General Presentation of the Apostle John
Saint John, son of Zebedee, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is often referred to as "the beloved disciple." He is also traditionally considered the author of the Gospel according to John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation, forming what is called the "Johannine corpus." John is regarded as the last surviving apostle and is said to have lived to an advanced age, notably in Asia Minor, where he is believed to have preached in Ephesus. He is often associated with a spiritual and mystical theology, and his closeness to Jesus is especially highlighted during the Last Supper, where he is described as resting on the heart of Christ. John is celebrated on December 27 in the Catholic calendar.
Symbols and Appearances of the Apostle John
Saint John is often depicted with an eagle, a symbol of divine inspiration that soars above human understanding, referring to the spiritual depth of his Gospel. He is also sometimes shown holding a book or scroll, indicating his written contributions to the New Testament. Some depictions show him with a cup of poison, alluding to an attempted poisoning from which he miraculously survived.
Myths and Legends of the Apostle John
According to tradition, Saint John escaped martyrdom despite several attempts, including one involving a cup of poison that had no effect on him. He is also the only apostle to have died of natural causes. One of the most famous legends tells that he lived in exile on the island of Patmos, where he is said to have received the revelations recorded in the Book of Revelation.
