In Simon Schama's "The Story of the Jews: Finding the Words, 1000 BC - 1492 AD," the character of John is portrayed as a faultless spiritual figure who only returned to Antioch when his extreme ascetic practices began to jeopardize his health. This highlights the tension between devotion and the demands of life, showing a man caught between his spiritual commitments and his physical well-being.

John's primary objective upon returning was to create a distinct separation between Christians and Jews, marking a pivotal moment in the history of these faiths. His actions reflect a significant shift in the religious landscape, emphasizing the growing divide and the urgency behind such a separation during that era.