The Gospel of John The Same Gospel from a Really Different Perspective

Authorship: Who wrote it? The Gospel is anonymous. The Gospel is anonymous. For John, the apostle For John, the apostle –1. Opinion of the early church – Polycarp –2. Written by an eyewitness –3. “The beloved disciple” – John 21:20 –4. Writer was a Jew

Conclusion: Conclusion: –John, the apostle The Beloved Disciple The Beloved Disciple

Date of writing: When? AD This appears to be the latest of the four Gospels.

Audience: To whom was it written? Served as a tract for Jewish non-believers Served as a tract for Jewish non-believers Jewish believers Jewish believers

Purpose: Why was it written? To inspire belief To inspire belief –John 20:31

Theme Abundant life is found in the risen Christ Abundant life is found in the risen Christ

Characteristics Simplicity of language, but profundity of thought Simplicity of language, but profundity of thought Emphasis on discourse Emphasis on discourse Emphasis on Judean ministry Emphasis on Judean ministry Emphasis on eternal life as primary element of teaching Emphasis on eternal life as primary element of teaching

Emphasis upon realized eschatology Emphasis upon realized eschatology Dualistic thought patterns Dualistic thought patterns –Light/darkness, flesh/spirit, law/grace Emphasis upon deity of Jesus Emphasis upon deity of Jesus

Emphasis upon the miracles as signs Emphasis upon the miracles as signs –Turning the water to wine –Healing of official’s son –Healing of invalid at Pool of Bethesda –Feeding of 5,000 –Walking on water –Healing blind man –Lazarus

Emphasis upon the “I am” sayings Emphasis upon the “I am” sayings –Bread of life –Light of the world –Gate –Good Shepherd –Resurrection and the life –The way, the truth, and the life –The true vine