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, John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). His experiences and contributions to the early Christian church are significant, including his imprisonment by the Jewish authorities, which highlights the early persecution faced by the apostles.Context of Imprisonment The imprisonment of John, alongside Peter, is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to preach the gospel boldly. This newfound boldness led to increased attention from the Jewish authorities, who were determined to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. Acts 4:1-3 recounts the incident: "As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day." The apostles' teaching about Jesus and the resurrection directly challenged the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection of the dead. This theological conflict, coupled with the growing influence of the apostles, prompted the Jewish leaders to act. Interrogation and Boldness The following day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. Acts 4:7-10 describes the interrogation: "They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: 'By what power or what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.'" John, alongside Peter, demonstrated remarkable courage and conviction, attributing the miraculous healing of a lame man to the power of Jesus Christ. Their boldness astonished the Sanhedrin, who recognized them as unschooled, ordinary men but noted that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Release and Continued Ministry Despite the pressure from the Jewish authorities, Peter and John remained steadfast in their mission. The Sanhedrin, unable to deny the miracle and fearing the reaction of the people, ultimately released them with a warning not to speak in the name of Jesus. However, Peter and John responded, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). This incident underscores the early church's commitment to the Great Commission, as well as the divine empowerment that enabled the apostles to withstand persecution. John's imprisonment, though brief, is a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the gospel, even in the face of opposition from the Jewish rulers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 4:1-19And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them, Nave's Topical Index Library Patmos Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... Delivered from Prison The Foundation of the Church among the Jews Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth. The Introduction of the Gospel into Europe, and the Ministry of ... 2 Timothy i. 10-Aug The Almost Christian Paul Before the Council. The King on his Throne. 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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