Stories about John from the Church Fathers
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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on Colossians after Easter
Irenaeus cites a story from Polycarp (ca. 69 - ca. 155 AD),
Bishop of Smyrna, who was a contemporary of St. John.
"John, the disciple of the Lord, going to
bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house
without bathing, exclaiming, 'Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down,
because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.'"1
Reclaiming a Former Believer for Christ
Eusebius cites a fascinating and poignant story about St. John's ardent
love and belief in the forgiveness of John. Though it is a bit lengthy, I'll
cite it in full.
"5. Clement likewise in his book entitled What Rich Man Can Be Saved?
indicates the time, and subjoins a narrative which is most attractive to
those that enjoy hearing what is beautiful and profitable. Take and read the
account which runs as follows:
6. Listen to a tale, which is not a mere tale, but a narrative concerning
John the apostle, which has been handed down and treasured up in memory. For
when, after the tyrant's death, he returned from the isle of Patmos to
Ephesus, he went away upon their invitation to the neighboring territories
of the Gentiles, to appoint bishops in some places, in other places to set
in order whole churches, elsewhere to choose to the ministry some one of
those that were pointed out by the Spirit.
7. When he had come to one of the cities not far away (the name of which
is given by some), and had consoled the brethren in other matters, he
finally turned to the bishop that had been appointed, and seeing a youth of
powerful physique, of pleasing appearance, and of ardent temperament, he
said, 'This one I commit to you in all earnestness in the presence of the
Church and with Christ as witness.' And when the bishop had accepted the
charge and had promised all, he repeated the same injunction with an appeal
to the same witnesses, and then departed for Ephesus.
8. But the presbyter taking home the youth committed to him, reared,
kept, cherished, and finally baptized him. After this he relaxed his
stricter care and watchfulness, with the idea that in putting upon him the
seal of the Lord he had given him a perfect protection.
9. But some youths of his own age, idle and dissolute, and accustomed to
evil practices, corrupted him when he was thus prematurely freed from
restraint. At first they enticed him by costly entertainments; then, when
they went forth at night for robbery, they took him with them, and finally
they demanded that he should unite with them in some greater crime.
10. He gradually became accustomed to such practices, and on account of
the positiveness of his character, leaving the right path, and taking the
bit in his teeth like a hard-mouthed and powerful horse, he rushed the more
violently down into the depths.
11. And finally despairing of salvation in God, he no longer meditated
what was insignificant, but having committed some great crime, since he was
now lost once for all, he expected to suffer a like fate with the rest.
Taking them, therefore, and forming a band of robbers, he became a bold
bandit-chief, the most violent, most bloody, most cruel of them all.
12. Time passed, and some necessity having arisen, they sent for John.
But he, when he had set in order the other matters on account of which he
had come, said, 'Come, O bishop, restore us the deposit which both I and
Christ committed to you, the church, over which you preside, being witness.'
13. But the bishop was at first confounded, thinking that he was falsely
charged in regard to money which he had not received, and he could neither
believe the accusation respecting what he had not, nor could he disbelieve
John. But when he said, 'I demand the young man and the soul of the
brother,' the old man, groaning deeply and at the same time bursting into
tears, said, 'He is dead.' 'How and what kind of death?' 'He is dead to
God,' he said; 'for he turned wicked and abandoned, and at last a robber.
And now, instead of the church, he haunts the mountain with a band like
himself.'
14. But the Apostle rent his clothes, and beating his head with great
lamentation, he said, 'A fine guard I left for a brother's soul! But let a
horse be brought me, and let someone show me the way.' He rode away from the
church just as he was, and coming to the place, he was taken prisoner by the
robbers' outpost.
15. He, however, neither fled nor made entreaty, but cried out, 'For this
did I come; lead me to your captain.'
16. The latter, meanwhile, was waiting, armed as he was. But when he
recognized John approaching, he turned in shame to flee.
17. But John, forgetting his age, pursued him with all his might, crying
out, 'Why, my son, do you flee from me, your own father, unarmed, aged? Pity
me, my son; fear not; you have still hope of life. I will give account to
Christ for you. If need be, I will willingly endure your death as the Lord
suffered death for us. For you will I give up my life. Stand, believe;
Christ has sent me.'
18. And he, when he heard, first stopped and looked down; then he threw
away his arms, and then trembled and wept bitterly. And when the old man
approached, he embraced him, making confession with lamentations as he was
able, baptizing himself a second time with tears, and concealing only his
right hand.
19. But John, pledging himself, and assuring him on oath that he would
find forgiveness with the Savior, besought him, fell upon his knees, kissed
his right hand itself as if now purified by repentance, and led him back to
the church. And making intercession for him with copious prayers, and
struggling together with him in continual fastings, and subduing his mind by
various utterances, he did not depart, as they say, until he had restored
him to the church, furnishing a great example of true repentance and a great
proof of regeneration, a trophy of a visible resurrection."2
Love One Another
In his commentary on Galatians 6:10, Jerome tells a famous story of
"blessed John the evangelist" in extreme old age at Ephesus. He used to be
carried into the congregation in the arms of his disciples and was unable to
say anything except,
"Little children, love one another."
At last, wearied that he always spoke the same words, they asked:
"Master, why do you always say this?"
"Because," he replied, "it is the Lord's command, and if this only is
done, it is enough."3
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