Who was John the Apostle?

St. John the Apostle was the most beloved of the 12 Apostles by Jesus and the only one who did not forsake him during the Passion. John became an Apostle in the first year of Christ's ministry. His brother was St. James the Great.

When Jesus was hung on the cross, he made John the guardian of his mother, Mary. He is the patron saint of Asia Minor, where he started several churches. John is credited with writing the fourth gospel, three epistles and the Book of Revelation. He died at Ephesus, and it is rumored that he lived to be 100 years old.