Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. John the Apostle

Podcast Information

• Title: Catholic Saints
• Host/Author: Augustine Institute
• Description: Explore the lives of Catholic saints through interviews with scripture scholars, delving into the transformative journeys of men and women recognized by the Catholic Church.
• Episode: St. John the Apostle
• Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

The episode opens with Taylor Kemp, the Director of FormD, welcoming Dr. Jim Prothro to the show. The initial moments are light-hearted, establishing a warm and engaging atmosphere for listeners.

Taylor Kemp [00:05]: "Hello, everyone, and welcome to Catholic Saints."

Dr. Jim Prothro [00:19]: "I'm very happy that all of you can see this other side of me."

St. John’s Background

Dr. Prothro provides a comprehensive overview of St. John the Apostle’s early life. John, son of Zebedee, was a fisherman alongside his brother James. Their lives took a dramatic turn when Jesus called them to follow Him, leading them to leave their father’s fishing business and dedicate their lives to Jesus.

Dr. Jim Prothro [01:48]: "He was just John, one of the sons of Zebedee. He and his brother James are both fishermen and they work for their dad."

Inner Circle with Jesus

John, along with Peter and James, formed Jesus’s inner circle, sharing unique and intimate moments with Him. This trio was privileged to witness significant events such as the healing of Jairus’s daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in Gethsemane. Their proximity to Jesus underscores their pivotal roles in His ministry.

Dr. Jim Prothro [03:06]: "Peter, James, and John are witnesses to him raising up this little girl."

Dr. Jim Prothro [04:49]: "John was part of this inner circle and he did get to witness a lot, that it does give kind of a... makes me want to approach his gospel and his letters in a particular way."

The Gospel of John and Its Uniqueness

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Gospel of John. Dr. Prothro explains that while the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) share similar perspectives, John’s Gospel offers a more spiritual and theological insight into Jesus’s life and teachings. He emphasizes the unique portrayal of Jesus as the Word made flesh and the deep theological underpinnings that distinguish it from the other Gospels.

Dr. Jim Prothro [18:38]: "John gives you that complementary perspective... it's the eternal word of God with the Father as the Son from all eternity not created, the same substance with the Father who now has become flesh."

Life After Christ: Traditions and Writings

Dr. Prothro delves into the traditions surrounding John’s life following Jesus’s resurrection. He discusses the attribution of the Book of Revelation to John, his role as a bishop in Ephesus, and his eventual exile to Patmos. These traditions highlight John’s enduring commitment to spreading the Gospel and his authorship of significant New Testament writings.

Dr. Jim Prothro [15:29]: "The Book of Revelation says it's written by John... Most of the tradition has identified the John who wrote Revelation with John the Evangelist and the son of Zebedee."

Key Traits of St. John

The conversation highlights John’s profound emphasis on love, a central theme in his Gospel and letters. Dr. Prothro underscores how John’s writings encapsulate the essence of Christian faith through the command to "love one another." He also touches upon John’s human flaws, such as his impetuousness, and his growth in humility and understanding through his relationship with Jesus.

Dr. Jim Prothro [12:11]: "John is presented to us as one who's especially close to Jesus, one who believes quickly."

Dr. Jim Prothro [13:45]: "John learns that lesson, just like Peter... He follows more intimately Jesus during Jesus's earthly ministry."

Lessons and Applications

Dr. Prothro draws practical lessons from John’s life, emphasizing the importance of humility, love, and the willingness to learn and grow. He illustrates how John’s journey from impetuousness to profound spiritual maturity serves as a model for believers striving to deepen their faith and relationship with God.

Dr. Jim Prothro [14:54]: "To have the humility to go to the Lord in prayer... is just like, so important part of the virtue of prudence."

Tips for Reading the Gospel of John

For those unfamiliar with the Gospel of John, Dr. Prothro offers insightful tips on how to approach it. He suggests understanding it as a spiritual complement to the Synoptic Gospels, focusing on the deeper theological meanings and personal relationship with Jesus. He encourages readers to embrace the unique perspectives and profound declarations found within John’s writings.

Dr. Jim Prothro [18:38]: "John’s Gospel, according to early church tradition, is written later... it's a spiritual gospel."

Dr. Jim Prothro [18:38]: "The whole purpose of him being brought into those special moments is that so he could see and then he could bring you to have the same fellowship and the same knowledge."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dr. Prothro highlighting the enduring legacy of St. John the Apostle. He reinforces the significance of John’s contributions to the New Testament and his exemplary life of love and faith. The hosts encourage listeners to draw inspiration from John’s journey and seek his intercession in their own spiritual lives.

Dr. Jim Prothro [23:11]: "St. John, pray for us."

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Jim Prothro [07:15]: "Peter, James, and John get to do things with Jesus that other people don't get to do."

• Dr. Jim Prothro [12:11]: "John is presented to us as one who's especially close to Jesus, one who believes quickly."

• Dr. Jim Prothro [15:29]: "Most of the tradition has identified the John who wrote Revelation with John the Evangelist and the son of Zebedee."

• Dr. Jim Prothro [18:38]: "John gives you that complementary perspective... it's the eternal word of God with the Father as the Son from all eternity not created."

• Dr. Jim Prothro [23:11]: "St. John, pray for us."

Key Takeaways

• St. John the Apostle was a fisherman called by Jesus, forming an intimate inner circle with Peter and James.

• His writings, including the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation, offer profound theological insights and emphasize the theme of love.

• John’s life after Jesus’s resurrection includes his role as a bishop, his exile to Patmos, and his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.

• Lessons from John’s life include the importance of humility, love, and continual growth in faith.

• Approaching the Gospel of John requires an understanding of its spiritual depth and its complementary nature to the Synoptic Gospels.

This episode provides a rich and engaging exploration of St. John the Apostle, offering listeners a deeper understanding of his life, contributions, and enduring legacy within the Catholic faith.