The Gospel of John

Which John? John the Baptist John Mark John - the Father of Andrew and Peter John – a Member of the Sanhedrin John – Son of Zebedee, Brother of James

Evidence for John the Apostle The Early Church Fathers All Say John the Apostle Wrote It.

Evidence For John the Apostle John 21:24-25 The Disciple Jesus Loved At the Last Supper (13:23) Mary Committed to Him (19:26) Ran with Peter to Tomb (20:1-3) One of Seven Fishing (21:1-2) Rumor That He Would Never Die (21:24)

Evidence for John the Apostle John is never mentioned by name in this Gospel.

What do we know about John? A Fisherman One of the Twelve Apostles One of the Inner Circle (with Peter & James) “Son of Thunder” with brother James Author of 3 Letters and the Revelation Tradition: Spent Time in Ephesus Exiled on the Island of Patmos (Rev. 1:9)

Characteristics of John’s Gospel It is the only Gospel that contains a precise statement of its purpose. “Therefore many other signs Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

Characteristics of John’s Gospel It is missing much of the material found in the other Gospels. Only 8% of the book overlaps the other Gospels.

Characteristics of John’s Gospel It provides a great amount of material that the other Gospels do not.

Characteristics of John’s Gospel It is the most doctrinal of the Gospels. John explains the significance of Jesus as the Son of God. John is the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. John is the Gospel of Absolutes. Good Versus Evil Light Versus Darkness “For” or “Against” the Lord

Why Did Jesus Love John? Doesn’t Mean John Was His Favorite. No one else talks about him this way. No jealousy of John by the other disciples. Jesus seems to recognize Peter as their leader.

An Expression of Humility John doesn’t even mention his own name in his Gospel. John may simply be expressing how he felt Jesus had treated him. John is the “Disciple of Love.”

Charles Spurgeon It was a name which was never disputed. You do not find anyone complaining of John for thus describing himself. General consent awarded him the title.

Charles Spurgeon John saw the spiritual meaning of types and emblems. He did not stop at the outward symbols, as some of the disciples did, but his penetrating soul read into the depths of the Truth of God. You can see this both in his Gospel and in his Epistles. He is a spiritually-minded man.

Charles Spurgeon I say, then, that this title must have been very dear to John because he felt himself most at home in it. The secret springs of his nature were touched by it. He felt his whole self, heart, soul, mind, memory all comprehended within the compass of the words, “The disciple whom Jesus loved.”

Charles Spurgeon That name was a powerful spring of action to him as long as he lived. . . . in the power of that name John becomes bold and faithful and he serves his loving Friend with all his heart.

The Disciples That Jesus Loves Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; Abide in my love. John 15:9