St. John is the only Apostle not to be martyred. He died of old age in Ephesus. But he tried! (Legend says the Romans boiled him in oil, but he didn't die).
The Beloved
He refers to himself as "The disciple whom Jesus loved." This isn't arrogance. It is identity. He knew he was loved. At the Last Supper, he rested his head on Jesus' chest. He heard the heartbeat of God.
Comparison to Peter
Peter is the shimmering authority (The Rock). John is the burning love (The Heart). Both ran to the tomb on Easter morning. John (Love) ran faster, but he waited for Peter (Authority) to go in first.
Hear His heartbeat. Read the Gospel of John on the MyPrayerTower app.