What special virtues did Saint John the Apostle have?

Saint John the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is recognized as one of the most important figures in early Christianity. He was known for his close relationship with Jesus and his writings, which have had a profound impact on Christian theology and spirituality. In this blog post, we will explore the special virtues that Saint John possessed that made him such an important figure in the early Church.

1. Love and Compassion: Saint John was known for his love and compassion for others. He was often referred to as the "Apostle of Love" because of the emphasis he placed on the importance of love in the Christian faith. In his writings, he emphasized the need for Christians to love one another and to love God. He wrote, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7)
2. Faith: Saint John was a man of great faith. He was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in his teachings. He was present at the Transfiguration of Jesus and witnessed his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. In his gospel, he emphasized the importance of faith in Jesus as the way to eternal life. He wrote, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
3. Humility: Saint John was humble and did not seek recognition or power for himself. He was content to serve others and to follow the example of Jesus. In his gospel, he wrote about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, a symbol of humility and service. He also wrote about the importance of humility in the Christian life. He wrote, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)
4. Perseverance: Saint John was a man of great perseverance. Despite facing persecution and hardship, he remained faithful to his beliefs and continued to spread the message of Jesus. He was exiled to the island of Patmos for his beliefs, but even there, he continued to write and to inspire others. In his gospel, he wrote about the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. He wrote, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
5. Wisdom: Saint John was a man of great wisdom. He had a deep understanding of the teachings of Jesus and was able to convey them in a way that was accessible to others. His writings are still studied and revered today for their wisdom and insight. In his gospel, he wrote about the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. He wrote, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)