The Gospel of John
Author	John the Apostle. (He also wrote 1, 2, and 3 John, and the Revelation.)
Date Written	Between A.D. 85 and 96
Time Span	About 3 1/2 years (A.D. 29 - 33)
Title	From the book's author: John
Background	Among the four Gospels, John stands in a class by itself. The book of John is different in many ways: style, structure, use of personal interviews, lack of parables, and spiritual explanations of events. John and his brother James follow John the Baptist until Jesus calls them to follow Him. Jesus refers to these two as “Sons of Thunder,” but later John is referred to as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” John, along with Peter and James, becomes especially close to Jesus. They alone are with Christ at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-41). John wrote this book for the specific purpose “. . . that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name” (20:31).
Where Written	Probably at Ephesus
To Whom	To the Gentiles and all Christians
Content	John presents Jesus in His deity as the “Son of God.” Jesus' relationship to the Father is emphasized as he teaches, heals, prays, and ministers. Miracles listed in John include: turning water to wine (2:1-11), feeding of the 5,000 (6:1-14), walking on water (6:16-21), and the raising of Lazarus (11:1-46). But in addition to being totally God, Jesus' humanity is shown by His being tired, hungry, thirsty, and sorrowful. 7 times Jesus refers to Himself in “I Am” passages, which clearly show His claim to Godhood and the way to salvation. After Jesus' death and Resurrection, detail is given to appearances of the Lord before His Ascension.
Themes	God loves each of us so much that He sent His Son to save us. Miracles were given as signs pointing to Jesus. God expects us to love Him, and our neighbors too. The blood of Christ covers our petitions and confessions to God. Christ fully understands our hurts . . . He paid the supreme price to heal them. The Holy Spirit gives us an eternal peace, which the world cannot know.
Key Words	“Word”; “Life”; “Believe.” Jesus is the preexistent, eternal “Word” who became a man. In order to Bin eternal “life” one must “believe” upon the name of Jesus . . . Jesus, who always was with God and indeed is God.
Outline	1:1-1:18 The incarnation of the Son of God. 1:19-4:54  The introduction and public ministry of Jesus. 5:1-12:50  Opposition to Jesus' ministry. 13:1-17:26  Jesus' preparation of His disciples for His betrayal. Jesus' 18:1-19:37  Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion 19:38-21:25  Jesus' burial and Resurrection.
More	A more extensive Outline of John Audio of the Book of John

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