Gospel According to John

I.                   Introduction

Gospel according to John is characteristically different from the other three synoptic Gospels. The author uses symbolical terms drawn from common life experience—word, bread, water, light, life, shepherd, way—to make the significance of Christ both clear and gripping. It is more “theological” than “historical” compared with the other three Gospels. The conflict between Jesus and the ruling religious establishment (referred to as Pharisees in synoptic and “the Jews” in John) is given marked attention in John. Many considered this gospel as the “spiritual Gospel”. The author often refers to the miracles by Jesus as “signs” -- revelation of Jesus’ glory, and symbols of His teaching.

II.                Authorship

Tradition says the author was the apostle John, son of Zebedee, or his disciples who mostly resided in Ephesus. However, the text of this Gospel did not directly identify John with the “disciple whom Jesus loved”. It is also commonly associated with the author(s) of the three epistles by John and the book of Revelation. Antioch and Alexandria have also been proposed as the location of the fourth Gospel authorship.

III.             Historical Background

Most likely written in the 80s or 90s AD. This is the latest of the four Gospels. It also presents the most hostile pictures of relations between Jesus and “the Jews”. The author’s community was probably undergoing painful separation from the synagogue authorities. Both Christian Gnostics (Valentinus and Heracleon) and opponents of Gnosticism, especially Irenaeus claimed apostolic authorship for this Gospel. This Gospel derives from the complex and multi faceted cultural and intellectual milieu of first century Judaism. The striking similarity of the prologue with the Genesis and the prominent role of Jewish wisdom literature traditions all point to its Jewish roots. The Hellenistic influence is also evident throughout the Gospel. (Example: the “word”---Logos)

IV.              Structure of the Gospel

A)    Part I: “the Book of signs” ---Chapter 1-12---7 miracles

1)      Prologue (1:1-18)

2)      Jesus Christ as the object of faith (1:19-4:54)

3)      Christ’s conflict with unbelievers (5-12)

B)     Part II: “the Book of Glory”---Chapter 13-20

1)      Christ’s fellowship with believers (13-17)

2)      Christ’s death and resurrection (18-20)

C)    Part III: “second ending”--- Chapter 21---epilogue

V.                 Theological Themes

The most pivotal role of the “incarnation” (word became flesh) in this Gospel presents the Christian belief that in Jesus, fully human, God entered into human history to save human beings. The good news is the revelation of God in Jesus. What Jesus reveals about God comes through what Jesus reveals himself. The full expression of Jesus’ love is the gift of his life. (13:34-35, Love one another just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.) When Jesus’ death marked the end of this incarnation, the Spirit--“Paraclete” remains in the faith community to continue the revelation of God begun in incarnation. The Spirit thus makes it possible for succeeding generations of believers to come to know the God revealed in Jesus.