Is an abbreviation of Johannan, and of much the same meaning. We need not dwell much upon this name, neither the persons so eminently distinguished by it. Their histories and worth are graciously preserved in the New Testament by God the Holy Ghost, and their names are in the book of life.
John the Baptist hath the priority in point of time, being born six months before the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. John, the beloved apostle, was the youngest of all the disciples, and is not unfrequently distinguished by the title of the disciple whom Jesus loved. We have abundant cause to bless God for the ministry of this man, on account of the precious gospel which bears his name, and also for those three Epistles, as well as the Book of the Revelations, with which the sacred canon of Scripture closeth.
There is another John surnamed Mark, spoken of with honourable testimony in the New Testament. (Acts 12:12) This man, though called John, and surnamed Mark, was neither the apostle John nor the evangelist Mark, but another person. Paul speaks of him. Colossians 4:10.