Topical Bible: John: Character of

◄ John: Character of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

John, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his significant contributions to the early Christian church. His character is multifaceted, reflecting both his human nature and his spiritual transformation through his walk with Christ.

Beloved Disciple

John is often referred to as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). This unique designation highlights the special bond between John and Jesus, suggesting a deep, personal relationship characterized by love and trust. This closeness is further evidenced by John's presence at critical moments in Jesus' ministry, such as the Last Supper and the crucifixion, where he stood by Jesus' mother, Mary (John 19:26-27).

Zealous and Ambitious

Initially, John, along with his brother James, displayed a zealous and ambitious nature. They were nicknamed "Boanerges," meaning "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17), indicative of their fiery temperament. This zeal is evident in their request to Jesus for positions of honor in His kingdom (Mark 10:35-37) and their desire to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54). These instances reveal a passionate, albeit sometimes misguided, commitment to Jesus' mission.

Transformative Humility

Over time, John's character underwent a significant transformation. His initial ambition and zeal were tempered by humility and love, reflecting the teachings and example of Jesus. This transformation is evident in his writings, where themes of love, truth, and fellowship are prominent. In his epistles, John emphasizes the importance of love as the defining mark of a true believer: "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

Witness and Testifier

John's role as a witness and testifier of Jesus' life and ministry is central to his character. He begins his Gospel with a profound theological statement about the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) and consistently presents Jesus as the Son of God. His firsthand accounts provide a unique perspective on Jesus' teachings and miracles, underscoring his commitment to truth and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Spiritual Insight and Vision

John's character is also marked by spiritual insight and vision. He is the author of the Book of Revelation, a complex and symbolic work that reveals his deep understanding of spiritual realities and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. His ability to convey profound spiritual truths through vivid imagery demonstrates a mature faith and a keen awareness of God's redemptive plan.

Faithful and Enduring

Throughout his life, John remained faithful to his calling as an apostle. Tradition holds that he was the only apostle to die of natural causes, having lived to an old age. His enduring faith and leadership in the early church, particularly in Ephesus, reflect a steadfast commitment to Christ and His teachings. John's character, shaped by his experiences with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, serves as a model of love, faithfulness, and spiritual insight for believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 6:20
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Nave's Topical Index

John 5:35
He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Life and Character of John
... A proper appreciation of John's character as thus set forth removes the chief
difficulty of ascribing the Apocalypse and the fourth Gospel to one and the same ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... I. SWISS REFORMED CONFESSIONS. 56. John Calvin. His Life and Character. Literature
I. Works and Correspondence of Calvin. Joannis Calvini. ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

A Brief Character of Mr John Bunyan
... A brief Character of Mr JOHN BUNYAN. He appeared in countenance to be of
a stern and rough temper, but in his conversation mild and ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a brief character of mr.htm

John Knox.
... Scotland. If any man ever lived to some purpose, and left the indelible impress
of his character upon posterity, it was John Knox. His ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 88 john knox.htm

There were Two Embassies to John the Baptist; the Different ...
... second disposes of the suspicion of those who were in doubt whether John could be ...
what is said by the first envoys is in keeping with the character of priests ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/5 there were two embassies.htm

The Character of the New Testament Scripture.
... your joy may be full.""1 John 1:4. From the two preceding articles it is evident
that the New Testament Scripture was not intended to bear the character of a ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxv the character of the.htm

The Word was in the Beginning, IE , in Wisdom, which Contained all ...
... This is what John suggested when he said about the Word: [4546] "That which was
made ... God have yet become such persons as not to need Him in His character as a ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the word was in.htm

John Chapter xiii. 26-31.
... things are hurtful, and evil things are beneficial, according to the character of
the ... that we come to the moment when, in accordance with John's account, the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxii john chapter xiii.htm

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... is very emphatically expressed in the original"overcometh the world.1 John 5:4 ...
Christians; but it is an essential branch of every good man's character; for he ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

John Chapter xvi. 29-33.
... John Chapter XVI. ... then present, or to those who should either hear the things that
were to be spoken or read them when written, what was the character of those ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ciii john chapter xvi.htm