At this time there still remained alive in Asia that very one whom Jesus loved, the apostle and evangelist John, who administered the churches there, having returned from his exile on the island after the death of Domitian.
And that he survived in this life until those times is sufficiently confirmed for the account by two witnesses; and these may be trusted, having championed the orthodoxy of the church — namely Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria.
Of these the former, in the second book of his work Against the Heresies, writes thus, word for word: “And all the presbyters who in Asia conferred with John, the disciple of the Lord, testify that John delivered it; for he remained with them until the times of Trajan.”
And in the third book of the same treatise he makes this same thing plain through these words: “But also the church in Ephesus, which was founded by Paul, and in which John remained with them until the times of Trajan, is a true witness of the tradition of the apostles.”
Clement, indicating the time as well, adds a most necessary narrative for those who love to hear what is noble and profitable, in the treatise of his which he entitled 'Who is the rich man that is being saved.' Take and read his account too, which runs somewhat as follows.
Listen to a tale that is no mere tale, but a true account concerning the apostle John, handed down and preserved in memory. For when the tyrant had died and John had passed from the island of Patmos to Ephesus, he used to go also, when invited, to the neighbouring regions of the Gentiles, in some places to appoint bishops, in others to set whole churches in order, and in others to ordain by lot some one of those indicated by the Spirit.
So he came also to one of the cities not far off, whose name some even tell, and after he had refreshed the brethren in other respects, he finally looked upon the bishop who had been appointed over them all; and seeing a young man of robust body, comely appearance, and ardent soul, he said, 'This one I commit to you with all earnestness, in the presence of the church and with Christ as witness.' When the bishop received him and promised everything, John repeated the same charge and solemnly attested it.
Then John departed for Ephesus, while the presbyter took the young man who had been entrusted to him into his own home, reared him, kept him with himself, cherished him, and at last enlightened him in baptism. After this he relaxed his greater care and watchfulness, considering that he had set upon him the perfect safeguard, the seal of the Lord.
But upon this youth, who had thus prematurely gained his freedom, there fastened certain idle companions of his own age, dissolute and hardened in evil. First they led him on through extravagant banquets; then, going out by night for robbery, they took him along with them; and afterward they urged him to join in some greater crime.
Little by little he grew accustomed to it, and by reason of the greatness of his nature, like a hard-mouthed and powerful horse that swerves from the straight road and champs the bit, he was carried all the more violently toward the depths of ruin.
Having utterly despaired of the salvation that is in God, he no longer planned any small thing, but having once perished, he thought it fitting to do some great deed and to suffer the same fate as the others. Taking these very companions and forming a band of robbers, he became a ready captain of brigands, most violent, most bloodthirsty, most cruel.
Time went by, and when some necessity arose, they summoned John back. When he had settled the other matters for which he had come, he said, 'Come now, O bishop, restore to us the deposit which I and Christ entrusted to you, in the presence of the church over which you preside, as witness.'
At first the bishop was astounded, supposing that he was being falsely charged about money which he had never received, and he could neither believe concerning things he had not had, nor disbelieve John. But when John said, 'I am asking back the young man and the soul of the brother,' the old man groaned from the depths and even shed a tear, and said, 'He is dead.' 'How, and by what death?' 'He has died to God,' he said, 'for he turned out wicked and abandoned, and, in a word, a robber; and now, instead of the church, he has seized the mountain with a band like an army.'
So the apostle tore his garment, and beating his head with a great cry of grief, he said, 'A fine guardian indeed I left for our brother's soul! But let a horse be brought to me at once, and let someone become my guide upon the road.' He rode off, just as he was, straight from the church.
When he came to the place, he was seized by the robbers' outpost; but he neither fled nor begged off, but cried out, 'For this very purpose have I come; lead me to your leader.'
For a while the leader waited, armed as he was; but when he recognized John approaching, he turned to flee in shame. John, however, pursued with all his might, forgetting his own age, and crying out:
'Why do you flee from me, my child—from your own father, unarmed and aged? Have pity on me, my child; do not be afraid. You still have hope of life. I will render account to Christ for you; if need be, I will willingly endure your death, as the Lord endured death for us; for your sake I will give my own soul in exchange. Stop, believe! Christ has sent me.'
When he heard this, he first stood still, looking down; then he threw away his weapons; then, trembling, he wept bitterly. As the old man drew near, he embraced him, pleading for himself with lamentations as best he could, and being baptized a second time in his own tears—only his right hand he kept hidden.
But John, pledging and swearing that he had found forgiveness for him with the Saviour, beseeching him, falling on his knees, and kissing that very right hand as now cleansed by repentance, brought him back to the church. With abundant prayers he interceded for him, with continual fastings he strove together with him, and with manifold persuasive words he charmed his mind; nor did he depart, so they say, until he had restored him to the church—giving thereby a great example of true repentance and a great token of regeneration, a visible trophy of resurrection.