How Many Johns In The Bible?
The Bible is filled with characters who share the same name–John. With so many throughout the Bible, it can be difficult to keep track of how many Johns there are. Let’s explore their lives and consider their actions.
John the Baptist
Mark 1:4 introduces us to the first of the Johns in the Bible: John the Baptist. John was a cousin of Jesus Christ, and his ministry was to point towards Jesus. In this way, John was the start to the whole narrative of Jesus. It was only through John pointing to Jesus that people could recognize and follow Jesus.
John was a very faithful man, as highlighted by his choices. His clothing was made of camel’s hair, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He was the spirit and the bride—inviting everyone to the wedding of Jesus.
He spoke out against sin, and he was ultimately persecuted and put to death for his faith and his words.
John (Son of Zebedee)
John, the son of Zebedee, is a notable figure in Jesus’s 12 disciples. He is the author of the book of Revelation. Alongside the other Johns, John was dedicated to serving the will of Jesus.
John is known to have stayed at the cross when all of the other disciples had fled, and Mary (the mother of Jesus) leaned on his arm for support in her grief. He was Jesus’s best friend, and Jesus trusted and confided in him like no other disciple.
John was considered to be so important in the early Christian church, that he was given the title of ‘Apostolic Son’. He was known by all to have loved Jesus more than anyone else.
John the Apostle
John the Apostle is a bit different than the other Johns, as he was a companion of Jesus Christ, rather than a character mentioned in the Bible. References to John the Apostle are found in the Gospel of John, Acts and in several of Paul’s letters.
John was one of the three disciples—along with Peter and James—who were especially close to Jesus. He is often seen with the two of these other disciples in the Gospels.
John the Apostle wrote several of the New Testament books, such as the book of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and the book of Revelation. He was a faithful, devoted follower of Jesus.
John Mark
John Mark appears in the Bible in several places. He was a disciple of Paul and Barnabas, as mentioned in Acts 12; and he was likely the author of the Gospel of Mark.
He was one of the four kinsman of Barnabas; and he was known to be a traveling partner of the Apostle Paul. He was a young man when he first joined Paul and Barnabas in their travels, and he likely was the object of Paul’s correction in the book of Acts. Paul and Barnabas disagreed on the role of John Mark in their mission; but eventually Paul came to respect and value him.
John Mark was also known to have visited Timothy and Mark in Ephesus (1 Timothy 5:13). He wasn’t as well known as the other Johns, but he was a faithful follower of Jesus.
John (Fisherman)
John was a fisherman, who was a disciple of Jesus. He and his brother, James were two of the first disciples that Jesus called. This John was the author of the Gospel of John.
He was likely a leader amongst the disciples and had a unique closeness with Jesus. He was the only disciple present at the raising of Lazarus. He stood alongside Jesus at the Transfiguration. And he was the one who identified Jesus as the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John (Son of Mary)
John, the son of Mary, is another disciple of Jesus mentioned in Matthew 27. He was the son of a woman from the group of women who followed Jesus throughout his ministry. He was present at the crucifixion and he accompanied the other disciples to the tomb. He likely knew the story of Jesus inside and out.
His mother, Mary, was a faithful disciple of Jesus. It is likely that he was heavily influenced by her devotion and dedication to Jesus during his childhood and in the years to come.
John (Son of Simon)
John was the son of Simon, a Pharisee who was likely a high priest in Jerusalem. He was present at the trial of Jesus and he was likely the one who handed out the scarlet cloak to him. The gospel of Mark mentions that he took part in the crucifying of Jesus.
John represented a large number of those who didn’t accept Jesus as the Messiah. He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he was eventually found on the wrong side of history.
Summary
In conclusion, there are many Johns mentioned in the Bible, each with their own purpose, achievements, and roles.
John the Baptist got the story of Jesus started, and was a faithful servant of God until his death. Johns, the son of Zebedee and the Apostle were both devoted disciples of Jesus, while John Mark was a traveling partner of the Apostle Paul. John (the Fisherman) was the author of the Gospel of John, while John (son of Mary) was likely heavily influenced by his mother’s devotion and dedication to Jesus. Lastly, John (son of Simon) was one of those who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah.
