The Johannine Gospel

AuthorThe Gospel is anonymous but hints at John’s authorship: An eye witness author (cf. 19:35) The phrase “the beloved disciple”

(both Polycrates and Irenaeus identify him as John the Apostle)

John, son of Zebedee, never mentioned by name

Date and RecipientsThe date of the Gospel is probably

between A.D. 85 – 95, although it could be as late as 100.

Originally it was written to the churches of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, particularly Ephesus.

Purpose and ThemeThe purpose of the Gospel of John is to

demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Christ and that he is the Son of God (John 20:30-31).

The theme of this gospel is that Jesus came to reveal God to us (John 1:12, 14).

Strands of evidence to support John’s claims

1. The miracles Jesus performed2. The teachings Jesus preached3. The responses of people who

encountered Jesus

Jesus is the Word, God Incarnate (1:1, 14). This is the entire point of John’s approach. If Jesus is God, then His choice of believing on His name is a valid choice. John continually promotes this theme of Deity. In John 1:18 He is called “only begotten Son” (KJV), “God the only Son” (NCV), “only begotten God” (NASB), “only Son, who is himself God” (NLT), and “God the One and Only” (NIV). In John 6:69 Jesus is called the “Holy One of God” (NIV, NASB), “Holy One from God” (NCV), and “Son of the living God” (KJV).

The “I ams” of Christ1. I am the bread of life – 6:352. I am the light of the world – 8:123. I am the gate – 10:7, 94. I am the good shepherd – 10:11, 145. I am the resurrection and the life – 11:256. I am the way, the truth, and the life – 14:67. I am the true vine – 15: 1, 5

Differences of John with the other Gospels

Matthew, Mark and Luke recorded the ministry of Jesus that mainly took place in Galilee, however, John focuses on Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem.

There are no parables recorded by John but allegories.

John only records a limited number of Jesus’ miracles, some of which are only found in his Gospel.

Carefully picked miracles Water into Wine – 2:1-11 Healing the nobleman’s son – 4:56-54 Healing the man at Bethesda – 5:1-18 Feeding the 5,000 – 6:1-14 Walking on the water – 6:15-21 Healing the blind man – 9:1-41 Raising of Lazarus – 11:1-57

The use and concept of the five witnesses.

His Father, God – 5:32, 37 John the Baptist – 5:33 His miracles – 5:36 Old Testament Scriptures – 5:39 Moses – 5:46

The use and concept of the five witnesses.

His Father, God – 5:32, 37 John the Baptist – 5:33 His miracles – 5:36 Old Testament Scriptures – 5:39 Moses – 5:46

Jesus’ discourses New birth - Chp 3 Water of life - 4:10-26 The Person and Work of Christ - 5:17-47 True faith - 8:32-58 Christ’s Oneness with the Father - 10:25-

39 The Upper Room Discourse - 13:1 - 16:33

John’s Gospel is also the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. Nowhere else in the Gospels is the role of the Spirit detailed as much. His work in the life of the believer and in the life of the world at large may be found in the discourse covered in chapters 14-17. Note especially the descriptions of the work of the Holy Spirit found in John 16:5-11.

Concluding remarksJohn’s Gospel is the Gospel of belief. The

verb “believe” is used 98 times by the Apostle, while he never uses the noun “faith.” John presents the Good News as a choice – believe in God or fall into the realm of darkness. The simplicity of the choice accounts for the contrast of light and darkness which flows through not only the Gospel but John’s letters, especially 1 John.

I Prologue of the Gospel - Who is Jesus 1:1-18II The Ministry and Presentation of Jesus 1:19-12:50 - The calling of the Disciples 1:19-51 - Miracles in Cana Chp 2 - The New Birth Chp 3 - The Samaritan Woman at the Well Chp 4 - The Lame Man at the Pool Chp 5 - Feeding of the 5,000 & Bread of Life Chp 6 - Feast of Tabernacles and Prophecy of the Holy Spirit Chp 7 - Woman Caught in Adultery 7:53-8:11 - Bread of Life 8:12-59 - Man Born Blind Chp 9 - The Good Shepherd Chp 10 - Raising of Lazarus Chp 11 - At Bethany and Palm Sunday Chp 12

Outline of the Book

III The Ministry of Instruction to the Disciples 13:1-17:26 - The Last Supper Chp 13 - The Final Discourse Chps 14-15-16 - The High Priestly Prayer Chp 17IV The Ministry of Redemption to the World 18:1-19:42 - Betrayal and Trials 18:1-19:15 - Crucifixion 19:16-30 - Burial 19:31-42V The Ministry of Revelation to the Believers 20:1-21:25 - Resurrection Chp 20 - “I Go Fishing” Chp 21