Three Johns

		*Crying In the Wilderness* *Web Ministry*
Home Reference Articles/Sermons		Three Johns and Three Messages Disclaimer: Before you start on this one I feel as though I should forewarn you that this differs from many of the articles you will find in Tim’s corner. The chief difference would be that this article tends to pull in much of mans’ history and beliefs and challenges them. Please remember as I’ve warned throughout the article that at no time should mans’ history or opinion override or circumvent the infallible Word of God. I’ve always possessed a vibrant interest for history but one thing must be remembered, man wrote history but God wrote the Bible. I know that this is not a popular belief in mainstream society but mainstream society did not save me. History written by man can be and often is twisted and spun to fit what man believes and to be contrary to God. Do you not see if history supported the Bible, man would no longer have an excuse for not believing the Word of God and would have no cloak for their sins? I often research what man believes about the contributors to the Word of God, Moses, the Prophets, the Apostles, etc. I’m also interested in the origins of many of our English words. I do always remember that none of these usurp authority over the Word of God. That being said, let’s get into today’s thought, “Three Johns and Three Messages”. When I was a young Christian, I came to understand that our Church believed John to be the author of the Gospel according to John, the three epistles and the book of Revelation. I read in a concordance during this time that some believed the John who wrote the book of Revelation was not the John who wrote the epistles and the Gospel. I later found that many scholars believe there were three separate Johns who authored these books, St. John the Divine, John the Presbyter and St. John of Patmos. The excerpt below was taken from Wikipedia. Again I want you to be sure and remember that this is not Bible but merely mans futile attempt at history. Wikipedia (Not the Word of God) Scholars have debated the authorship of the Johannine works (Gospel of John, the first, second, and third epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation) since at least the third century. Beasley-Murray notes, "Everything we want to know about this book [the Gospel of John] is uncertain, and everything about it that is apparently knowable is matter of dispute (sic)." The main debate centers on (1) Whether these works were authored by the same person, and (2) The identity of the author(s). Ancient tradition attributes all the books to John the Apostle.In the 6th century, the Decretum Gelasianum argued that Second and Third John have a separate author known as "John, a priest" (see John the Presbyter). Higher criticism, representing most liberal Christian and secular scholars, disputes whether John the Apostle authored any of these works. Viewpoints on the issue of authorship in each of the Johannine works range from affirming the authorship of the Apostle, to affirming the authorship of another author, to theories of group authorship. Many modern scholars agree that Revelation was written by a separate author, c. 95 with some parts possibly dating to Nero's reign in the early 60s. Some scholars conclude that the other works may have been written by the same author or authors, but not by the Apostle John, while other scholars conclude the author of the epistles was a different author than the author of the gospel, although all four works probably originated from the same community. The gospel and epistles traditionally and plausibly came from Ephesus, c. 90-110, although some scholars argue for an origin in Syria. Some modern scholars^[2] distinguish at least three different authors. The author of the Gospel of St John and the First Epistle of John is known as St. John the Evangelist or St. John the Theologian (alternately rendered St. John the Divine or St. John the Beloved). The Second and Third Epistle of John had the same author, who calls himself the presbyter; he has been identified with the enigmatic John the Presbyter. The Book of Revelation was written by St. John of Patmos. Most Evangelical Christians, Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics continue to hold that all New Testament "John" books were written by Saint John, the son of Zebedee. The apocryphal 2nd century Gnostic text called Secret Book of John was also attributed to John, though not by established traditional Christian orthodoxy. The Gospel of John contains references to the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Traditionally this is taken as a self-reference by the author, and therefore a reference to John the Apostle. Though many say he was 95 when he died, sources say he was most likely 104. Now notice the reference to the Gnostic text. It would serve one well to research and understand the meaning of the word Gnostic and what they represented during this time. It would also be worth noting that they thought their knowledge could save them and that their doctrine is still around. We find that some believe there were one John, some two Johns and some three or more. My, my, what a dilemma? Remember that it’s the job of the devil and his minions to ensure that confusion and doubt is widely distributed alongside the Word to hinder believers. I will now deliver what I believe the Holy Spirit has revealed to me. There were two Johns but only one did the writing or if you’re a stickler, dictated the writing. The two Johns I’m referencing are John the Baptist and John the beloved, or the “Son of Thunder”, or the Revelator. Trust me, as we go further, I believe you will understand why it was important that there were only two Johns. Before we do, let’s read a little more about what man believes happened to John (the Apostle and Lord’s Disciple). Again we will go to Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Not the Word of God) Roman Catholic tradition states that St. John and the Virgin Mary moved to Ephesus, where they eventually died, though there is an alternative tradition that holds Mary's death to be in Jerusalem, where her tomb is), a tradition held true by Orthodox Christians. The tradition about Mary's tomb in Ephesus emanated mostly after 1841, based on the visions of German Augustinian nun Anne Catherine Emmerich. Many Evangelical and other scholars question this, especially due to the advanced age which Mary would have reached by this time. This presents no problem though with the alternative tradition, brought forth by Orthodox Christians, which states that the Virgin Mary died 10 years after Jesus' Resurrection, in Gethsemane. In a coptic test of the 4th century, in the 20th Homily of st Cyrill of Jerusalem, it is maintained that Mary's death took place in Zion(Jerusalem), on the 15th of August of the year 43 A.D. and that she was buried in Gethsemane. Some believe, however, that there is support for the idea that John did go to Ephesus and from there wrote the three epistles traditionally attributed to him. John was allegedly banished by the Roman authorities to the Greek island of Patmos, where some believe that he wrote the Book of Revelation. According to Tertullian (in The Prescription of Heretics) John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that the entire colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. Christians largely believe this to be the fulfillment of Christ's word's in John 21:23 and Matthew 16:28, concerning John being kept alive until seeing the coming of Christ's kingdom. Indeed, in the Book of Revelation John records seeing Christ's kingdom coming, revealed through a series of visions received by him on the Island of Patmos. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that John will, indeed, tarry in the flesh until the Savior returns. They base this belief on two passages: one in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 28:4-6) and one in the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 7:1-3). Some believe John's tomb is located at Selçuk, a small town in the vicinity of Ephesus. When John was old he trained Polycarp, later Bishop of Smyrna. This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to another age. In art, John as the presumed author of the Gospel is often depicted with an eagle, which symbolizes the height he rose to in the first chapter of his gospel. In Orthodox icons, he is often depicted looking up into heaven and dictating his Gospel (or the Book of Revelation) to his disciple, traditionally named Prochorus. Now let me remind you again that the above is mans’ history and tradition and not the Word of God. However, I tend to believe some of what is written above. There has always been much support for the belief that John was carried before the Roman Emperor Domitan and that he was falsely accused and sentence to be boiled in oil. The tradition states that he came out of the boiling pot unscathed. The account above states that the witnesses who were at the coliseum to see the old Preacher boiled in oil believed and were converted. The Roman Emperor dismayed and distraught that John didn’t die in the boiling oil and Roman law forbidding him from being punished again circumvented this by exiling him to the Greek isle of Patmos. Of course we are all aware of the Revelation given to John while in the isle of Patmos. I do not find it difficult to believe that our Lord kept his beloved John alive until time to reveal those things we must shortly come to pass. Message #1: He’s coming! Ok, now that we’ve had a very brief and vague history lesson, let us move onto “Three Johns and Three Messages”. As I mentioned earlier, the first John of note was John the Baptist. According to the scriptures, he was a cousin of the Lord and by his own admission “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” This John’s clothing consisted of a camel-hair coat and a leather girdle while his diet was locusts and wild honey. We find many accounts of him preaching and baptizing in the wilderness. This John was more than a prophet as affirmed by the Lord. We recognize that although this John was not sanctioned by the formal Church of the day, hadn’t been under the disposition of their presbytery nor even carried a license, He was the one chosen by God Himself to baptize His only begotten Son. His message was simple, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He preached that One was coming after him and he wasn’t even worthy to stoop down and loose his shoe. The first John said, “He’s coming.” Message #2: He has come! The second John is the one that the controversies surround concerning whether or not he wrote the Book According to John, I John, II John, III John and the Revelation. Many even believe that John the disciple whom Jesus loved was also a disciple of John the Baptist and along with Peter’s brother Andrew left John to follow Jesus after His baptism. We find this John accompanying our Lord within the inner circle. Examples of this would be the mount of transfiguration and especially in the garden of Gethsemane. We read the writings attributed to the second John safely ascertain that the second message is, “He has come!” Message #3: He’s coming again! John who boldy stood for the Lord and suffered beatings along with the Apostle Peter is not done with the message yet. John, who tells us that he’s our brother and companion in tribulations, was in the Isle of Patmos for the “Word of God”. Here John receives the message of all messages. While there are some that say the resurrection is already passed, some who say “where is the promise of His coming,” still some say “since the beginning of time things have continued on like they always have,” John simply says “He’s coming again!” Two Johns: Now, we have two Johns, John number one is the Baptist and John number two is the Disciple whom Jesus loved. I believe these two Johns represent the law and grace. The Baptist was still under the law as grace had not yet been administered. The law and the prophets were until John! The beloved John represents grace as he walked with Grace, talked with Grace, lived with Grace, loved Grace and Grace loved him! Now it’s not just happenstance that there were two Johns as well as not by chance that the John under the law, prophesied of the grace which was to come. Three messages: Ok, I know that you think this is easy as now the two Johns represent the law and grace so surely the three messages represent the Trinity of the Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Actually, that is exactly where I’m going. The first message, He’s coming represents the Father who gave us all things including the law. God chose Himself a people in the beginning and has never left or forsaken them throughout the ages. John the Baptist was not the only deliverer of this message. We find that Moses and the Prophets of old all foretold of the coming of the “Just One”, and the Grace that would be dispensed. The first message, “He’s coming!” The second message delivered under grace, represents the Son who was made flesh, dwelt among us and as John said, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The beloved John tells us even more. He informs us that the Word was in the beginning and the Word was God. How wonderful it is that the Word was made flesh. For if the Word had not been made flesh, the Holy Bible would be just another book but we remember the Psalmist when he sang, “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” The Word was made flesh, dwelt among us and came in the volume of the book! Even the first John was blessed to sample a little of the second message as he was graciously granted the opportunity to see the Word and to baptize Him. The second message, “He has come!” The third and final message of course represents the Holy Ghost. The first message delivered by God through man, the second message by the Lord himself and the third message by the Holy Spirit. As John was in the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God, that wasn’t the only thing he was in. He was also in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Thank God for his precious promise that though He had to go away, He would not leave us comfortless but promised to come to us. The third message, delivered by the Holy Ghost, “He’s coming again!” The Third John? When I started this article, I entitled it “Three Johns and Three Messages.” I’ve plainly stated that I believe there were only two Johns of importance here so where does the third John come into play. Could it be that my mother named me John and I’m referencing myself? Could it be that I’m referring John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas? Could it be that I’m buying into what was presented from the encyclopedia? No, it is simply John the Disciple whom Jesus loved. He was just that prior to Jesus’ resurrection, a disciple. After our Lord was risen, he became more than a disciple. First and foremost, he became a child of the King, an heir of God and a joint-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ. John was born again and a fit subject for heaven. After this he was an Apostle, a Preacher, a Teacher, an Author and a light to generations to come! Remember how Jesus loved him, how John laid his head on Jesus’ bosom, how the Lord entrusted the care of his earthly mother to him and the words that Jesus spoke to Peter “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Behold and take note of how Jesus loved this man. Take note also that some beliefs as can be found in the Wikipedia inserts above believe that John is still around in the flesh. Take note as well, that many can’t get passed the literal interpretations of the Word as they are destitute of the Spirit. John did indeed tarry until the Lord came as He was speaking of His resurrection! I’ll go you one better than that, the John that is writing the article you are reading, also tarried until Jesus came. I tarried in sin until Jesus came and rescued me. I’m so thankful that He did come, still comes and is coming again! May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all. If anything found in Tim's corner has been a blessing or an encouragement to you, first of all, it is God whose due the praise. If this has been a help, please stop by the main page and sign the guestbook and let me know what you think in hopes that I to might draw some encouragement from you.

Crying In the Wilderness

Web Ministry

Three Johns and Three Messages

Disclaimer: Before you start on this one I feel as though I should forewarn you that this differs from many of the articles you will find in Tim’s corner. The chief difference would be that this article tends to pull in much of mans’ history and beliefs and challenges them. Please remember as I’ve warned throughout the article that at no time should mans’ history or opinion override or circumvent the infallible Word of God.

I’ve always possessed a vibrant interest for history but one thing must be remembered, man wrote history but God wrote the Bible. I know that this is not a popular belief in mainstream society but mainstream society did not save me. History written by man can be and often is twisted and spun to fit what man believes and to be contrary to God. Do you not see if history supported the Bible, man would no longer have an excuse for not believing the Word of God and would have no cloak for their sins?

I often research what man believes about the contributors to the Word of God, Moses, the Prophets, the Apostles, etc. I’m also interested in the origins of many of our English words. I do always remember that none of these usurp authority over the Word of God.

That being said, let’s get into today’s thought, “Three Johns and Three Messages”. When I was a young Christian, I came to understand that our Church believed John to be the author of the Gospel according to John, the three epistles and the book of Revelation. I read in a concordance during this time that some believed the John who wrote the book of Revelation was not the John who wrote the epistles and the Gospel. I later found that many scholars believe there were three separate Johns who authored these books, St. John the Divine, John the Presbyter and St. John of Patmos. The excerpt below was taken from Wikipedia. Again I want you to be sure and remember that this is not Bible but merely mans futile attempt at history.

Wikipedia (Not the Word of God)

Scholars have debated the authorship of the Johannine works (Gospel of John, the first, second, and third epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation) since at least the third century. Beasley-Murray notes, "Everything we want to know about this book [the Gospel of John] is uncertain, and everything about it that is apparently knowable is matter of dispute (sic)." The main debate centers on (1) Whether these works were authored by the same person, and (2) The identity of the author(s). Ancient tradition attributes all the books to John the Apostle.In the 6th century, the Decretum Gelasianum argued that Second and Third John have a separate author known as "John, a priest" (see John the Presbyter). Higher criticism, representing most liberal Christian and secular scholars, disputes whether John the Apostle authored any of these works. Viewpoints on the issue of authorship in each of the Johannine works range from affirming the authorship of the Apostle, to affirming the authorship of another author, to theories of group authorship. Many modern scholars agree that Revelation was written by a separate author, c. 95 with some parts possibly dating to Nero's reign in the early 60s. Some scholars conclude that the other works may have been written by the same author or authors, but not by the Apostle John, while other scholars conclude the author of the epistles was a different author than the author of the gospel, although all four works probably originated from the same community. The gospel and epistles traditionally and plausibly came from Ephesus, c. 90-110, although some scholars argue for an origin in Syria. Some modern scholars^[2] distinguish at least three different authors. The author of the Gospel of St John and the First Epistle of John is known as St. John the Evangelist or St. John the Theologian (alternately rendered St. John the Divine or St. John the Beloved). The Second and Third Epistle of John had the same author, who calls himself the presbyter; he has been identified with the enigmatic John the Presbyter. The Book of Revelation was written by St. John of Patmos. Most Evangelical Christians, Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics continue to hold that all New Testament "John" books were written by Saint John, the son of Zebedee. The apocryphal 2nd century Gnostic text called Secret Book of John was also attributed to John, though not by established traditional Christian orthodoxy. The Gospel of John contains references to the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Traditionally this is taken as a self-reference by the author, and therefore a reference to John the Apostle. Though many say he was 95 when he died, sources say he was most likely 104.

Now notice the reference to the Gnostic text. It would serve one well to research and understand the meaning of the word Gnostic and what they represented during this time. It would also be worth noting that they thought their knowledge could save them and that their doctrine is still around.

We find that some believe there were one John, some two Johns and some three or more. My, my, what a dilemma? Remember that it’s the job of the devil and his minions to ensure that confusion and doubt is widely distributed alongside the Word to hinder believers. I will now deliver what I believe the Holy Spirit has revealed to me. There were two Johns but only one did the writing or if you’re a stickler, dictated the writing. The two Johns I’m referencing are John the Baptist and John the beloved, or the “Son of Thunder”, or the Revelator.

Trust me, as we go further, I believe you will understand why it was important that there were only two Johns. Before we do, let’s read a little more about what man believes happened to John (the Apostle and Lord’s Disciple). Again we will go to Wikipedia.

Wikipedia (Not the Word of God)

Roman Catholic tradition states that St. John and the Virgin Mary moved to Ephesus, where they eventually died, though there is an alternative tradition that holds Mary's death to be in Jerusalem, where her tomb is), a tradition held true by Orthodox Christians. The tradition about Mary's tomb in Ephesus emanated mostly after 1841, based on the visions of German Augustinian nun Anne Catherine Emmerich. Many Evangelical and other scholars question this, especially due to the advanced age which Mary would have reached by this time. This presents no problem though with the alternative tradition, brought forth by Orthodox Christians, which states that the Virgin Mary died 10 years after Jesus' Resurrection, in Gethsemane. In a coptic test of the 4th century, in the 20th Homily of st Cyrill of Jerusalem, it is maintained that Mary's death took place in Zion(Jerusalem), on the 15th of August of the year 43 A.D. and that she was buried in Gethsemane. Some believe, however, that there is support for the idea that John did go to Ephesus and from there wrote the three epistles traditionally attributed to him. John was allegedly banished by the Roman authorities to the Greek island of Patmos, where some believe that he wrote the Book of Revelation. According to Tertullian (in The Prescription of Heretics) John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that the entire colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle. Christians largely believe this to be the fulfillment of Christ's word's in John 21:23 and Matthew 16:28, concerning John being kept alive until seeing the coming of Christ's kingdom. Indeed, in the Book of Revelation John records seeing Christ's kingdom coming, revealed through a series of visions received by him on the Island of Patmos. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that John will, indeed, tarry in the flesh until the Savior returns. They base this belief on two passages: one in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 28:4-6) and one in the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 7:1-3). Some believe John's tomb is located at Selçuk, a small town in the vicinity of Ephesus. When John was old he trained Polycarp, later Bishop of Smyrna. This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to another age. In art, John as the presumed author of the Gospel is often depicted with an eagle, which symbolizes the height he rose to in the first chapter of his gospel. In Orthodox icons, he is often depicted looking up into heaven and dictating his Gospel (or the Book of Revelation) to his disciple, traditionally named Prochorus.

Now let me remind you again that the above is mans’ history and tradition and not the Word of God. However, I tend to believe some of what is written above. There has always been much support for the belief that John was carried before the Roman Emperor Domitan and that he was falsely accused and sentence to be boiled in oil. The tradition states that he came out of the boiling pot unscathed. The account above states that the witnesses who were at the coliseum to see the old Preacher boiled in oil believed and were converted. The Roman Emperor dismayed and distraught that John didn’t die in the boiling oil and Roman law forbidding him from being punished again circumvented this by exiling him to the Greek isle of Patmos. Of course we are all aware of the Revelation given to John while in the isle of Patmos. I do not find it difficult to believe that our Lord kept his beloved John alive until time to reveal those things we must shortly come to pass.

Message #1: He’s coming!

Ok, now that we’ve had a very brief and vague history lesson, let us move onto “Three Johns and Three Messages”. As I mentioned earlier, the first John of note was John the Baptist. According to the scriptures, he was a cousin of the Lord and by his own admission “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” This John’s clothing consisted of a camel-hair coat and a leather girdle while his diet was locusts and wild honey. We find many accounts of him preaching and baptizing in the wilderness. This John was more than a prophet as affirmed by the Lord. We recognize that although this John was not sanctioned by the formal Church of the day, hadn’t been under the disposition of their presbytery nor even carried a license, He was the one chosen by God Himself to baptize His only begotten Son. His message was simple, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He preached that One was coming after him and he wasn’t even worthy to stoop down and loose his shoe. The first John said, “He’s coming.”

Message #2: He has come!

The second John is the one that the controversies surround concerning whether or not he wrote the Book According to John, I John, II John, III John and the Revelation. Many even believe that John the disciple whom Jesus loved was also a disciple of John the Baptist and along with Peter’s brother Andrew left John to follow Jesus after His baptism. We find this John accompanying our Lord within the inner circle. Examples of this would be the mount of transfiguration and especially in the garden of Gethsemane. We read the writings attributed to the second John safely ascertain that the second message is, “He has come!”

Message #3: He’s coming again!

John who boldy stood for the Lord and suffered beatings along with the Apostle Peter is not done with the message yet. John, who tells us that he’s our brother and companion in tribulations, was in the Isle of Patmos for the “Word of God”. Here John receives the message of all messages. While there are some that say the resurrection is already passed, some who say “where is the promise of His coming,” still some say “since the beginning of time things have continued on like they always have,” John simply says “He’s coming again!”

Two Johns:

Now, we have two Johns, John number one is the Baptist and John number two is the Disciple whom Jesus loved. I believe these two Johns represent the law and grace. The Baptist was still under the law as grace had not yet been administered. The law and the prophets were until John! The beloved John represents grace as he walked with Grace, talked with Grace, lived with Grace, loved Grace and Grace loved him! Now it’s not just happenstance that there were two Johns as well as not by chance that the John under the law, prophesied of the grace which was to come.

Three messages:

Ok, I know that you think this is easy as now the two Johns represent the law and grace so surely the three messages represent the Trinity of the Godhead, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Actually, that is exactly where I’m going. The first message, He’s coming represents the Father who gave us all things including the law. God chose Himself a people in the beginning and has never left or forsaken them throughout the ages. John the Baptist was not the only deliverer of this message. We find that Moses and the Prophets of old all foretold of the coming of the “Just One”, and the Grace that would be dispensed. The first message, “He’s coming!”

The second message delivered under grace, represents the Son who was made flesh, dwelt among us and as John said, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The beloved John tells us even more. He informs us that the Word was in the beginning and the Word was God. How wonderful it is that the Word was made flesh. For if the Word had not been made flesh, the Holy Bible would be just another book but we remember the Psalmist when he sang, “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” The Word was made flesh, dwelt among us and came in the volume of the book! Even the first John was blessed to sample a little of the second message as he was graciously granted the opportunity to see the Word and to baptize Him. The second message, “He has come!”

The third and final message of course represents the Holy Ghost. The first message delivered by God through man, the second message by the Lord himself and the third message by the Holy Spirit. As John was in the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God, that wasn’t the only thing he was in. He was also in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Thank God for his precious promise that though He had to go away, He would not leave us comfortless but promised to come to us. The third message, delivered by the Holy Ghost, “He’s coming again!”

The Third John?

When I started this article, I entitled it “Three Johns and Three Messages.” I’ve plainly stated that I believe there were only two Johns of importance here so where does the third John come into play. Could it be that my mother named me John and I’m referencing myself? Could it be that I’m referring John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas? Could it be that I’m buying into what was presented from the encyclopedia? No, it is simply John the Disciple whom Jesus loved. He was just that prior to Jesus’ resurrection, a disciple. After our Lord was risen, he became more than a disciple. First and foremost, he became a child of the King, an heir of God and a joint-heir with the Lord Jesus Christ. John was born again and a fit subject for heaven. After this he was an Apostle, a Preacher, a Teacher, an Author and a light to generations to come!

Remember how Jesus loved him, how John laid his head on Jesus’ bosom, how the Lord entrusted the care of his earthly mother to him and the words that Jesus spoke to Peter “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Behold and take note of how Jesus loved this man. Take note also that some beliefs as can be found in the Wikipedia inserts above believe that John is still around in the flesh. Take note as well, that many can’t get passed the literal interpretations of the Word as they are destitute of the Spirit. John did indeed tarry until the Lord came as He was speaking of His resurrection! I’ll go you one better than that, the John that is writing the article you are reading, also tarried until Jesus came. I tarried in sin until Jesus came and rescued me. I’m so thankful that He did come, still comes and is coming again!

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all. If anything found in Tim's corner has been a blessing or an encouragement to you, first of all, it is God whose due the praise. If this has been a help, please stop by the main page and sign the guestbook and let me know what you think in hopes that I to might draw some encouragement from you.