It is the oldest city in North America, which at the same time is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The establishment of St. John’s started in 1497 with John Cabot. Much history marked this place; therefore, it is considered one of the best cities for fishery and trade.
There were so many battles, explorations, and maritime activities during its history. Boast a colorful row house, historical sites, an extremely lively cultural scene truly bringing along old-world charm but now with a touch of modern vibrancy.
History Find out why the story behind St John History is so compelling as to see the stories which create this city’s icon status.
St John in Religious Context
St. John is believed to be the closest one with Jesus Christ. He is often referred to as “St. John the Apostle” or “St. John the Evangelist.” Briefly, who is this important figure of religion?
- Apostle of Jesus: St. John is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. This special relation he had with Jesus made him “the beloved disciple.”
- Author of Biblical Texts: Some of the most crucial works he wrote for the New Testament of the Bible of Christianity include the following: Gospel of John; three epistles; and Book of Revelation.
Key Works
The Gospel of John:
- This gospel mainly deals with love, light, and truth. Among its most popular verses, it is found that there is the expression of love of God for the world in John 3:16.
- Unique Perspective: Even as other Gospels feature a few common miracles and teachings, John’s account comprises some unique miracles and teachings, which offer a new perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus.
Epistles:
- Three letters from John provide ways on living as faithful Christians. It teaches about aspects in the person of God pertaining to love, truth, and fellowship.
Book of Revelation
This book has John’s visions of the end times when the future was seen regarding the condition of Christians under persecution. Here lies the final victory of good over evil. The symbols of St. John
Eagle: St. John is shown with an eagle in several Christian art forms that represent the soaring and lofty quality of his Gospel, with it dealing with the divine in Jesus.
Feast Days
December 27 is the feast day in the Western Christian. In the Eastern Orthodox, he is remembered on quite a number of dates. The most important date taken is May 8. He is considered to be the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendships and authors.
Historical Background of St John’s
St. John is also referred to as John the Apostle and John the Evangelist. Brief background history of him goes as follows:
Early Life
Birth and Family:
- St. John was born around 6 AD in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee.
- He was the son to Zebedee, who was a fisherman, and Salome. He had a brother, James, who was also among Jesus’s twelve apostles.
Followed Jesus
Calling by Jesus:
- John and his brother James were among the first disciples whom Jesus called. The two were fishermen and going about their father’s business.
- He called them away from their fishing nets to follow him so he could make of them “fishers of men.”
Close Relationship with Jesus:
- The title ‘dearly beloved‘ in common reference is given to John simply because John had a closest and very special relationship to Jesus.
- He is said to have been an intimate follower of Jesus only with Peter and James concerning these major events, which appear as witnesses to the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’s daughter
Major Events
Witnesses to Jesus’ Ministry
- John witnessed most of the miracles and teachings of Jesus and saw firsthand how he could relate later while writing down in his works.
The Last Supper
- John sat at the right hand of Jesus during the last supper; he leaned on the breast, and that is why he was a good friend to the Lord.
During Crucifixion:
- He stood with the other men by the cross of Jesus, near his mother Mary. And as he stood there, Jesus looked at John and said, “Behold your mother.”
During Early Church:
- After Jesus had risen and ascended to heaven, John was meant to be one of the pillars of the early church.
- John was among the pillars of the Jerusalem church along with Peter and James.
Exile to Patmos
- According to tradition, John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The visions that appear in the Book of Revelation are said to have been received in Patmos.
Works
Gospel of John:
- John’s Gospel is unique from the Synoptic Gospels; these are Matthew, Mark and Luke. The main topics that are covered are that Jesus is heavenly, and this has unique stories and messages.
Letters of John:
- He wrote three about issues concerning love and truth to hospitality in that body of believers; 1, 2 and 3 John
Book of Revelation:
- This book of prophecies was actually written with the author’s visions of the apocalyptic end times and judgment in which ultimate good triumphed over evil.
Ephesus
- He spent the last years of his life in Ephesus which is one of the biggest cities in modern Turkey continuously teaching and preaching.
Death:
- He died of old age about AD 100. Traditionally, it is said that he is the only apostle who died of natural old age besides his martyrdom.
Tradition
Feast Days :
- He is commemorated in the Western Christian tradition on December 27th. There are many dates for the celebration of him in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Patronages
He is believed to be the patron saint for love, loyalty, friendships, authors, and theologians.
The life and writings of St. John will influence the concept of Christianity throughout a man’s life.
His life and writings are a source of very deep insight into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
It is said that he was very close to Jesus, and his contribution to the New Testament makes him one of the most important persons in Christian history.
Conclusion
St. John has a very special place in the Christian era as deeply bonded with Jesus Christ and highly contributory to the New Testament. Being one of the apostles closest to Jesus, his writings-majorly, the Gospel of John, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation-are inspiration to and guidance for the whole Christian world.
The strong emphasis on love, truth, and the divine nature of Christ in his teachings makes them ageless and relevant.
The legacy of St. John as a faithful disciple and author ensures that his place is well represented in the list of people important in the establishment and expansion of Christianity.
