The Secret to John’s Faith
How did this disciple persevere in a lifetime of adversity?
By Bennett Rolan, Editorial Manager
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently? How have you matured? How have you changed?
For each of us, time offers the benefit of hindsight. We learn from our mistakes, we strive to be better, and through the work of the Holy Spirit we grow in our faith.
When we combine life experience with a commitment to pursue Christ, God grows our wisdom. Over time, we see the world differently.
This is the gift we discover in John’s Gospel. Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, most scholars believe that the apostle John wrote his Gospel account toward the end of his life, 20 to 30 years after the other three were written. Early Christian writings even suggest that John may have been familiar with the three Gospels before recording his own account.*
After a lifetime reflecting on the words and teaching of Jesus, John carefully crafted his eyewitness account. Today we benefit from his hindsight. John’s Gospel is known for its unique content and timeline, but the author’s tone truly sets it apart.
John’s enduring faith and love for Christ are evident in every chapter and verse.
So how can we build a faith like John? When we examine his life, we uncover the source of his hope, freedom, and perseverance.
After a lifetime reflecting on the words and teaching of Jesus, John carefully crafted his eyewitness account.
Hope in adversity
After Jesus’s resurrection and ascension to heaven, God grew the early Church. But as Jesus had warned in Matthew 10:16-39, the lives of these early Christians were marked by pain and persecution. While the Holy Spirit sustained these faithful believers, Jewish and Roman officials ruthlessly persecuted anyone who proclaimed the name of Christ.
As one of Jesus’s disciples, John would have been at the center of this violent turmoil. He watched as government officials brutally martyred his friends and family, one by one. From Acts 12:1-2 we know that John’s brother James was among the first to be “put to death with the sword” in the name of Jesus.
In AD 70, John would have grieved the deaths of an estimated 1.1 million Jews and Christians during the Roman siege of Jerusalem. And as his brothers and sisters in Christ suffered, John himself was hunted, persecuted, and exiled.
John referred to himself as “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9).
As we reflect on those words, we realize that John fixed his eyes on Christ’s kingdom to come. Through Jesus’s love and sacrifice, John’s commitment to Christ remained steadfast. When he could have written a memoir of bitterness, John wrote a Gospel of hope.
Through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the words recorded by John encourage us today, “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
When he could have written a memoir of bitterness, John wrote a Gospel of hope.
Freedom through humility
Before writing his Gospel account or shepherding the early Church, John was simply a fisherman who chose to follow Christ. Known by Jesus as the “sons of thunder” in Mark 3:17, John and his brother James were two of the most vocal disciples from the Gospel accounts. In Mark 10:35-36, we read about the brothers’ request of Jesus, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
Asking for a place of prominence, James and John wanted greatness. But somewhere in the course of following Christ, John’s perspective changed. In his writing, John elevated the name of Jesus above all else. Instead of taking credit as “John, best among the apostles,” the author calls himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
The same man who once sought eternal greatness later chose to remain anonymous. Instead of proclaiming his own name, John anchored his identity in Christ.
Through simply becoming “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” John proclaimed his identity in Christ alone. Instead of seeking fame or authority, John rested in his position as child of God (John 1:12).
The same man who once sought eternal greatness later chose to remain anonymous.
Peace in perseverance
Through a lifetime of adversity, John persevered in faith. By shifting his perspective toward eternity, John held fast to these words of Jesus.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
John’s faith was remarkable, but his story reminds us that God faithfully matures ordinary men and women. When we spend a lifetime reflecting on the person and words of Christ, we too can discover hope, freedom, and perseverance.
Jesus Himself said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
To build a faith like John’s, join BSF’s next study of John’s Gospel: The Truth. Join a BSF class today!
*Mark L. Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus. A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 2nd ed., 2020).
Bennett Rolan
Editorial Manager
Bennett Rolan joined the BSF staff in 2017 after working for several publications, Christian ministries, and non-profits. She loves to combine her passion for God’s Word and her journalism and history background to share stories of God’s Work in and through BSF. As a wife to a busy college football coach and a mom to four young children, BSF studies keep her relationship with the Lord grounded and focused. She loves to learn from fellow believers as God faithfully grows her each day.
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I am looking forward to this Bible Study very much. BSF is continually a rich source for me to grow closer to God and people. The study is a powerful way to learn more of the Word and I am grateful to everyone who makes it possible year after year.
How and when will we be able to download the John study notes and questions in Word?
Hi Jerry! Digital materials will be available starting next week on the BSF app, mybsf.org, and bsfonline.org. Thank you!
Can you create your own group of friends and church members?
Hi Denise! BSF has an app called WordGo that you can use to meet with your personal friends and church members. The gospel of John is on the WordGo app. Thanks!
I am so excited for this coming study of John. After last year’s study, learning that we are no different from the children of Israel, I feel God is now going to show us how to live, serve and love the way He intended. This will be my third visit with the John study. I pray God will give us fresh eyes, renewed minds and “4th soil” hearts for His Word to take root and produce pleasing fruit!
I want to order 3 ring binder style for “John Gospel study starting 2023 sept
Hi Dawn, please visit store.mybsf.org to purchase these items. Thanks!
For many in our BSF class this year’s study of John will be another go around of this book. I’m praying they see new and inspiring truths!!!
How do I down load the questions and notes on John, which is our next lesson.
Hi Joseph! BSF is currently on break. We will begin our John study in classes around the world through August-September. You can register for a local or online class using join.bsfinternational.org and they will let you know the first lesson and date for John. Once you’ve joined a class you can access lessons and notes on mybsf.org! John digital materials will be available in mid-July. Thanks!
I don’t know what awaiting in moderation means.
Hi Joseph! All comments on the BSF blog are moderated by blog staff members. When you submit comments, the site will notify you that your comment is awaiting moderation. Thanks!
I’m looking forward to this study of the Gospel of John. I too, like John through my Faith and Love for Jesus want to increase my Faith, with Him as my source of hope, perseverance, and freedom.
I have been trying to get connected but unable to do so. I tried to connect to my bsf by trying a new password. I never receive the code. I went to Verizon and Comcast for help.they said the problem is network there. I want to order the book
Hi Patricia, you can visit the store at store.mybsf.org.
Thank you for writing this blog, Bennett. It helps me get ready for BSF in September
I am so looking forward to this study!
Wow! Can’t wait to study the gospel according to John for a second time. I don’t have a favorite book of the Bible yet but John might be that book that becomes my favorite book of all time.
John gives us a beautiful message of hope and assurance that our Lord and Savior will always be with us no matter how dire circumstances may appear in this life.
Inspiring to me.
Please note the ***conditionality*** in remaining as Christ’s friend in John 15:14; “You are my friends *****if you do***** what I command.” (Luke 6:46-49)
Good point. I liken this to be part and parcel of the Gospel of the Kingdom and not the unconditional grace of the Gospel of the Grace of God; Acts 20:24. Unfortunately, some Churches mix them indiscriminately leaving gaping holes in the believers’ faith.
Just received my study book for John. So looking forward to this study.
How do I get my book?
Hi Colleen, please visit store.mybsf.org.
Thank you for this blog. Looking forward to studying the book of John. The disciple whom Jesus loved.
Thank you Bennett.Building a faith is a very big challenge. I have been seeing that John’gospel was difficult but when I read this éditorial I know that the Holy Spirit can do what I cannot, as I love impregnate my life with the God’ Word !!
My studies thru BSF have been a blessing. They have taken me thru the history and trials of the people of God. Brought me closer in my relationship with God.
Looking forward tonthe study of John
Thank you for the insight as to why John was called, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” I have studied John twice with BSF and always wondered about that phrase. Now I know! I am anxiously awaiting September to grow closer to the Lord through this study and to see what new insights and growth will come.
May God give each of us insight into His plan for us, His love, wisdom and salvation that is available to all.
2002-2003 was my first BSF study. It was the book of John. During that study I learned deep in my heart that I was indeed loved by the Lord. What a wonderful gift I was given.
Thank you BSF for your wonderful services to the Lord and to help us each grow in our faith through all the studies, blogs, speeches, etc.
God Bless you!
Thank you for the insight as to why John was called, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” I have studied John twice with BSF and always wondered about it. Now I know. I am anxiously awaiting September to begin my 19 years of BSF. May God give each of us insight into His plan, His love, wisdom and salvation that is available to all.
I am excited to start John”s study and am looking forward to hearing from the Word what the Spirit is saying to me through John”s study..
Amazing powerful study can’t wait to dive in!
“John’s commitment to Christ remained steadfast. When he could have written a memoir of bitterness, John wrote a Gospel of hope.” Through this study, I hope to build my knowledge in God’s Word and put on God’s armor in preparation for the persecution that is already being experienced by so many believers; and through persecution, emit joy and peace that passes all understanding – through Jesus Christ!
What a great preview into the book ofJohn. Cannot wait to dive in and share in our special Men’s group. Year three for me and looking for many more with BSF.
Excited to to know more about Jesus through John’s unique Holy Spirit inspired perspective
I am a Black male that goes to a All White Church, Adversity is very common for me! Please continue to pray for me.
Williiam, praying for you. Stay strong; keep the faith.
I’ll never walk in your shoes William. But, you’re in my prayers. God is the arbitrator of justice and your Faith will always prove enough to silent the ignorant. Amen.
Im sitting here on the Oregon coast at 6 AM reading this blog that brought me to tears. Reading his Word, this sentence really struck me:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.“ Experiencing His peace and the glory of His creation, I was overjoyed knowing that my God, who gave His only son, will provide peace that transcends all understanding despite what the world may bring!!
I am looking forward to this study of Gospel of John
Thank you
Thank you for this blog post. It is thought-provoking and insightful even in its brevity. When is BSF beginning its study of the book of John? I know it’s sometime in the fall but do we have an exact date already for this? I’m from Manila and I’d like to join an international group bible study again like I did the last time. I appreciate the diversity of perspectives in these groups. Thank you, Bennett and the entire BSF team, all glory and praise to God!
Hi Geraldine! BSF classes begin at different times around the world. Please contact your local class leadership to find out the date of your first lesson. If you do not have their contact information, you can find it by searching for your class and clicking “contact” – join.bsfinternational.org.
I am excited about BSF this year and learning about John. Attending BSF helps me to grow in the Lord and
in truth. Never thought about why John did not put his name though out the book but it does make sense
that he started out wanted to sit next to Jesus but by the end of his life he felt he was not even worthy to
have his name in this book but just to be know has the disciple who Jesus loved.
I would like to order the Study Book for the Book of John. I signed into BSF and have not been able to find it. I received an email some time ago that the Study Book for John was available. The BSF website may be convenient for computer savy people, but it is not convenient for lots of people.
Hi Dave, so sorry for the confusion! You can visit store.mybsf.org to order your book. Thank you!
Thank you for this information. It was very enlightening and can’t wait to learn more.
When we spend a lifetime reflecting on the person and words of Christ, we too can discover hope, freedom, and perseverance.
True. When John wrote this gospel of hope instead of a memoir of bitterness God was helping us to benefit from Johns account of Jesus’ person.
I am looking forward to the study of the book of John. From this blog I learn a lot about humility in Chtist.