According to apocryphal Christian tradition, St John boldly drank the poisoned cup that had been prepared by his opponents in Ephesus. After making the sign of the cross, he drained the vessel without suffering any harm. The miracle did not end there. Two criminals who had previously been forced to drink the same poison, and who had died as a result, were restored to life by St John’s prayer. This extraordinary event deeply impressed those who witnessed it.
As a result, Aristodemus, the high priest of the Temple of Artemis, and even the Roman proconsul of Ephesus, are said to have accepted the Christian faith. These stories were widely shared among early Christian communities and served to demonstrate the power of faith over fear and death The Vision on the Lord’s Day.
Other Miracles in Ephesus
During his time in Ephesus, St John is believed to have performed many other miracles. One of the most well-known involves Drusiana, a devout Christian widow who had once given St John lodging before his exile to Patmos. After her death, as her funeral procession passed through the city, St John reportedly stopped the procession and commanded her to rise.
According to tradition, Drusiana sat up in her coffin, stepped down, and returned home alive. She then prepared a meal for St John, symbolizing the restoration of life and hospitality. This story reinforced the belief that St John had been granted divine authority even over death.
St John and Smyrna
Christian tradition also records that St John traveled to Smyrna, another important city of Asia Minor. There, he is said to have converted St Polycarp, who later became the bishop of Smyrna and one of the most respected leaders of the early Church. Polycarp would go on to play a crucial role in preserving apostolic teaching and was later martyred for his faith Tours Turkey.
Through Polycarp and other disciples, St John’s influence extended far beyond Ephesus, shaping Christian communities throughout western Anatolia.
The Final Years on Ayasuluk Hill
Another tradition claims that in his final years, St John withdrew to the isolated hill of Ayasuluk, near Ephesus. There he built a simple hut and lived a quiet life of prayer, reflection, and writing. It is believed that he wrote the Fourth Gospel during this period, a text known for its deep spiritual language and theology.
St John is said to have died at an exceptionally old age, sometimes claimed to be as old as 120 years, around the year 100 CE. He was buried on Ayasuluk Hill, which later became an important pilgrimage site. This long life explains why he is often shown in art as a very elderly man with a long white beard, even in scenes from his youth.
The Mystery of His Death and Tomb
Several traditions surround St John’s death and burial. One account says that after his grave was prepared, he lay down in it willingly and peacefully gave up his spirit. When the grave was opened the next day, his body was said to be missing, leading to the belief that he had ascended directly into heaven.
Another tradition claims that only his sandals were found, while the earth above his grave continued to move, as if stirred by his breathing. In the Latin tradition, a brilliant light appeared over him after his final prayer, so intense that no one could look at it. Immediately afterward, a substance called “manna” is said to have flowed from his tomb. This holy dust was believed to possess healing powers and continued to appear for many years.
By the end of the second century, most Christian churches in western Anatolia regarded St John as their founder, honoring him as a spiritual father, teacher, and witness of the Christian faith.
