The Beloved Disciple
April 22, 2020
Apprentice Jonathan
The author of the fourth gospel does not identify himself by name, only as “the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things…” Tradition assigns the authorship to Saint John [“the Gospel according to Saint John”]. There have been many attempts over the intervening centuries to discover the indemnity of the beloved disciple and the list of contenders includes, but is not limited to, Lazarus, James the brother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. Our premise for this research is that there are sufficient, but subtle, indications in the text for the persistent and careful reader to reach a reasonable conclusion regarding the identity of the author.
Disciples, not Named
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) -John 4:1-2
Jesus did not baptize, but the disciples did baptize.
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? John 6:60-61
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. -John 6:66
Many disciples stopped following Jesus and the irony of the numbers of the chapter and the verse is apparent.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, -John 12:4
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. -John 13:22
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? -John 13:24-25
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. -John 18:1-2
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. -John 18:15-16
The other disciple was “known unto the high priest”. If the “other disciple” is synonymous with the beloved disciple, then this indicates the possibility he is a member of the priesthood or a son thereof. Once again, Simon Peter and Peter are paired with the other disciple.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, -John 20:2-6
Mary Magdalene tells Simon Peter and the beloved disciple that the body of the Lord is missing. Peter and the beloved disciple run to the tomb and the beloved disciple is the first to arrive at the tomb and waits outside after looking inside the tomb. Simon Peter arrives and goes into the tomb. Once again, Simon Peter and Peter are paired with the “other disciple”.
And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. -John 20:8
The beloved disciple enters the tomb. From these passages, it is suggestive that the beloved disciple is among the priestly class and they are forbidden to be under the same roof as a corpse. These passages, along with John 18:15-16, are indicative that the beloved disciple is a priest or has taken the vow of a Nazarene.
For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples [Simon Peter and the beloved disciple] went away again unto their own home. -John 20:9-10
Jesus did not baptize, but the disciples did baptize.
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? John 6:60-61
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. -John 6:66
Many disciples stopped following Jesus and the irony of the numbers of the chapter and the verse is apparent.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, -John 12:4
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. -John 13:22
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? -John 13:24-25
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. -John 18:1-2
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. -John 18:15-16
The other disciple was “known unto the high priest”. If the “other disciple” is synonymous with the beloved disciple, then this indicates the possibility he is a member of the priesthood or a son thereof. Once again, Simon Peter and Peter are paired with the other disciple.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, -John 20:2-6
Mary Magdalene tells Simon Peter and the beloved disciple that the body of the Lord is missing. Peter and the beloved disciple run to the tomb and the beloved disciple is the first to arrive at the tomb and waits outside after looking inside the tomb. Simon Peter arrives and goes into the tomb. Once again, Simon Peter and Peter are paired with the “other disciple”.
And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. -John 20:8
The beloved disciple enters the tomb. From these passages, it is suggestive that the beloved disciple is among the priestly class and they are forbidden to be under the same roof as a corpse. These passages, along with John 18:15-16, are indicative that the beloved disciple is a priest or has taken the vow of a Nazarene.
For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples [Simon Peter and the beloved disciple] went away again unto their own home. -John 20:9-10
Named individuals Jesus loves
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. -John 11:3
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. -John 11:5
Then said the Jews, Behold how he [Jesus] loved him[Lazarus]! -John 11:36
One three occasions, Lazarus is the object of Jesus’ affection.
The Beloved Disciple
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. -John 13:22
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. -John 19:25-27
The beloved disciple relates the three individuals who were at the cross, Jesus’ mother, her sister Mary, and Mary Magdalene, while omitting himself.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. -John 20:2
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. -John 21:7
Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? -John 21:20
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
-John 21:23
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. -John 11:5
Then said the Jews, Behold how he [Jesus] loved him[Lazarus]! -John 11:36
One three occasions, Lazarus is the object of Jesus’ affection.
The Beloved Disciple
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. -John 13:22
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. -John 19:25-27
The beloved disciple relates the three individuals who were at the cross, Jesus’ mother, her sister Mary, and Mary Magdalene, while omitting himself.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. -John 20:2
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. -John 21:7
Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? -John 21:20
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
-John 21:23
Joseph of arimathaea
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. -John 19:38
Then took they [Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus] the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. -John 19:40
Joseph of Arimathaea is introduced only at the burial of Jesus. Whatever else may be inferred from verse thirty eight, Joseph has considerable influence to meet the Governor on short notice and ask for the body that, as far as the reader is aware, is not a family member. Since Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, Pilate would not know this and it would seem that Pilate is honoring a strange request.
Then took they [Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus] the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. -John 19:40
Joseph of Arimathaea is introduced only at the burial of Jesus. Whatever else may be inferred from verse thirty eight, Joseph has considerable influence to meet the Governor on short notice and ask for the body that, as far as the reader is aware, is not a family member. Since Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, Pilate would not know this and it would seem that Pilate is honoring a strange request.
nicodemus
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. John 3:1-3
Nicodemus is vaguely described as a “ruler of the Jews”.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him,
Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? -John 3:9-10
Jesus addresses Nicodemus as a “master of Israel” and this may be synonymous with either being “a ruler of the Jews” or a Rabbi.
Nicodemus saith unto them, ... Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? -John 7:50-51
Nicodemus attempts to be the voice of reason when Jesus disputes with the Jews and Pharisees in verses 15-49.
And there came also Nicodemus … and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. -John 19:39
Nicodemus is vaguely described as a “ruler of the Jews”.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him,
Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? -John 3:9-10
Jesus addresses Nicodemus as a “master of Israel” and this may be synonymous with either being “a ruler of the Jews” or a Rabbi.
Nicodemus saith unto them, ... Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? -John 7:50-51
Nicodemus attempts to be the voice of reason when Jesus disputes with the Jews and Pharisees in verses 15-49.
And there came also Nicodemus … and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. -John 19:39
andrew
One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, -John 1:40-41
Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. -John 1:44
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, -John 6:8
Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. -John 12:22
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and was from Bethsaida. From this scant information, one can not state anything about positive or negative about either the character or behavior of Andrew.
Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. -John 1:44
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, -John 6:8
Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. -John 12:22
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and was from Bethsaida. From this scant information, one can not state anything about positive or negative about either the character or behavior of Andrew.
nathaniel
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. -john 1:45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. and Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. -John 1:45-49
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.. -John 21:2
Although Nathanael doubts anything good can come from Nazareth, he addresses Jesus as “Rabbi”, or teacher, and readily acknowledges Jesus as both the Son of God and King of Israel.
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. and Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. -John 1:45-49
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.. -John 21:2
Although Nathanael doubts anything good can come from Nazareth, he addresses Jesus as “Rabbi”, or teacher, and readily acknowledges Jesus as both the Son of God and King of Israel.
peter
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? -John 13:6
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. -John 13:8
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake._John 13:37
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? -John 18:11
From these four passage, Peter is, like most disciples, confused regarding Jesus’ teachings. Peter is impulsive and adversarial.
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. -John 18:16-18
Peter is left out in the cold while the other disciple goes into the palace.
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. -John 18:26-27
Peter is an extreme individual. Firstly, he claims that he would die for Jesus, but then when the reality of the situation is unbearable, Peter denies being in the garden.
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. -John 20:3-4
The tradition is that the beloved disciple was a “young man”, so it is not surprising that in the race to the tomb, he reaches it before Peter.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -John21:17
Peter seeing him [the beloved disciple] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? -John 21:21
Once again, Peter and the beloved disciple share the narrative.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. -John 13:8
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake._John 13:37
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? -John 18:11
From these four passage, Peter is, like most disciples, confused regarding Jesus’ teachings. Peter is impulsive and adversarial.
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. -John 18:16-18
Peter is left out in the cold while the other disciple goes into the palace.
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. -John 18:26-27
Peter is an extreme individual. Firstly, he claims that he would die for Jesus, but then when the reality of the situation is unbearable, Peter denies being in the garden.
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. -John 20:3-4
The tradition is that the beloved disciple was a “young man”, so it is not surprising that in the race to the tomb, he reaches it before Peter.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -John21:17
Peter seeing him [the beloved disciple] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? -John 21:21
Once again, Peter and the beloved disciple share the narrative.
philip
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Nathanael saith unto him [Jesus], Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. -John 1:43-46, 48
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. -John 6:5,7
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. -John 12:21-22
Philip follows the chain of command by reaching out to Andrew first, and then both of them approach Jesus.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? -John 14:8-9
Like most of the apostles, Philip does not understand mission of Jesus. Admittedly, Philip does have an unconventional request, that is, to see God.
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. -John 6:5,7
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. -John 12:21-22
Philip follows the chain of command by reaching out to Andrew first, and then both of them approach Jesus.
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? -John 14:8-9
Like most of the apostles, Philip does not understand mission of Jesus. Admittedly, Philip does have an unconventional request, that is, to see God.
simon
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
-John 1:41-42
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -John 21:15-17
-John 1:41-42
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. -John 21:15-17
simon peter
One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
-John 1:40
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, -John 6:8
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. -John 6:68
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? -John 13:6
Jesus comes to Simon Peter and Peter interrupts Jesus by asking a question.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.-John 13:9
Simon Peter is zealous, but his zealotry does not make up for his lack of understanding regarding Jesus.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. -John 13:24
Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. -John 13:36
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. -John 18:10
Simon Peter cuts off the right ear of the servant. The author knows the name of the servant.
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. -John 18:15
Simon Peter and “another disciple”, presumed to be the “beloved disciple” are paired in the narrative.
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. -John 18:25
Simon Peter denies he is a disciple of Jesus.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. -John 20:2
Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, -John 20:6
Simon Peter and the beloved disciple share the narrative. Simon Peter reaches the tomb after the beloved disciple waits outside and Simon Peter enters the tomb.
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. -John 21:2-3
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. -John 21:7
The beloved disciple tells Peter that the Lord is on the shore and Simon Peter reacts to this by jumping into the water. Once again, the beloved disciple shares the narrative with Peter and Simon Peter.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, and hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. -John 21:11
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. -John 21:15
-John 1:40
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, -John 6:8
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. -John 6:68
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? -John 13:6
Jesus comes to Simon Peter and Peter interrupts Jesus by asking a question.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.-John 13:9
Simon Peter is zealous, but his zealotry does not make up for his lack of understanding regarding Jesus.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. -John 13:24
Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. -John 13:36
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. -John 18:10
Simon Peter cuts off the right ear of the servant. The author knows the name of the servant.
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. -John 18:15
Simon Peter and “another disciple”, presumed to be the “beloved disciple” are paired in the narrative.
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. -John 18:25
Simon Peter denies he is a disciple of Jesus.
Then she [Mary Magdalene] runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. -John 20:2
Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, -John 20:6
Simon Peter and the beloved disciple share the narrative. Simon Peter reaches the tomb after the beloved disciple waits outside and Simon Peter enters the tomb.
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. -John 21:2-3
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. -John 21:7
The beloved disciple tells Peter that the Lord is on the shore and Simon Peter reacts to this by jumping into the water. Once again, the beloved disciple shares the narrative with Peter and Simon Peter.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, and hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. -John 21:11
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. -John 21:15
thomas
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. -John 11:16
Thomas desires to take the disciples with him so they all can die with Lazarus. This a difficult text to interpret.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
-John 14:5
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. John 20:24-25
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 21:26-29
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. - John 21:2
Thomas does not believe that Jesus is alive until has seen and touched the risen Christ, however, seeing is not belief or faith, but knowledge of an objective experience.
Thomas desires to take the disciples with him so they all can die with Lazarus. This a difficult text to interpret.
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
-John 14:5
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. John 20:24-25
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 21:26-29
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. - John 21:2
Thomas does not believe that Jesus is alive until has seen and touched the risen Christ, however, seeing is not belief or faith, but knowledge of an objective experience.
Judas, son of simon
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. -John 6:71
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, -John 12:4
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; -John 13:2
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. -John 13:26
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. -John 13:29
Judas Iscariot is always described as being the son of Simon [6:71, 12:4, 13:22, and 13:26], never as the son of Simon Peter nor the son of Peter.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, -John 12:4
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; -John 13:2
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. -John 13:26
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. -John 13:29
Judas Iscariot is always described as being the son of Simon [6:71, 12:4, 13:22, and 13:26], never as the son of Simon Peter nor the son of Peter.
judas, not iscariot
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? -John 14:22
There are two disciples with the name Judas and the author only mention “Judas, not Iscariot” once in the fourth gospel.
There are two disciples with the name Judas and the author only mention “Judas, not Iscariot” once in the fourth gospel.
lazarus
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) -John 11:1-2
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. -John 11:5
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. -John 11:11
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. -John 11:14
Once again, the disciples misunderstand Jesus and he clarifies his statement.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. -John 11:43
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.-John 12:1-2
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; John 12:9-10
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. -John 12:17
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. -John 11:5
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. -John 11:11
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. -John 11:14
Once again, the disciples misunderstand Jesus and he clarifies his statement.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. -John 11:43
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.-John 12:1-2
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; John 12:9-10
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. -John 12:17
the endings of the gospel
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
-John 20:29-31
The purpose of the this gospel is clear, for throughout it the emphasis is on believing that Jesus is the Christ and having faith. This purpose is augmented with berating those who do not believe. The closing of chapter twenty ends with Jesus blessing those that have not seen, yet believe and it seems as an appropriate manner to end the proclamation of the good news.
Jesus saith unto him [Peter], If I will that he [the beloved disciple] tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? -John 21:22-23
Even after the resurrection and receiving the Holy Ghost [John 20:22], the disciples do not have any greater understanding and, once again, misunderstand what Jesus has said. As it is written, this ending suggests disciples had knowledge of the Second Coming [“If I will that he tarry till I come [again]…”], even though this group is often mistaken regarding Jesus, his statements, and his mission. However, the Second Coming is not mentioned in the fourth gospel and the editor betrays his knowledge of this later Christian dogma, although it is likely that the beloved disciple did know of the Second Coming. However, it seems that the original ending of the Gospel was the conclusion of chapter twenty and that chapter twenty one was added later, possibly by two redactors, as the events of the fishing expedition add nothing, except for the numerical value of 153.
-John 20:29-31
The purpose of the this gospel is clear, for throughout it the emphasis is on believing that Jesus is the Christ and having faith. This purpose is augmented with berating those who do not believe. The closing of chapter twenty ends with Jesus blessing those that have not seen, yet believe and it seems as an appropriate manner to end the proclamation of the good news.
Jesus saith unto him [Peter], If I will that he [the beloved disciple] tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? -John 21:22-23
Even after the resurrection and receiving the Holy Ghost [John 20:22], the disciples do not have any greater understanding and, once again, misunderstand what Jesus has said. As it is written, this ending suggests disciples had knowledge of the Second Coming [“If I will that he tarry till I come [again]…”], even though this group is often mistaken regarding Jesus, his statements, and his mission. However, the Second Coming is not mentioned in the fourth gospel and the editor betrays his knowledge of this later Christian dogma, although it is likely that the beloved disciple did know of the Second Coming. However, it seems that the original ending of the Gospel was the conclusion of chapter twenty and that chapter twenty one was added later, possibly by two redactors, as the events of the fishing expedition add nothing, except for the numerical value of 153.
confusion concerning the messiah
As a whole, the disciples are confused regarding the mission and role of Jesus, although they acknowledge Jesus as a teacher or Rabbi and the Messiah. The Apostles cannot be forgiven if they remained ignorant of the purpose of the Christ after traveling with him for three years, if even John the Baptist had doubts about Jesus:
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? -Luke 7:19
According to Luke, John is a cousin of Jesus, as Mary and Elizabeth are related [Luke 1:36]. However, in the fourth gospel, John the Baptist does not know Jesus, which is surprising, since both cousins have miraculous conceptions and births. Additionally, John the Baptist does not know who would the Messiah is until a sign was given.
And I [John the Baptist] knew him [Jesus] not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. -John 1:31
And I [John the Baptist] knew him [Jesus] not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. -John 1:33
John the Baptist did not know who the Messiah would be until the “Spirit” remained on him.
The New Testament confusing due in no small part to the proliferation of Simons:
Peter was one of the apostles
Simon called Zelotes or the Kanaites
Simon, father of Judas who betrayed Jesus.
Simon Magus, the Samaritan wizard
Simon the tanner, Ac. 10
Simon the Pharisee, Luke 7:40-44
Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross of Christ
Simon the cousin of Jesus, the son of Cleophas
Simon the leper, so called to distinguish him from others of the same name
Marys:
Mary the mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene, a women from Magdala
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha
Mary of Cleophas the mother of James the less
Mary the mother of John Mark, a sister of Barnabas
Judases:
a man surnamed the Galilean, who excited the revolt in Galilee, Acts 5:37
a certain Jew of Damascus, Acts 9:11
a prophet surnamed Barsabas, of the church at Jerusalem, Acts 15:22,27,32
the apostle, John 14:22, who was surnamed Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus
the half-brother of Jesus, Matthew 13:55
Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus
nicknames and other descriptions [not always used consistently]:
Thomas called Didymus,
Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus,
Simon the Canaanite,
Judas Iscariot,
John and James are named Boanerges,
Simon called Zelotes;
and family relations:
John and James are the sons of Zebedee,
Peter and Andrew are the sons of Simon,
James and Judas are the sons of Alphaeus,
Levi is the son of Alphaeus.
Judas Iscariot is the son of Simon,
and Jesus is the brother of James, Joses, Juda, and Simon.
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? -Luke 7:19
According to Luke, John is a cousin of Jesus, as Mary and Elizabeth are related [Luke 1:36]. However, in the fourth gospel, John the Baptist does not know Jesus, which is surprising, since both cousins have miraculous conceptions and births. Additionally, John the Baptist does not know who would the Messiah is until a sign was given.
And I [John the Baptist] knew him [Jesus] not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. -John 1:31
And I [John the Baptist] knew him [Jesus] not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. -John 1:33
John the Baptist did not know who the Messiah would be until the “Spirit” remained on him.
The New Testament confusing due in no small part to the proliferation of Simons:
Peter was one of the apostles
Simon called Zelotes or the Kanaites
Simon, father of Judas who betrayed Jesus.
Simon Magus, the Samaritan wizard
Simon the tanner, Ac. 10
Simon the Pharisee, Luke 7:40-44
Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross of Christ
Simon the cousin of Jesus, the son of Cleophas
Simon the leper, so called to distinguish him from others of the same name
Marys:
Mary the mother of Jesus
Mary Magdalene, a women from Magdala
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha
Mary of Cleophas the mother of James the less
Mary the mother of John Mark, a sister of Barnabas
Judases:
a man surnamed the Galilean, who excited the revolt in Galilee, Acts 5:37
a certain Jew of Damascus, Acts 9:11
a prophet surnamed Barsabas, of the church at Jerusalem, Acts 15:22,27,32
the apostle, John 14:22, who was surnamed Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus
the half-brother of Jesus, Matthew 13:55
Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus
nicknames and other descriptions [not always used consistently]:
Thomas called Didymus,
Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus,
Simon the Canaanite,
Judas Iscariot,
John and James are named Boanerges,
Simon called Zelotes;
and family relations:
John and James are the sons of Zebedee,
Peter and Andrew are the sons of Simon,
James and Judas are the sons of Alphaeus,
Levi is the son of Alphaeus.
Judas Iscariot is the son of Simon,
and Jesus is the brother of James, Joses, Juda, and Simon.
discussion
Joseph of Arimathaea was a secret disciple of Jesus, Nicodemus met with Jesus under the cover of darkness, and although there is no explicate indication that Lazarus was a disciple, it seems highly probable, especially after his resurrection after four days. There is a certain belief that the soul permanently leaves the body after three days, so, at least in the minds of the witnesses, the revival of Lazarus after being dead for four days was a miracle, as it was impossible, since it required pulling Lazarus’ soul from Sheol. The belief that soul leaves the body after four days explains why “chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death” [John 12:10], as Lazarus was living proof the Jesus was a prophet sent by God.
There was no more debating pedantic points of scripture [John 10:34], no more innuendos of Jesus being a bastard [John 8:41], no more suggesting that Jesus has his power by possessing a demon [John 8:48] or through controlling the spirit of a murdered man [Luke 9:7], as no demon or magic has the power to return a soul after four days. The long awaited Messiah has come and the chief priest and elders of the temple have slandered him, argued with him, and wanted to kill him [John 5:18; 8:37,40] for three tumultuous years [John 2:13; 6:4; 12:1].
Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus, and Lazarus are each wealthy, have the expected social standing, and are influential. Joseph of Arimathaea can have an audience with Pontius Pilate with little notice, Nicodemus is a “Master of Israel” and has access to the palace of the high priest, and many Jews came to comfort Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus. The family in Bethany must be wealthy, as Mary anointed Jesus with an expensive ointment, or “spikenard” [Mark 14:3].
In the public consciousness, Jesus is identified as a defender, if not an advocate, of the poor and marginalized segments who live on the edge of society. Yet, Jesus is equally comfortable speaking to the common folk and as well as dining with the elites, although the disputes with the temple priesthoods become heated. For a revolution, or an insurrection to succeed, it is beneficial to have the endorsements from the elite and wide support of the common man. To achieve wide support, the message must be clear, simple, and repeated often. It can be said that there is one message and that is the independence of Israel from Roman rule, but this message is communicated differently to the various social classes and, for a long term plan, the timing and execution is crucial and cannot be left to the impulsiveness of the people. For example, when “Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone [John 6:15].” The popularity of Jesus may be tarnished if the people knew that he was neither an advocate of equality, at least in this world, nor of forcibly confiscating wealth and redistributing it: “For ye have the poor with you always, … but me ye have not always.” [Mark 14:7]
There was no more debating pedantic points of scripture [John 10:34], no more innuendos of Jesus being a bastard [John 8:41], no more suggesting that Jesus has his power by possessing a demon [John 8:48] or through controlling the spirit of a murdered man [Luke 9:7], as no demon or magic has the power to return a soul after four days. The long awaited Messiah has come and the chief priest and elders of the temple have slandered him, argued with him, and wanted to kill him [John 5:18; 8:37,40] for three tumultuous years [John 2:13; 6:4; 12:1].
Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus, and Lazarus are each wealthy, have the expected social standing, and are influential. Joseph of Arimathaea can have an audience with Pontius Pilate with little notice, Nicodemus is a “Master of Israel” and has access to the palace of the high priest, and many Jews came to comfort Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus. The family in Bethany must be wealthy, as Mary anointed Jesus with an expensive ointment, or “spikenard” [Mark 14:3].
In the public consciousness, Jesus is identified as a defender, if not an advocate, of the poor and marginalized segments who live on the edge of society. Yet, Jesus is equally comfortable speaking to the common folk and as well as dining with the elites, although the disputes with the temple priesthoods become heated. For a revolution, or an insurrection to succeed, it is beneficial to have the endorsements from the elite and wide support of the common man. To achieve wide support, the message must be clear, simple, and repeated often. It can be said that there is one message and that is the independence of Israel from Roman rule, but this message is communicated differently to the various social classes and, for a long term plan, the timing and execution is crucial and cannot be left to the impulsiveness of the people. For example, when “Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone [John 6:15].” The popularity of Jesus may be tarnished if the people knew that he was neither an advocate of equality, at least in this world, nor of forcibly confiscating wealth and redistributing it: “For ye have the poor with you always, … but me ye have not always.” [Mark 14:7]
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. -John 18:1-2
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. -John 19:41
A tomb with a garden is a luxury only the wealthy could afford and we have identified three individuals: Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea, and Lazarus.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, -John 20:15
Jesus often went to the garden with his disciples and Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener.
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. -John 19:41
A tomb with a garden is a luxury only the wealthy could afford and we have identified three individuals: Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea, and Lazarus.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, -John 20:15
Jesus often went to the garden with his disciples and Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener.
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
-Matthew 26:6-7
The village is Bethany, Simon the leper is the master of the house, and the woman is anonymous, presumably it is Mary, and anoints Jesus’ head.
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. -Mark 14:3
The village is Bethany, Simon the leper is the householder, and the woman is anonymous and she anoints Jesus’ head with spikenard.
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. -Luke 7:36-40
The city is not named, the master of the house is Simon the Pharisee, and the unnamed woman is a sinner who anoints Jesus’ feet.
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. -Luke 10:38-42
The sisters Mary and Martha live in a “certain village” which is presumed to be Bethany and neither Simon nor Lazarus are mentioned.
All the gospel accounts have Jesus being anointed by a woman, either unnamed or named Mary. In Mark, the village is named Bethany, but in Matthew, the city is not named, however the master of the house is named Simon in both Mark and Luke. Since there is evidence of an attempt at obfuscation, it is either due to the apostles omitting certain facts when preserving their testimony or later editors redacting these sections.
-Matthew 26:6-7
The village is Bethany, Simon the leper is the master of the house, and the woman is anonymous, presumably it is Mary, and anoints Jesus’ head.
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. -Mark 14:3
The village is Bethany, Simon the leper is the householder, and the woman is anonymous and she anoints Jesus’ head with spikenard.
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. -Luke 7:36-40
The city is not named, the master of the house is Simon the Pharisee, and the unnamed woman is a sinner who anoints Jesus’ feet.
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. -Luke 10:38-42
The sisters Mary and Martha live in a “certain village” which is presumed to be Bethany and neither Simon nor Lazarus are mentioned.
All the gospel accounts have Jesus being anointed by a woman, either unnamed or named Mary. In Mark, the village is named Bethany, but in Matthew, the city is not named, however the master of the house is named Simon in both Mark and Luke. Since there is evidence of an attempt at obfuscation, it is either due to the apostles omitting certain facts when preserving their testimony or later editors redacting these sections.
The Garden
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. -John 18:1-2
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. -John 19:41
A tomb with a garden seems like a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, -John 20:15
Jesus often went to the garden with his disciples and Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener.
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. -John 19:41
A tomb with a garden seems like a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, -John 20:15
Jesus often went to the garden with his disciples and Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener.
Napkin
And he [Lazarus] that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. -John 11:44
And the napkin, that was about his [Jesus] head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. -John 20:7
Both the raising of Lazarus and the empty tomb of Jesus has the same curious detail: the napkin that bound their faces. From this detail, certain authors claim that the women mistook the tomb of Jesus for the tomb of Lazarus and that Jesus, in fact, did not resurrect. In support of their conclusion, they relate that few of the witnesses saw Jesus, instead they heard of the resurrection from an angel, a man, two men, or two angels. They also take notice that the individuals who do see Jesus do not recognize him, for example Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener, the disciples on the way to Emmaus, and the disciples fishing in the fourth gospel. The disciples did not ask who he was, as the beloved disciple said “It is the Lord.”
And the napkin, that was about his [Jesus] head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. -John 20:7
Both the raising of Lazarus and the empty tomb of Jesus has the same curious detail: the napkin that bound their faces. From this detail, certain authors claim that the women mistook the tomb of Jesus for the tomb of Lazarus and that Jesus, in fact, did not resurrect. In support of their conclusion, they relate that few of the witnesses saw Jesus, instead they heard of the resurrection from an angel, a man, two men, or two angels. They also take notice that the individuals who do see Jesus do not recognize him, for example Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener, the disciples on the way to Emmaus, and the disciples fishing in the fourth gospel. The disciples did not ask who he was, as the beloved disciple said “It is the Lord.”
Strong’s Number G3860 παραδίδωμι paradidōmi
The KJV translates Strong's G3860 in the following manner: deliver (53 times), betray (40 times), deliver up (10 times), give (4 times), give up (4 times), give over (twice), commit (twice), miscellaneous (6 times). Judging by the variety of translations, G3860 proved to be difficult to translate for the editors of the King James Bible. [Courtesy of the Blue Letter Bible]
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. -John 6:64
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. -John 6:71
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, -John 12:4
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; -John 13:2
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. -John 13:11
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. -John 13:21
And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. -John 18:2
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. -John 18:5
For some of them [the disciples] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. -John 13:29
In the fourth gospel, the Last Supper is not the Passover meal or “the feast”. The fourth gospel omits that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and later hung himself.
And said unto them [chief priests and elders], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. -Matthew 26:15
And he [Judas] cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. -Matthew 27:5
And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. -Matthew 27:7
Then said Jesus unto the twelve [disciples], Will ye also go away? -John 6:67
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. -John 6:70-71
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. -John 20:24
There are three mentions of the twelve apostles in the fourth gospel, although there is neither a list nor do the named apostles total twelve.
the sons of zebedee
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. - John 21:2
The first mention of the sons of Zebedee in the last chapter of the fourth gospel. Due to this fact, the consensus among scholars is that this phrase is a later insertion into the text.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. -Matthew 4:21
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; -Matthew 10:2
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. -Matthew 20:10
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.-Matthew 26:37
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. -Matthew 27:56
Jesus “saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother…” -Mark 1:19
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: -Mark 3:17
Similar to Simon, the sons of Zebedee also receive a nickname from Jesus.
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee ... -Mark 10:35
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. -Luke 5:10
According to Luke, Simon knew James and John before they become disciples of Jesus and, of course, it is likely that Andrew also knew James and John. Judas Iscariot was a son of Simon and was a nephew of Andrew.
If the assumption that the “sons of Zebedee” is not a later interpolation, then the disciples in the last chapter are Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John [the sons of Zebedee], and two other of his disciples, for a total of seven disciples, five named and two unknown. Since the text does not mention the death of Judas Iscariot, he is included for completeness: Andrew, Philip, Judas Iscariot, the other Judas, Peter, and Simon are not mentioned. Interestingly, our list comprises eleven names and we conclude that the beloved disciple is the missing name.
The first mention of the sons of Zebedee in the last chapter of the fourth gospel. Due to this fact, the consensus among scholars is that this phrase is a later insertion into the text.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. -Matthew 4:21
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; -Matthew 10:2
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. -Matthew 20:10
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.-Matthew 26:37
Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. -Matthew 27:56
Jesus “saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother…” -Mark 1:19
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: -Mark 3:17
Similar to Simon, the sons of Zebedee also receive a nickname from Jesus.
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee ... -Mark 10:35
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. -Luke 5:10
According to Luke, Simon knew James and John before they become disciples of Jesus and, of course, it is likely that Andrew also knew James and John. Judas Iscariot was a son of Simon and was a nephew of Andrew.
If the assumption that the “sons of Zebedee” is not a later interpolation, then the disciples in the last chapter are Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John [the sons of Zebedee], and two other of his disciples, for a total of seven disciples, five named and two unknown. Since the text does not mention the death of Judas Iscariot, he is included for completeness: Andrew, Philip, Judas Iscariot, the other Judas, Peter, and Simon are not mentioned. Interestingly, our list comprises eleven names and we conclude that the beloved disciple is the missing name.