These disciples had been for some time associated with Jesus in active labor. John and James, Andrew and Peter, with Philip, Nathanael, and Matthew, had been more closely connected with Him than the others, and had witnessed more of His miracles. Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him. They were almost constantly with Him, witnessing His miracles, and hearing His words. John pressed into still closer intimacy with Jesus, so that he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved. The Saviour loved them all, but John's was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child's confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour's deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to His people.

Disse disciple havde i nogen tid været fælles med Jesus om det daglige arbejde. Johannes og Jakob, Andreas og Peter havde sammen med Filip, Natanael og Mattæus været mere nær knyttet til ham end de andre og havde været vidne til flere af hans mirakler. Peter, Jakob og Johannes stod ham allernærmest. De var næsten bestandig sammen med ham, var vidne til hans undergerninger og hørte hans ord. Johannes stræbte efter at få et endnu mere fortroligt forhold til Jesus, og derfor betegnedes han som den discipel, Herren elskede. Frelseren elskede dem alle, men Johannes havde det mest modtagelige sind. Han var yngre end de andre, og med mere af et barns tillid åbnede han sit hjerte for Jesus. Derved kom han til større forståelse af Kristus, og ved ham er Frelserens dybeste åndelige lærdomme blevet meddelt Guds folk.