In contrast to earlier studies of the Beloved Disciple, John, the Son of Zebedee is not simply a life of John but a survey of the legends that grew up around him. Beginning with New Testament reports of John as fisherman and extending through the most recent Johannine scholarship, Alan Culpepper gathers stories about the exploits and the death of the apostle. His encyclopedic study assembles, presents, and analyzes a multitude of sources, many of which are widely dispersed and heretofore not available in English.

Written in a style suitable for general readers, John, the Son of Zebedee reveals images of John that suggest the power of historical tradition and legend: fisherman, apostle, Beloved Disciple, elder, seer, hero, saint, and icon. This comprehensive volume is one of the most important sources of information about the development of Johannine legends as well as one of the most successful efforts to overcome barriers that have traditionally separated New Testament exegesis from the study of church history.

R. Alan Culpepper, proffessor of religion at Baylor University, is author of The Johannine School, Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel, and 1, 2, 3, John.