Topical Bible: John: Ministry of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ministry of John the Apostle, often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23), is a significant aspect of the New Testament narrative. As one of the original twelve apostles, John's ministry is marked by his close relationship with Jesus, his role in the early church, and his contributions to the New Testament canon.

Early Life and Calling

John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James, was a fisherman by trade. He was called by Jesus while mending nets by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:21-22). Along with Peter and James, John was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2) and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37).

Role Among the Apostles

John's ministry is characterized by his deep spiritual insight and his emphasis on love and truth. He is often depicted as a figure of authority and influence within the early church. After the resurrection of Jesus, John, along with Peter, played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the early Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1-11).

Writings and Theological Contributions

John is traditionally credited with the authorship of the Gospel of John, three epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), and the Book of Revelation. His writings are distinct for their theological depth and focus on the divinity of Christ. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14) and emphasizes themes of light, life, and love.

In his epistles, John addresses the importance of love as a defining characteristic of the Christian life: "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). He also warns against false teachings and encourages believers to remain steadfast in the truth.

Exile and Revelation

According to early church tradition, John spent his later years in Ephesus, where he continued to minister and teach. During the reign of Emperor Domitian, John was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9). This apocalyptic work provides a prophetic vision of the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Legacy and Influence

John's ministry and writings have had a profound impact on Christian theology and spirituality. His emphasis on the love of God and the truth of the Gospel continues to inspire believers. The Johannine literature remains a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, offering insights into the nature of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 3:1-3
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
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Mark 1:4
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
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Luke 3:2,3
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
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John 1:6-8
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
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Library

From the Commencement of Christ's Public Ministry to the Triumphal ...
... his organs. The sphere of John's ministry was calculated to offer the
best point of transition to Christ's independent labours. ...
/.../part i from the commencement.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... It seems to close the ministry of John, and to open that of Jesus; it is the
leave-taking of the nearest disciples of John from the old, their search after the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

First Ministry in Jud??a --John's Second Testimony.
... From the First to the Second Passover. (Time: One Year.) XXV. First Ministry in
Jud??a"John's Second Testimony. ... [John's Gospel shows that the ministry of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxv first ministry in judaeajohns.htm

Christ's Ministry Begins.
... their education, but went from the carpenter's bench to John's baptism, was ... of lonely
preparation, and then reappears at this point, to begin his ministry. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christs ministry begins.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... CHAPTER I. FROM JOHN YEARDLEY's CONVERSION TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS
PUBLIC MINISTRY. 1803"1815. John Yeardley was born on the ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

John's Salutation to the Churches.
... These churches had all been under the general supervision of John's ministry; and
for this reason, doubtless, they are especially designated, instead of those ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/johns salutation to the churches.htm

In the First Three Gospels the Passover is Spoken of Only at the ...
... Tenth Book. 14. In the First Three Gospels the Passover is Spoken of Only at the
Close of the Ministry; In John at the Beginning. Remarks on This. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/14 in the first three.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... During the last six or eight months of John's ministry we find him in this
northern field, preparing it for Christ's kingdom. While ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... But from the language of the evangelist we might infer that, first and last, something
like a million people may have attended John's ministry] the country of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor.
... John Scrimzeor was again called upon to answer, and the bishop of St. Andrews alleged
against him, that he had promised either to conform or quit his ministry, ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 4.htm