The Gospel of John

Who wrote the Gospel of John?

Like the other gospels, this one also does not name its author but it has been held from early on that John the apostle, son of Zebebee, brother of James wrote this gospel.

According to John 20:21 and 24, the author refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" which again is believed to be the apostle of John.

When was this gospel written?

John wrote this gospel in Ephesus, where he was ministering, sometime between 85-95 A.D. His gospel was written after the Synoptic Gospels and includes items of Jesus life that were left out by others.

What was the purpose for writing?

Although somewhat difficult to ascertain with certainty, it is likely that John's gospel was written to Jews of the dispersion (Hellenist Jews). His man purpose is recorded in 20:30,31.

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you might have life in his name."

What is the gospel of John's message and content?

1. John's gospel is a very theological book in regard to the person and work of Christ. He is the Messiah, the Son of God.

2. John's gospel presents components of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity stressing the work of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (John 14-16)

3. John's gospel presents relatively lengthy discourses by Jesus.

Miracles and Signs

- Water to wine - ch. 2
- Healing of nobleman's son - ch. 4
- Healing the paralytic at Bethesda - ch. 5
- Feeding of the 5000 - ch. 6
- Walking on the water - ch.6
- The healing of a blind man - ch.9
- The raising of Lazarus - ch.11

Conversations

- Nicodemus - ch. 3
- The Samaritan woman - ch. 4
- Jesus with his disciples when he washed their feet - ch. 3
- With his Heavenly Father - ch. 17

"I AM" statements

- I Am the bread of life - ch. 6
- I Am the light of the world - ch. 8
- I Am the gate for the sheep - ch. 10
- I Am the good shepherd - ch. 10
- I Am the resurrection and the life - ch. 11
- I Am the way, the truth and the life - ch. 14
- I Am the true vine - ch. 15

4. John records three passover celebrations from which we learn that Jesus' ministry probably involved 3 1/2 years.

5. John also records the death and resurrection of Jesus and some events after the resurrection that the other gospel writers do not include.

Jesus appearing to Thomas
Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene

One important passage in the Gospel of John (and there are many) is John 1:1-5; 14-18.

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