in the context of the early Christian church's interactions with Jewish religious authorities. The specific reference to John is found in the Book of Acts, which provides insight into the challenges faced by the apostles as they spread the message of Jesus Christ.Biblical Reference: In Acts 4:5-6 , we read: "The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family." This passage places John among the influential religious leaders of the time, indicating his connection to the high priestly family. The gathering was convened to address the growing influence of the apostles, particularly Peter and John, following the healing of a lame man and the subsequent preaching in the name of Jesus. Historical and Religious Context: Annas, the high priest, was a significant figure in Jewish religious life during the early first century. Although he served as high priest from AD 6 to 15, his influence persisted through his family, as several of his sons and his son-in-law, Caiaphas, also held the office. The mention of John alongside Annas and Caiaphas suggests that he was part of this powerful priestly lineage, which played a crucial role in the religious and political dynamics of Judea under Roman rule. The high priestly family, including John, was deeply involved in maintaining the religious traditions and authority of the Jewish people. Their interactions with the early Christian movement were often marked by tension, as the apostles' teachings challenged established beliefs and threatened the status quo. Role in the Early Church's Challenges: The presence of John in the assembly that questioned Peter and John highlights the opposition faced by the early church from established religious authorities. The apostles were brought before this council to explain their actions and teachings, which were seen as subversive to the traditional Jewish faith. Acts 4:7-10 records the questioning: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ as the source of their authority and the power behind the miraculous healing. John's role, while not extensively detailed, represents the broader resistance from the Jewish leadership to the nascent Christian movement. The high priestly family's involvement underscores the significant religious and political challenges the apostles faced as they proclaimed the gospel. Theological Implications: The mention of John in this context serves as a reminder of the early church's struggle against established religious powers. It highlights the courage and conviction of the apostles, who, despite facing opposition from influential figures like John and his relatives, continued to preach the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This narrative emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling the apostles to stand firm in their faith and witness. John's association with Annas and the high priestly family also illustrates the complex interplay between religious authority and the emerging Christian faith. The early church's encounters with figures like John reflect the broader theme of conflict and eventual separation between Judaism and Christianity as distinct religious traditions. Nave's Topical Index Acts 4:6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Nave's Topical Index Library The Trial Before the High Priest. Peter and John Examined by the Council. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... John. Homilies on the Gospel of John. The Gospel of Luke Resources Did Jesus lie to His brothers in John 7:8 10? | GotQuestions.orgWho baptized John the Baptist? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 1 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org John: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics John: A Relative of Annas the High Priest John: Affected Probably by the Doctrines of the Stoics John: Herod Antipas Falsely Supposes Jesus to Be John: His Influence Upon the Public Mind John: His Ministry not Attested by Miracles John: Reproves Herod Antipas on Account of his Incest; Herod Imprisons Him, and Beheads Him John: Sends Two Disciples to Jesus John: Teaches his Disciples to Fast John: Teaches his Disciples to Pray John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus John: The Apostle is Intrusted With the Care of Mary, Mother of Jesus John: The Apostle is Present With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane John: The Apostle: A Pillar of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) John: The Apostle: Civil Ambitions of John: The Apostle: Imprisoned by the Rulers of the Jews John: The Apostle: Intimately Associated With Jesus John: The Apostle: Intolerance of John: The Apostle: Lives in Jerusalem John: The Apostle: Prepares the Passover Meal John: The Apostle: Present at the Crucifixion John: The Apostle: Present at the Gravesite of Jesus John: The Apostle: Present at the Trial of Jesus Which Took Place in Front of the High Priest John: The Apostle: Present when Jesus Revealed Himself at the Lake Galilee John: The Apostle: Present With Peter in the Temple Courtyard John: The Apostle: Prophecy Concerning John: The Apostle: Sent by the Jerusalem Congregation With the Commission to Samaria John: The Apostle: The Epistles of John John: The Apostle: The healing of Peter's mother-in-law John: The Apostle: The raising of the daughter of Jairus John: The Apostle: The transfiguration John: The Apostle: The two catches of fish John: The Apostle: Writes his Apocalyptic Vision from Patmos Island John: The Baptist: Prophecies Concerning John: The Testimony of Jesus Concerning (See Below, Jesus Discourses Upon) Related Terms |
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