When Peter and Paul died, most probably during the persecutions under Nero in Rome, John took their place and lived in Ephesus, the center of Christianity at the time. He shepherded the various churches that were scattered across Asia Minor. Whoever reads his letters and the second and third chapters of his Revelations understands the anxieties and objectives of this apostle, who clarified to us the love of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. He fought against the philosophizing believers that had permeated his flock like wolves and had corrupted his sheep with empty thoughts, rigid regulations and an unclean liberty because they mixed up truth with futile thoughts.
Wakati Petro na Paulo walipoaga dunia, pengine nyakati za mateso chini ya Kaisari Nero huko Rumi, Yohana alichukua nafasi zao na kuishi Efeso, mji iliyokuwa kitovu cha ukristo wakati ule. Alichunga makanisa kadhaa yaliyotawanyika huko Asia Ndogo. Yeyote asomaye barua zake na sura ya pili na tatu ya kitabu chake cha Ufunuo, ataelewa lengo na matarajio ya Mtume huyu, aliyetufafanulia upendo wa Mungu uliyoonekana ndani ya Yesu Kristo akiwa mwilini.