Saint John the Evangelist Resurrecting Drusiana, fresco by Filippino Lippi in the Strozzi Chapel of the Santa Maria Novella church in Florence, Italy
The fisherman John and his older brother James were fishing with their father Zebedee when Jesus called to the brothers. Called upon with Peter and his brother Andrew, they became His disciples. Referred to as "disciple whom Jesus loved", John’s importance can be seen in his place next to Christ at The Last Supper.
Saint John the Evangelist has been attributed with being both John the Presbyter and John the Apostle, however, modern scripture scholars believe it is unlikely they were the same person. This has led to some debate about whether or not he was the true author of the Book of Revelation. In any case, Saint John the Evangelist had a very prominent place as one of the original twelve Apostles.
John, James, and Peter had a special relationship with Jesus as a reward for their unwavering faith. Together, they were the only followers privileged enough to witness the raising of Jairus' daughter; the Transfiguration. John was with Peter when a man crippled from birth was cured; the first great miracle after the Resurrection.
Traditionally, the beloved Apostle is attributed to writing three New Testament letters. Saint John the Evangelist had a prominent role in founding and guiding the Church after Christ's Ascension. John is symbolically represented by an eagle; a fitting pairing for their matched strength, power, vision, and ability to soar.
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