John (1)
Multiple Men Named John in the Apocrypha
The name John (Greek: Ioannes) was common in the Second Temple period and appears in the deuterocanonical books in connection with several notable figures. Unlike the more famous Johns of the New Testament — John the Baptist and the apostle John — these men belong to the turbulent era of the Maccabean revolt and the Hasmonean dynasty in the second and first centuries BC.
John, Father of Mattathias
The earliest of these figures is John, the father of Mattathias and grandfather of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers (1 Maccabees 2:1). Mattathias is described as 'son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib.' This John thus stands at the head of the priestly family that would launch the revolt against Seleucid oppression and ultimately establish the Hasmonean dynasty that governed Judea until the Roman conquest.
John Gaddis, Son of Mattathias
The eldest son of Mattathias bore the name John, surnamed Gaddis (1 Maccabees 2:2). While his brothers Judas, Jonathan, and Simon achieved greater fame as military and political leaders, John played a supporting role in the early Maccabean campaigns. Tragically, John was killed by members of the tribe of Jambri while on a mission near Medeba in Transjordan. His brothers later avenged his death by ambushing a Jambrite wedding procession (1 Maccabees 9:36-42).
John, Father of Eupolemus
Another John was the father of Eupolemus, one of the envoys sent by Judas Maccabeus to negotiate an alliance with Rome (1 Maccabees 8:17; 2 Maccabees 4:11). This diplomatic mission was a significant political move, as the Roman alliance provided Judea with a powerful protector against Seleucid aggression. Eupolemus is also known from other ancient sources as a historian who wrote about the kings of Judah.
John Hyrcanus
The most historically significant of these Johns is John Hyrcanus, son of Simon Maccabeus and nephew of Judas Maccabeus. He is introduced in 1 Maccabees 13:53 and 16:1 as 'a valiant man.' After his father Simon and two brothers were treacherously murdered at a banquet by his brother-in-law Ptolemy, John Hyrcanus escaped and succeeded his father as ruler and high priest (1 Maccabees 16:11-22). He reigned from approximately 134 to 104 BC, expanding Judean territory to its greatest extent since Solomon, conquering Idumea and Samaria, and destroying the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim.
An Envoy to Lysias
Finally, a John is listed among the envoys sent to negotiate with Lysias, the Seleucid regent, during a period of diplomatic engagement (2 Maccabees 11:17). This mission helped secure temporary peace terms that allowed the Jewish community some degree of religious freedom.
Historical Significance
These Johns collectively illustrate the priestly family that shaped Jewish history during the critical intertestamental period. From the grandfather who established the priestly lineage to John Hyrcanus who built a powerful independent state, their story bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments and sets the political stage for the world into which Jesus was born.
Biblical Context
These Johns appear in the deuterocanonical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees. Key references include 1 Maccabees 2:1 (John father of Mattathias), 1 Maccabees 2:2 (John Gaddis), 1 Maccabees 8:17 and 2 Maccabees 4:11 (John father of Eupolemus), 1 Maccabees 13:53 and 16:1 (John Hyrcanus), and 2 Maccabees 11:17 (envoy to Lysias).
Theological Significance
The Maccabean Johns represent the preservation of Jewish faith and identity during one of its most threatening periods. Their military and political efforts ensured the survival of Jewish worship, the rededication of the temple (celebrated as Hanukkah), and the maintenance of the priestly line. This period of history demonstrates God's providential preservation of his people between the testaments.
Historical Background
The Maccabean period (167-63 BC) is well documented by ancient historians including Josephus, who provides extensive accounts of John Hyrcanus in his Antiquities of the Jews. Archaeological evidence of Hasmonean rule includes coins minted by John Hyrcanus, fortifications at sites like Gezer and Beth-zur, and the remains of the destroyed Samaritan temple. The Roman alliance secured by Eupolemus is confirmed by Roman historical sources and represents one of the earliest diplomatic contacts between Judea and Rome.