John the Beloved, also known as John the Revelator, is a seminal figure in the Book of Mormon and other latter-day scripture. He is consistently identified within the scriptures as a deeply beloved disciple of Jesus Christ and was chosen to be one of the Twelve Apostles, playing a crucial role in both his lifetime and in the unfolding of events in the last days. Nephi’s prophetic visions, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, highlighted the importance of John’s ministry and writings. John was shown unto Nephi by an angel who declared, “Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been” (1 Ne. 14:19-27). His writings, both those recorded and those to come, were foretold to be just and true, containing the clarity and purity necessary to be of great worth to all who would receive them.
John’s role was further emphasized when the resurrected Lord appeared in the Promised Land, at Bountiful, and spoke of the desires of the three Nephite disciples who wished to tarry on the earth, likening their request to that which John had desired. The Savior confirmed, “And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me” (3 Ne. 28:6). This alludes to the unique apostolic commission that John received to continue his mortal ministry indefinitely.
Moroni, also, while abridging the record of the Jaredites, reaffirmed the future significance of John’s revelations, which were to be made manifest in the latter days. “And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember, when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed” (Ether 4:16). These passages collectively point to the profound impact John the Beloved would continue to have on the unfolding restoration of the gospel and the eventual realization of prophecy concerning the last days, as his writings were destined to be part of the foundation upon which the truth could be discerned by all peoples of the world.