Assignment

Survey of The Gospel According to St. John

Submitted by
George Shalom Mathew
Introduction
The Gospel of John is one of the four canonical gospels found in the New Testament of
the Christian Bible. It is distinct in its style, content, and theological emphasis, offering a
unique perspective on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It begins with a profound theological prologue, often referred to as the "Word" or
"Logos" prologue. It introduces Jesus as the eternal Word of God who became flesh and dwelt
among humanity. This prologue sets the stage for the overarching themes of the gospel,
including the divine nature of Jesus, his relationship with God the Father, and the salvation he
offers to all who believe in him. The Gospel of John also contains extended discourses and
teachings by Jesus, including the famous "I am" sayings that highlight different aspects of his
identity and purpose. For instance, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of
the world," "I am the resurrection and the life," and "I am the way, the truth, and the life." These
statements convey profound truths about Jesus' role as the source of spiritual sustenance,
guidance, and eternal life.
It reaches its climactic point with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It presents
a detailed and deeply reflective account of Jesus' last hours, including his arrest, trial,
crucifixion, burial, and glorious resurrection. The resurrection serves as the ultimate
confirmation of Jesus' divinity and the fulfilment of his mission to offer salvation and eternal
life to all who believe in him.
The Gospel of John provides a rich and distinctive portrayal of the life and ministry of
Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Jesus' divine nature, his unique relationship with God the Father,
and the transformative power of faith in him. Through its profound theological insights, vivid
narratives, and timeless teachings, the Gospel of John continues to inspire and guide countless
individuals in their spiritual journey.

Authorship
The gospel itself does not explicitly mention the name of its author. However, there are
internal and external factors that have led to the traditional attribution of the gospel to the
apostle John, the son of Zebedee.
Internal evidence includes passages in the gospel that refer to a "beloved disciple" who
had a close relationship with Jesus. This disciple is often identified with John, and some
scholars argue that he is the author of the gospel. Additionally, the author displays detailed
knowledge of the geography, customs, and religious practices of the time, suggesting that he
was an eyewitness or had access to reliable sources who were.
External evidence from early Christian writings also supports the connection between
John and the Gospel of John. Church fathers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and
Tertullian attributed the gospel to John. Their writings, dating back to the late 2nd and early
3rd centuries, provide early testimony for the Johannine authorship.
However, it is important to note that contemporary biblical scholarship does not
universally accept the apostle John as the direct author of the Gospel of John. Some scholars
propose alternative authorship theories, suggesting that the gospel may have been written by a
disciple or a group of disciples associated with John or that it went through multiple stages of
redaction and editing.
These alternative theories are based on various factors, including differences in writing
style, theological emphasis, and the presence of later additions or revisions in the text. Scholars
also point to the gospel's complex relationship with the Johannine community and the
possibility of multiple authors or editors shaping its final form.

Date
Scholars generally date the composition of the Gospel of John to the end of the first
century AD, specifically between 90 and 110 AD. This dating is based on several factors,
including internal and external evidence.
Internal evidence includes references to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem,
which occurred in 70 AD, and indications of a developed Christian community. Some scholars
argue that the gospel reflects a post-70 AD context, suggesting a composition date after this
event.
External evidence comes from early Christian writings and testimonies from church
fathers. For example, Irenaeus, writing in the late 2nd century, stated that John, the disciple of
Jesus, lived until the reign of Emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 AD. This statement
suggests that the Gospel of John could have been written during that time frame or shortly
before.
The general consensus among scholars is that the Gospel of John was written towards
the end of the first century AD, between 90 and 110 AD. However, the precise dating remains
a topic of ongoing debate within biblical scholarship.

Recipients
The Gospel of John was written for a diverse audience, but it appears to have been
primarily intended for both Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) readers. The gospel itself does not
explicitly state its intended audience.
The Gospel of John contains elements that would resonate with Jewish readers, such as
references to Jewish customs, festivals, and religious practices. The gospel frequently portrays
Jesus engaging in dialogue with Jewish religious leaders and emphasizes the fulfilment of
Jewish prophecies and scriptures. It also highlights Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and
presents him as the true fulfilment of Jewish religious concepts, such as the Passover Lamb
and the temple.
At the same time, the Gospel of John includes explanations and translations of Jewish
terms and customs, suggesting that the author anticipated a broader audience. Additionally, the
gospel's emphasis on universal themes, such as the concepts of light and darkness, belief, and
eternal life, make it relevant to a wider readership beyond the Jewish context.
Outline
I. Prologue (John 1:1-18)
A. The Word made flesh
B. Testimony of John the Baptist

II. Book of Signs: Jesus' Public Ministry and Miracles (John 1:19-12:50)
1. The testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:19-34)
2. Jesus' early disciples (John 1:35-51)
3. Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12)
4. Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22)
5. Conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
6. Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42)
7. Healing of the official's son (John 4:43-54)
8. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
9. Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
10. Jesus walks on water (John 6:16-21)
11. Bread of Life discourse (John 6:22-71)
12. Healing of the man born blind (John 9:1-41)
13. Good Shepherd discourse (John 10:1-42)
14. Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
15. Plot to kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)
16. Anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-11)
17. Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19)
18. Greeks seek Jesus (John 12:20-36)
19. Unbelief of the people (John 12:37-50)

III. Book of Glory: Jesus' Passion and Resurrection (John 13:1-20:31)

1. Washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:1-20)
2. Farewell Discourse (John 13:21-17:26)
3. Jesus' prayer for his disciples (John 17:1-26)
4. Jesus' arrest and trials (John 18:1-19:16)
5. Crucifixion and death of Jesus (John 19:17-30)
6. Burial of Jesus (John 19:31-42)
7. Resurrection appearances (John 20:1-21:25)
8. Empty tomb and appearances to Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18)
9. Appearance to the disciples (John 20:19-23)
10. Doubt and belief of Thomas (John 20:24-29)
11. Conclusion and purpose of the Gospel (John 20:30-31)
12. Appearance by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)

Purpose and Theology

Purpose:
a. To present Jesus as the divine Son of God: The Gospel of John emphasizes the deity of
Jesus and his unique relationship with God the Father. It portrays Jesus as the preexistent Word
(Logos) of God who became incarnate to reveal God's love and offer salvation to humanity.
b. To promote belief in Jesus and eternal life: John states his purpose explicitly near the end
of the gospel, emphasizing that the signs and teachings recorded are meant to generate faith in
Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, so that readers may have eternal life through him (John
20:30-31).
Theology:
a. The Logos: John begins with a profound prologue (John 1:1-18) that introduces the concept
of the Logos, emphasizing the eternal, creative, and divine nature of Jesus Christ. It underscores
the idea that Jesus is both fully God and the source of life and light.
b. Signs and belief: Throughout the gospel, John highlights several miraculous signs
performed by Jesus, such as turning water into wine, healing the sick, and raising the dead.
These signs serve as tangible evidence of Jesus' identity and are intended to elicit faith and
belief in him.
c. "I am" statements: Jesus makes a series of profound "I am" statements in the gospel (e.g.,
"I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," "I am the resurrection and the life").
These statements reveal Jesus' divine nature, presenting him as the ultimate source of spiritual
sustenance, truth, and salvation.
d. New Birth and Spiritual Life: John emphasizes the need for a spiritual rebirth through belief
in Jesus. The concept of being "born again" or "born of God" is central to John's theology,
highlighting the transformative power of faith in Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy
Spirit.
e. Relationship with God: The Gospel of John highlights the intimate and profound relationship
between Jesus and God the Father. It portrays Jesus as the Son who perfectly reveals the Father,
and emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and having a personal relationship with
God.

Relevance
The Gospel of John continues to be highly relevant and meaningful for contemporary
readers. Here are a few reasons why it remains significant today:
Revealing the nature of Jesus: The Gospel of John presents a unique and profound
understanding of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God. It offers deep insights into his character,
teachings, and mission. Today, many people seek to know and understand Jesus more fully, and
the Gospel of John provides a rich portrayal of his identity, love, and sacrificial work.
Invitation to faith and transformation: John's gospel repeatedly emphasizes the importance
of belief in Jesus for receiving eternal life and experiencing a transformed existence. In a world
where people yearn for purpose, meaning, and spiritual fulfilment, the Gospel of John extends
an invitation to encounter Jesus, place faith in him, and experience the new birth and abundant
life he offers.
Emphasizing love and relationship: John's gospel underscores the centrality of love in the life
of a believer. It highlights Jesus' command to love one another as he has loved us. This message
of love and relational connection is crucial in a fragmented and divided world. The Gospel of
John challenges readers to embrace love as a transformative force in their relationships and
communities.
Illuminating the nature of God: The Gospel of John reveals God's character and attributes
through the person of Jesus Christ. It portrays God as loving, compassionate, and desiring a
deep relationship with humanity. In a time when people may have misconceptions or doubts
about God, John's gospel provides a powerful revelation of God's nature and intentions toward
humanity.
Offering spiritual nourishment and guidance: The Gospel of John provides timeless teachings
and spiritual sustenance. Its passages, such as the "I am" statements and the Farewell Discourse,
offer wisdom, comfort, and guidance for navigating life's challenges. The gospel continues to
inspire and encourage readers in their spiritual journeys, inviting them to abide in Christ and
draw strength from his teachings.
Deepening understanding of Scripture: The Gospel of John complements the other gospels,
offering a distinct perspective and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Jesus' life
and ministry.
Conclusion
The Gospel of John stands as a unique and powerful testament to the life, ministry, and
divinity of Jesus Christ. Its profound theological insights, vibrant narratives, and timeless
teachings continue to captivate and inspire readers today.
Through the Gospel of John, we encounter Jesus as the eternal Word of God made flesh,
revealing God's love and offering salvation to all who believe. It presents a vivid picture of
Jesus' identity as the Son of God, the fulfilment of Jewish prophecies, and the source of eternal
life.
John's gospel emphasizes the importance of faith, inviting readers to encounter Jesus,
place their trust in him, and experience the transformative power of belief. It calls us to a
personal relationship with Jesus, rooted in love, and challenges us to love one another as he has
loved us.
In conclusion, the Gospel of John invites us to encounter Jesus, believe in him, and
experience the transformative power of his love. It remains a powerful and relevant testament
to the life and divinity of Jesus Christ, guiding and inspiring us in our spiritual journey today
and for generations to come.

Bibliography
1. Cole, Alan R. Tyndale, The Gospel According to John, An Introduction and Commentary.
England: Inter varsity press, 1989
2. Wijngaards, Background to the Gospels, Bangalore. St. Paul Press Bangalore, 2002
3. Dake, Dake Annotated Reference Bible. Dake Publishers, 1963
4. Brown, Raymond E. "The Gospel According to John" (Anchor Bible Commentary series).
Anchor Bible, 1966
5. Morris, Leon. "The Gospel According to John" (New International Commentary on the New
Testament series). William B Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1971
6. Michaels, J. Ramsey. "The Gospel of John" (New International Commentary on the New
Testament series). William B Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2010
7. Carson, D.A. "The Gospel According to John" (Pillar New Testament Commentary series).
Eerdmans, 1990