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 3 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 9th – 12th windows:

ST. MATTHEW: Matthew was called by Jesus to be his disciple from his previous life as a tax collector, which is the reason three money bags are in his symbol (Matthew 9:9).  Luke tells the story of “Levi the tax collector” who is called by Jesus (Luke 5:27). It is assumed that these are one in the same persons.

The first Gospel in the New Testament is attributed to Matthew, a Gospel which seems to have been prepared for a particularly Jewish audience. Martyred in the first century near Hierapolis or Ethiopia. Matthew was burned, stoned or beheaded and is often pictured holding an axe.

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. JUDE: Jude has also been identified as Thaddeus (Matt. 10:3 and Mark 3:18). He is sometimes identified with Jude, the brother of Jesus and should be distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus. Jude is also venerated by the Armenian church along with Bartholomew.

He is also often shown with a flame around his head representing his presence at Pentecost. Another common attribute is Jude holding an image of Jesus, and he may be shown with a scroll or book identifying him as the author of the Epistle of Jude. The ship is a traditional symbol of St. Jude, representative of his travels, including with a cross set on the sail.

ST. SIMON: Also called Simon the Canaanite or Simon the Zealot since he may have originally belonged to the sect trying to expel Romans from the area around Galilee and Jerusalem. One of the most obscure among the Apostles of Jesus. Little is recorded of him in Scripture aside from his name. Some claim he was the bridegroom at Cana, where Jesus performed his first recorded miracle.

Simon brought the Gospel to Egypt and Mesopotamia. He was martyred by means either of crucifixion, being beheaded, or sawn in half (the reason for the saw in the window).

ST. MATTHIAS: St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. He was chosen by lot after the Ascension (Acts 1:21-26). He must have been with the disciples for most of Jesus’ earthly ministry, since each name put forward was the name of one who “accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.” (Acts 1:21)

Matthias is remembered for preaching the need for control over our earthly desires. He was martyred with a battle axe after surviving a stoning. The symbol includes a Bible representing his work as a missionary and the battle axe, the means of his execution.

Next month: First story windows from the collection PRAEPARATIO EVANGELICA. These windows are along the side aisle on the lectern/transept side of the sanctuary.