Who Is Saint John the Apostle? | The Catholic Saints Podcast

Summary

In this video, Taylor Camp, the director of Formed, interviews Dr. Jim Prothro, a professor of sacred scripture and theology, about St. John the Evangelist. They discuss John's close relationship with Jesus, his role as an apostle, and his contributions to the New Testament. The conversation highlights John's transformation from an impetuous follower to a devoted apostle, emphasizing the spiritual insights found in his Gospel and letters, particularly the importance of love as the core of Christian faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Jim Prothro and Taylor Camp discuss the life and significance of St. John the Evangelist in the context of Catholic tradition.
• 🗓️ The Feast of St. John is celebrated on December 27th, following the Christmas season and highlighting his contributions to the New Testament.
• 🎣 John, one of the sons of Zebedee, was originally a fisherman before becoming one of Jesus's closest disciples.
• 🔝 John, along with Peter and James, formed Jesus's 'Inner Circle,' witnessing events such as the raising of Jairus's daughter and the Transfiguration.
• 📖 Dr. Prothro emphasizes that John's role in the Inner Circle was due to his mission as an apostle, rather than a hierarchy of personal intimacy with Jesus.
• 💬 The term 'apostle' signifies being 'sent ones,' chosen by Jesus for their authoritative role in representing him and preaching the kingdom of God.
• 👀 John's Gospel is unique for its spiritual emphasis and its presentation of Jesus as the Eternal Word of God made flesh, offering a different perspective on Jesus's life.
• 📜 The Gospel of John is believed to be the last of the four gospels written, providing a spiritual complement to the synoptic gospels.
• 👴 Tradition holds that John lived a long life, preaching in Ephesus and was eventually exiled to Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation.
• ❤️ The central message of John's Gospel and letters is the command to love one another, reflecting Jesus's teachings and the essence of the Christian faith.
• 🙏 Dr. Prothro suggests approaching John's Gospel with an understanding of its spiritual depth and unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video discussing with Taylor Camp?

The speaker in the video is Dr. Jim Prothro, a professor of Sacred Scripture and Theology.

What is the Feast of St. John the Evangelist celebrated on?

The Feast of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated on December 27th.

What is unique about the relationship between Jesus and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, in the Gospels?

James and John, along with Peter, form Jesus's Inner Circle. They are privy to special events and teachings that other disciples are not, indicating a higher level of intimacy and trust.

What significant event is mentioned as being witnessed only by Peter, James, and John?

The raising of Jairus's daughter from the dead is an event witnessed only by Peter, James, and John, signifying their close relationship with Jesus.

Why were Peter, James, and John the only disciples taken to the Mount of Transfiguration?

They were taken to the Mount of Transfiguration to witness Jesus's glory and hear the voice of God the Father, reinforcing their roles as his inner circle and preparing them for his death and resurrection.

What is the term used to describe the group of people closest to Jesus, including Peter, James, and John?

The term used to describe this group is 'Inner Circle,' indicating their special status and close relationship with Jesus.

What is the significance of the term 'Apostle' as used in the context of the 12 disciples?

The term 'Apostle' means 'sent one' and refers to those chosen by Jesus for an authoritative role in representing him, including the power to heal and cast out demons.

How does the Gospel of John differ from the synoptic gospels in its portrayal of Jesus?

The Gospel of John is considered more 'spiritual' in nature, emphasizing spiritual realities and offering a unique perspective on Jesus's life and teachings, often focusing on his divine nature.

What is the 'new commandment' given by Jesus as mentioned in the Gospel of John?

The 'new commandment' given by Jesus in the Gospel of John is to 'love one another as I have loved you,' signifying the importance of love in the new covenant.

What is the core message emphasized by St. John in his Gospel and letters?

The core message emphasized by St. John is the command to love one another, which he sees as the essence of Christian faith and the way to recognize Jesus's disciples.

How did St. John's Gospel and letters come to be associated with the authorship of John the Evangelist?

The association comes from early church tradition and scholarly consensus, recognizing the unique perspective and intimate knowledge of Jesus's life that John the Evangelist would have had as part of his Inner Circle.