APOSTLE JOHN IS STILL LIVING ON EARTH ? | IS HE STILL ALIVE DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST | #jesus #2023

Summary

The script delves into the enigmatic statement from John 21:22, where Jesus speaks about John's life in a way that has led to speculation about whether John the Apostle might still be alive today. The video explores various interpretations, including the hyperbolic view that Jesus used language for emphasis rather than a literal prediction, the preterist perspective that the statement referred to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the literal view, notably held by the Mormon Church, which suggests John has been living for two millennia. The script also touches on the historical context and the influence of John's teachings, while acknowledging the enduring curiosity and debates this biblical passage has sparked.

Takeaways

• 😮 The script discusses a mysterious statement made by Jesus in John 21 about the life of John the Apostle, which has intrigued believers for centuries.
• 🤔 It raises the question of whether John is still alive today, a possibility that some religious organizations have considered as part of their teachings.
• 📚 John the Apostle, born around 6 CE, was a close disciple of Jesus and an influential early church leader who wrote the Gospel of John.
• 📖 According to church tradition, John died from old age between 98 and 100 CE, contradicting the idea that he might still be alive.
• 📝 The conversation in John 21:19-23 between Jesus and Peter is the basis for speculations about John's life span.
• 🔍 There are three main interpretations of Jesus's words in John 21:22: hyperbolic, preterist, and literal perspectives.
• 🔗 The hyperbolic view suggests Jesus used exaggerated language to make a point about Peter's attitude and is widely accepted among Christians.
• 🕍 The preterist perspective links Jesus's statement to the destruction of Jerusalem, a less popular interpretation based on an obscure belief.
• 🌟 The literal perspective, notably held by the Mormon Church, interprets Jesus's words as a factual claim that John has been alive for two thousand years.
• 📜 The Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations in Mormonism, includes a section that supports the belief in John's continued existence.
• 🧐 Despite the historical and theological debate, no major Christian denomination today claims that the Apostle John is still living.

Q & A

What is the mysterious statement made by Jesus in John 21 that has intrigued people for centuries?

The mysterious statement is found in John 21:22-23, where Jesus tells Peter, 'If I want him to stay until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.' This statement has led to speculation about whether John the Apostle is still alive today.

What did your middle school teacher suggest when asked about John's possible current existence?

Your middle school teacher, known to be a prankster, suggested that it was possible for John to still be alive today, sparking a week-long debate among the students.

What is the historical context of John the Apostle's life and death?

John the Apostle was born around 6 CE, became one of Jesus's closest disciples, and an influential early church leader. He wrote the Gospel of John and mentored Polycarp. According to church tradition, John died from old age between 98 and 100 CE.

What are the different interpretations of John 21:22 and why are they significant?

There are three main interpretations: the hyperbolic perspective, suggesting Jesus used illustrative language; the preterism perspective, which links the statement to the destruction of Jerusalem; and the literal perspective, which takes Jesus's words at face value and suggests John is still alive. These interpretations reflect different theological beliefs and understandings of scripture.

How does the hyperbolic perspective interpret Jesus's words in John 21:22?

The hyperbolic perspective argues that Jesus used exaggerated language to make a point about Peter's attitude rather than predicting John's literal future. This view is commonly held by Christians who believe John died around 98 CE.

What is the preterism perspective and how does it relate to John 21:22?

The preterism perspective suggests that Jesus's words were a prediction of future events, specifically the destruction of Jerusalem, rather than his Second Coming. This view is less popular and is associated with an eschatological view that all New Testament prophecies were fulfilled before the end of the first century.

Which religious group is most prominent in promoting the literal interpretation of John 21:22?

The Mormon Church, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the most prominent group that promotes the literal interpretation of John 21:22, believing that John has been walking the Earth for the last two thousand years.

What is the source of the Mormon Church's belief that John the Apostle is still alive?

The belief comes from the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations received by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. Section 7 of the Doctrine and Covenants details a revelation where Jesus allegedly granted John the power to live until Jesus's return.

How does the belief that John never died fit within the broader context of Christianity?

While the belief that John never died has been a topic of speculation since the founding of Christianity, it has not evolved beyond friendly speculation in mainstream denominations. Today, no major Christian denominations claim that the Apostle John still lives.

What is the comparison made between John 21:22 and Revelation 10:11 in the script?

The script does not provide specific details about the comparison between John 21:22 and Revelation 10:11. However, it suggests that examining these passages closely could offer further insights into the intriguing nature of Jesus's statement about John's potential lifespan.