Definition

Proper noun * John the Evangelist: A disciple of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Christian tradition identifies him as the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. He is often distinguished from John the Baptist and other figures named John in the Bible.

Usage

• John the Evangelist is used to refer specifically to this biblical author and apostle, especially in theological, historical, and artistic contexts.
• It is a formal title and is typically capitalized.

Examples

• Early church fathers attributed the fourth gospel to John the Evangelist.
• In the painting, John the Evangelist is depicted with an eagle, his traditional symbol.
• The feast day of John the Evangelist is celebrated on December 27th.

Advanced Usage

• The Johannine Writings: This term refers to the body of work traditionally ascribed to John the Evangelist (the Gospel, the Epistles, and Revelation). Scholars use it to discuss common themes and authorship questions.
• The Beloved Disciple: Within the Gospel of John itself, the author is often identified anonymously as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Many Christian traditions equate this figure with John the Evangelist.

Variants and Related Words

• Saint John the Evangelist: A common honorific title.
• John the Apostle: Often used synonymously, though technically "apostle" refers to his role as one of the Twelve, while "evangelist" refers to his role as a Gospel writer.
• John the Divine: An alternative title, particularly in reference to his authorship of the Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse).
• Johannine (adj.): Pertaining to John the Evangelist or the writings attributed to him (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Saint John
• John the Apostle
• The Beloved Disciple (contextual)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (As) gentle as John the Evangelist: An old idiom describing someone of great gentleness and love, reflecting the character traditionally associated with him. (Note: This idiom is archaic and rarely used in modern English.)

Noun

1. (New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally said to be the author of the 4th Gospel and three epistles and the book of Revelation