A series of articles describing the meaning and teachings behind the stained glass windows at St. John’s:

Clerestory windows (pulpit side) DEMONSTRATIA EVANGELICA: The Demonstration of the Gospel, 12 Disciples (Part 2 of 3)

Continue looking “UP” the next time you are in church, but focus your attention on the PULPIT side of the sanctuary.  Consider the disciples of Jesus and the symbols which help remind you of their life and ministry.

NOTE: “Clerestory” are the higher section of walls on either side of the sanctuary above the pews. These 12 are to the right as you walk into the sanctuary from the rear.

From back to front, the 5th – 8th windows:

ST. PHILIP: Philip is described as a disciple from the city of Bethsaida and among those surrounding John the Baptist when he pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” It was also Philip who introduced Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew) to Jesus (John 1:43-46).

While Philip is mentioned in each listing of the disciples, he features prominently in John’s Gospel, including when Jesus asked him about buying bread to feed 5,000 people (John 6:6). Philip is also the disciple that told Andrew that certain Greeks wished to meet Jesus (John 12:12) and together they brought the request to Jesus (John 12:21).

His symbol is a combination of a bread basket (recalling the story in John 6) and a simple “tau” cross, the means by which he was martyred.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW: The apostle Bartholomew is included in each of the listings of the apostles, but is commonly held to be the disciple Nathanael named in the first chapel of John’s gospel.

Nathanael (Bartholomew) was told about Jesus by Philip who first doubts the news because Jesus is from Nazareth. He was eventually convinced of Jesus’ identity when Jesus Himself spoke to him about seeing him while standing under a fig tree. (John 1:45-49).

Several accounts indicate that Bartholomew took the Gospel to India, but some doubt it. He is one of the two patron saints of the church in Armenia where, according to that same tradition, he was martyred by being skinned alive and beheaded (hence the flaying knife in the symbol).

ST. THOMAS: Thomas the Apostle is usually known as “Doubting Thomas” because he initially doubted the news of Christ’s resurrection. Upon seeing Jesus and his wounds he offered a bold confession of faith reminiscent of Peter’s earlier confession (John 20:24-28).

According to tradition Thomas brought the gospel as far as southern India and was killed there by a spear (see the symbol in the window). The inclusion of a carpenter’s square in his symbol is in recognition of his work to build many churches before being killed.

ST. JAMES THE LESS: While included in the various listings of the disciples, little is known concerning this James, known as “the less” to distinguish him from the other apostle with the same name.

There is considerable disagreement as to whether this James is the brother of Jesus or, alternatively, the son of Alphaeus as he is identified in the Gospel of Matthew.

The symbol of the windmill comes from an association with a “fuller’s club,” the traditional means by which James was martyred. A fuller’s club is used by those who would be removing impurities from textiles by means of a large club. Similarly, the windmill helps to grind grain, removing impurities.

Next month: A THIRD group of the 12 Disciples with a bit more detail concerning the symbolism captured in the glass.