Podcast Summary: Apologetics

Episode: John: The Return Of Jesus Christ

Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Apologetics

Episode Overview

This episode concludes the series on the Book of John, focusing on the enigmatic passage regarding the Apostle John's fate and the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. The episode addresses common interpretations, explores the scriptural and historical context, and encourages listeners to reflect on their faith and understanding of Christ’s return.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Enigmatic Promise to John

[00:19]

• The episode centers on John 21: Jesus tells Peter about his future martyrdom and responds cryptically about John:
  • Quote: "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?"
• Rumors circulated among early Christians that John would not die before Christ's return, especially as he outlived the other apostles.
• The host clarifies that Jesus did not promise John's immortality; historical records place John’s death in Ephesus.

2. Peter’s Question and Christ’s Response

[04:30]

• Peter, having learned of his grim fate, asks, "What about this man?" regarding John.

• The host discusses possible motivations for Peter's question: curiosity, competitiveness, or concern for the apostolic "pecking order."

• Jesus’ reply is essentially, "Mind your own business"—Peter is to focus on his calling, regardless of John’s future.

  Quote [08:02]:
  "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." – Jesus

3. Three Interpretations of the Passage

[10:34]

• Figure of Speech:
  • Jesus could be simply telling Peter not to compare his fate to John’s.
• John’s Death vs. Martyrdom:
  • Some theologians propose Jesus hints John will not be martyred like the others—a unique outcome among the Apostles.
• Literal Fulfillment:
  • The host favors the explanation that Jesus was speaking literally about John remaining until "Christ’s return"—but points out the conundrum, as John did indeed die.

4. Historical & Scriptural Context for “The Return”

[13:30]

• The conversation shifts to Christ’s prophecies about impending catastrophe for Jerusalem and the Temple:

  • References to the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24), Matthew 16, and Matthew 10, where Jesus predicts destruction within his listeners' lifetimes.
  • Emphasis on 70 A.D., when Jerusalem and the Temple fell to Rome, as a partial fulfillment of Christ’s warnings.

• Historians like Josephus and Alfred Edersheim are quoted about the unparalleled horror of Jerusalem's destruction.

  Quote [17:02]:
  "Destruction is coming. You see the same temple you think is so strong? Not a single stone...will be left standing upon one another." – Host paraphrasing Jesus

  Quote [20:55]:
  "There are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." – Matthew 16, cited by Host

5. Extra-Biblical Confirmation

[22:42]

• The host shares Jewish historian Josephus's eyewitness account of supernatural signs during Jerusalem's fall:

  Quote [22:56]:
  "On the 21st day of the month... before the sunset, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were seen running among the clouds..." – Josephus (paraphrased by Host)

• Interprets these portents as affirmation of divine judgment accompanying Rome's destruction of the city.

6. Connecting Back to John’s Fate

[23:50]

• John’s survival past the other apostles is highlighted as fitting Jesus’ statement—he lived to witness (though possibly not physically see) the fulfillment of Christ’s warning/judgment upon Jerusalem.

  Quote [24:00]:
  "In 70 AD, Jesus did return in judgment. At that point, Peter was dead, but John, John was not." – Host

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Restoration:

  Quote [06:30]:
  "Peter, Peter, Peter, do you love me?...Then feed my sheep." – Jesus (recapped by Host)

• On Eyewitness Testimony:

  Quote [24:50]:
  "John has the same basic objective: 'Look, guys, I was there. I saw all of these things... and I am bearing witness to you of what I have seen.'" – Host (summarizing John)

• On Belief and Ownership:

  Quote [26:15]:
  "Young people, do you believe it? ... If you do believe it, what are you doing about it?" – Host

Important Timestamps

• [00:19] – Introduction of John 21's enigmatic promise
• [04:30] – Recap of Peter’s restoration and martyrdom
• [08:02 & 10:34] – Jesus' enigmatic answer and three main interpretations
• [13:30] – Olivet Discourse and prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction
• [17:02, 20:55] – Scriptural cross-references on Christ’s "coming"
• [22:42-23:50] – Josephus’s testimony and supernatural events in 70 A.D.
• [24:50] – Importance of eyewitness testimony and John’s epilogue
• [26:15] – Call for personal reflection and belief

Conclusion

The episode intricately explores the passage in John regarding Jesus’ statement about John’s fate, threading together scriptural analysis, historical context, and theological interpretation. It ultimately argues that the “return” Jesus spoke about was his coming in judgment on Jerusalem in 70 A.D., which John lived to see. The host closes by urging both young and old to consider the truth of the Gospel in personal and practical terms.

For further study, listeners are directed to Dr. Holt's sermon archive.