The apostle John refuses to speak of himself in reference to himself. Instead, he speaks of himself in reference to Jesus. He never paints himself in the foreground as a hero, but uses every reference to himself to honor Christ. Rather than write his name, which might focus attention on him, he refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20), giving glory to Jesus for having loved such a man.
