Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is the fourth book of the New Testament and was written by the Apostle John. This Gospel places special emphasis on the divinity of Jesus, showing that He is God in nature. Together with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it forms part of the Four Gospels.
| John | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Jn |
| Class. | New Testament |
| Category | Four Gospels |
| Chapters | 21 Chapters |
| Record Related | |
| Writer | Apostle John |
| Date (Approx.) | AD 80–90 years |
| Location | Ephesus |
Writer: John
The writer of the Gospel of John is the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John was the brother of James and a fisherman from Galilee. It is generally understood that he was first a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus.[1] He was one of the disciples who received deep love from Jesus. Although John and his brother James were once nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder,”[2][3][4] John later became known as the “Apostle of Love” because the theme of love so strongly characterized his life and writings. In the New Testament, he wrote five books in total: the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and the book of Revelation.
For more detailed information, see the article “John (Apostle).”
Background of Writing
The Apostle John wrote this Gospel to testify clearly to both the divinity and the humanity of Jesus, and to lead people to believe that Jesus is the Christ.[5] He also supplemented events not recorded in the other three Gospels, such as the Foot-Washing Ceremony on the Passover evening and the teachings Jesus delivered that night.[6]
Characteristics of the Gospel of John
- Emphasis on the Divinity and Love of Jesus The most significant characteristic of the Gospel of John is that, unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which focus on the teachings and deeds of Jesus, John concentrates on revealing His divinity and His love for humanity. John shows that Jesus—who loved humankind—came to this earth in the flesh as God. This Gospel contains Jesus’ self-testimonies, in which He declares Himself to be “the bread of life,”[7] “the light of the world,”[8] “the gate for the sheep,”[9] “the resurrection and the life,”[10] “the way, the truth, and the life,”[11] and “the true vine.”[12]
- A Prologue Echoing Genesis The prologue of John[13] closely resembles the opening of Genesis,[14] emphasizing that Jesus existed from the beginning and that He is God, the Creator of all things.[15]
- Avoidance of John’s Own Name The Apostle John does not refer to himself by name anywhere in this Gospel. Instead, he identifies himself indirectly as “the disciple who was leaning back against Jesus at the Passover table” and “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”[16][17][18][19][20]
Content of the Gospel of John
| Scriptures | Content |
| 1:1–34 | The Birth and Divinity of Jesus |
| 1:35–12:11 | Gospel Ministry |
| 12:12–50 | Entry Into Jerusalem |
| 13:1–16:33 | Passover and the New Command |
| 17:1–19:42 | Passion |
| 20:1–21:25 | Resurrection of Jesus |
The Birth and Divinity of Jesus (1:1–34)
God, who existed from the beginning, came to this earth in the flesh—this is Jesus. John the Baptist, who proclaimed the coming of the Savior, testified that Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” and “the Son of God.”
Gospel Ministry (1:35–12:11)
Jesus, who is God, came to give eternal life to all humanity whom He loves.[9] When He performed miracles, many people followed Him. However, when He taught the truth of eternal life, saying that He is the bread of life, most of them left Him. The twelve disciples, however, remained with Him, confessing, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
To these disciples, Jesus taught that He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, and that His sheep hear His voice and come to Him.
As the Passover approached, Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem. In Bethany, a woman named Mary poured a pint of pure nard on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair—an act preparing Him for the day of His burial.
Entry Into Jerusalem (12:12–50)
Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey, and many people welcomed Him, praising God. He foretold His impending death and prayed earnestly. A voice then came from heaven; John understood it, but the crowds thought it had thundered or that an angel had spoken.
Passover and the New Command (13:1–16:33)
On the evening of the Passover, Jesus personally washed His disciples’ feet and gave them the new command: to love one another. He also taught that from this time on, prayers must be offered in His name in order to receive answers.
Passion (17:1–19:42)
After completing the Passover with prayer, Jesus went with His disciples to a garden across the Kidron Valley. There, a crowd sent by the chief priests and Pharisees came to arrest Him. Peter attempted to defend Him with a sword, but Jesus stopped him and surrendered willingly. Jesus was interrogated throughout the night and brought to the Roman governor’s palace early the next morning. Although Pilate sought to release Him, fearing unrest, he finally handed Him over to be crucified at the crowd’s demand.
The notice affixed to His cross read, “The King of the Jews.” After Jesus died, a soldier pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. Joseph of Arimathea requested His body from Pilate and laid Him in a new tomb. This took place on the day of Preparation before the Sabbath.
The Resurrection of Jesus (20:1–21:25)
Early on the first day after the Sabbath, Peter and another disciple ran to the tomb after hearing that Jesus’ body was gone. They found the tomb empty, with the burial cloths neatly arranged.
That evening, Jesus appeared to His disciples. Thomas, who had not been present, refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus until eight days later, when Jesus allowed him to touch the wounds in His side. Only then did he believe.
After His resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter that if he truly loved Him, he must take care of His people.
References
- ↑ "John 1:35–40".
- ↑ "Mark 9:38".
- ↑ "Luke 9:54".
- ↑ "Mark 3:17".
- ↑ "John 20:30–31".
- ↑ Schaff, P., & Wace, H., Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1890
- ↑ "John 6:35".
- ↑ "John 8:12".
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "John 10:7–10".
- ↑ "John 11:25–26".
- ↑ "John 14:6".
- ↑ "John 15:1, 5".
- ↑ "John 1:1–5".
- ↑ "Genesis 1:1–4".
- ↑ "John 17:5".
- ↑ "John 13:23–25".
- ↑ "John 19:26–27".
- ↑ "John 20:2".
- ↑ "John 21:7, 20".
- ↑ "John 21:24".