John Zebedee, the youngest apostle from Capernaum, was unmarried at the age of twenty-four in A.D. 26 and played a significant role in caring for Jesus' family both before and after becoming an apostle. [1] John Zebedee purchased a house in Capernaum for Jesus with money entrusted to him by his friend. [2]
In December A.D. 25, John Zebedee was baptized by John near Pella, spreading his fame throughout Palestine. [3] For forty days, James and John Zebedee tirelessly searched for Jesus in vain, never finding him despite their close proximity. [4]
Jesus and John journeyed to Jerusalem, where John observed a profound transformation in Jesus as they traveled through Gerasa and down the Jordan valley, following a family meeting in Capernaum at the end of the summer. [5] John Zebedee became an apostle alongside James and departed for Galilee with Andrew and Simon. [6] John led Jesus to the pool of Bethesda, hoping for a miraculous healing of the suffering ones gathered there. [7] John collected the Palm Sunday donkey for Jesus. [8] John claimed the preferred seat at the Last Supper, sparking a heated dispute among the apostles. [9] John and James, fishing partners with Andrew and Peter, were the youngest and oldest apostles, respectively, of the kingdom's corps. [10]
John forbade a strange preacher from casting out devils in Jesus' name, but Jesus reminded him to not hinder anyone who promotes the gospel of the kingdom. [11] John helped bear Jesus' body to the tomb. [12] Philip's hesitation with the Greeks revealed his inability to adapt, unlike John Zebedee who laid hands on converts receiving the Spirit of Truth. [13]
John was appointed as the personal agent for Jesus' family and faithfully carried out his duties, even ensuring the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus, until her passing. [14]
John Zebedee was appointed as one of the personal companions of Jesus, tasked with attending to his physical needs and accompanying him in prayer and communion with the Father in heaven. [15] John selected Judas Alpheus, the twin brother of James Alpheus, who was also a fisherman. [16] John, the apostle of the new commandment, dedicated his life to teaching love and brotherly devotion, following the example of Jesus. [17]
John Zebedee's whole subsequent life became dominated by brotherly devotion, as he devoted himself to proving that love is the greatest thing in the world. [18] John consistently believed and upheld the idea that Jesus had risen from the grave, based on evidence and the teachings of the Master. [19] John, believed by many to not die before Jesus returned, was a key factor in getting Simon Zelotes back into service. [20] Though John Zebedee once desired to bid fire devour insolent Samaritans, he ultimately learned to embrace tolerance and love as Jesus taught him. [21] James Zebedee, though brave and determined, learned the importance of discretion and true wisdom in his ministry. [22]
John's self-contained demeanor masked his conceited, bigoted, and intolerant tendencies, but he ultimately transformed into a dependable and devoted disciple of Jesus. [23] John's cool and daringly courageous nature, alongside his faithful devotion, made him the most dependable apostle among the group. [24] John favored proclaiming Jesus king, as the disciples and the crowds clamored for his coronation outside the jurisdiction of his enemies. [25] John, the first apostle to believe in resurrection, demonstrated unparalleled courage and unwavering loyalty to Jesus even in the face of death. [26] John perceived the spiritual significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, influenced by the biblical prophecy and his thoughtful, symbolic nature. [27] John understood the three distinct orders of personalities when he wrote about Jesus being made subject to angels, authorities, and powers. [28] John found some understanding in the symbolic actions of Jesus during the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. [29]
Despite his creative imagination, John Zebedee never fully mastered his disinclination to talk, remaining a man of few words except when his temper was aroused. [30] John, the apostle of love, was the son of thunder and brother of James. [31] Peter, James, and John were the primary public preachers among the apostles. [32]
John asked Jesus about the kingdom of heaven and learned that recognition of God's sovereignty, belief in sonship with God, and faith in doing God's will are the essentials of salvation. [33]
John Zebedee, referred to as a prophet, saw the "seven spirits of God" in his vision, but did not see the seats of the four and twenty sentinels, representing a confusion between universe headquarters and system capital. [34] John was a chief supporter of the Jerusalem church and the right-hand support of Peter on the day of Pentecost. [35]
Jesus gave special instructions to Peter, James, and John, in order to clarify and deepen their understanding of his teachings on the spiritual kingdom. [36] Jesus’ admonitions to John: “Be gentle; love even your enemies; be tolerant. And remember that I have trusted you with many things.". [37] John Zebedee preferred to use the term "eternal life" in place of the problematic term "kingdom of heaven". [38] John married his brother James's widow after the custom of raising up seed for his brother, exemplifying the ancient practice of in-marriage. [39]
At the transfiguration, Jesus took only Peter, James, and John with him to share in the unique experience. [40] In Gethsemane, John fell asleep while Jesus prayed and sought comfort from his apostles. [41] John's familiarity with Annas's older servants ensured his safety during Jesus's three-hour stay at the palace on Mount Olivet. [42] John, as designated observer at the Jewish court, stood by Jesus through his trials and crucifixion under the protection of Roman law. [43]
Throughout Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, John faithfully remained by his side as instructed, providing crucial information to David's messengers and earning the respect and protection of the Roman captain. [44]
During Jesus' humiliation and suffering, John Zebedee waited in lonely terror in an adjoining room, guided by a nod from the Master to retire and avoid provoking potentially fatal indignation. [45] At Jesus' examination by Pilate, John testified to his Master's teachings on tribute, never revealing the private conversation they had. [46] John, the only apostle present at the crucifixion, showed cool and daring courage, remaining faithfully by Jesus' side until the very end. [47] John and Peter arrived at the empty tomb, filled with fear and hope, as they pondered the meaning of what they had seen and heard. [48]
When the Master, in morontia form, suddenly appeared in the midst of them at Jesus’ appearances, he spoke of peace, faith, and service before vanishing in an instant, leaving them praising God and awaiting further instructions. [49]
John was among the 120 at Pentecost, where Peter's impassioned appeal led to the winning of thousands of souls in the temple where their Master had last taught. [50]
John wrote the Book of Revelation while in exile on Patmos, now existing in fragmented and altered form. [51]
The four and twenty elders reference the headquarters of the Urantia advisory council on Jerusem, serving as personal agents for Christ Michael in matters concerning mortal ascension. [52]
The Gospel of John was inspired by John the son of Zebedee, who encouraged Nathan to write it, supplying material from memory and existing records, with the First Epistle serving as a cover letter for the Gospel. [53]
John Zebedee's avoidance of references to casting out devils reflected a belief that such cases of demon possession ceased after Pentecost. [54] The Gospel of John, addressed to Western peoples, reflects the viewpoint of Alexandrian Christians and disciples of Philo. [55] The Gospel of John, inspired by John Zebedee, was written by Nathan under his direction. [56]
Jesus’ avoidance of writing greatly delayed the compilation of the Gospels, with Mark’s record being the earliest and most simple reflection of his life as seen through the eyes of Simon Peter. [57]
John presents a triumphant Jesus fully conscious of his divinity, unlike Mark, Matthew, and Luke who focus more on his human struggle to ascertain and perform divine will. [58]
John Zebedee, the outstanding theologian among the twelve apostles, traveled extensively, worked tirelessly, and ultimately settled in Ephesus before his death at the age of one hundred and one. [59]
John witnessed the deception and ensnarement of angelic helpers during the Lucifer rebellion, symbolized in the great red dragon drawing a third of the stars of heaven down in darkness. [60] John the Revelator witnessed the triumphant journey of mortals on Jerusem, singing the song of deliverance from mortal fear and death. [61] John Zebedee envisioned the new Jerusalem in the post-Teacher Son era. [62]
The seven spirits of God, symbolized by lamps before the throne, are found in Salvington and Jerusem, not seen by the prophet in the seats of the four and twenty sentinels. [63]
See also: UB 129:1.12; UB 139:4; UB 141:7.14; UB 143:3.5; UB 143:5.12; UB 144:1.7; UB 178:2.6-8; UB 192:1.3; UB 192:4.7.