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[[Image:El Greco Imaculada.jpg|thumb|Immaculate Conception with St John the Evangelist by [[El Greco]]]]

[[Image:El Greco Imaculada.jpg|thumb|Immaculate Conception with St John the Evangelist by [[El Greco]]]]

The '''[[Gospel]] of John''', written by the eyewitness [[John the Apostle]], is the most original and spectacular book in all of history. It explains that [[Jesus Christ]] is the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us,"<ref>{{bibleref|John|1|14}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> and that [[Belief|believing]] in Him attains [[eternal life]].<ref>[https://enterthebible.org/courses/john/lessons/theological-themes-in-john#:~:text=Believing,7:12%2D13). Theological Themes in John]</ref><ref>[https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-john/#:~:text=The%20theme%20of%20John's%20Gospel,series%20of%20witnesses%20to%20Jesus. Introduction to John]</ref> John's Gospel emphasizes [[Divinity of Jesus Christ|Jesus' divine identity]] (while also fully human), the power of his divine nature via [[miracle]]s and his relationship with both [[God the Father]] and humanity.<ref>[https://biblehub.com/q/key_themes_in_john.htm#:~:text=The%20Book%20of%20John%20stands,the%20very%20life%20Christ%20offers. Key themes of the Gospel of John]</ref> The gospel brings the [[infinite]] power and glory of [[Christianity]] to everyone in well-organized chapters. '''''The innovation in this gospel is breathtaking'''''.

The '''[[Gospel]] of John''', written by the eyewitness [[John the Apostle]], is the most original and spectacular book in all of history. It explains that [[Jesus Christ]] is the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us,"<ref>{{bibleref|John|1|14}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> and that [[Belief|believing]] in Him attains [[eternal life]].<ref>[https://enterthebible.org/courses/john/lessons/theological-themes-in-john#:~:text=Believing,7:12%2D13). Theological Themes in John]</ref><ref>[https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-john/#:~:text=The%20theme%20of%20John's%20Gospel,series%20of%20witnesses%20to%20Jesus. Introduction to John]</ref> John's Gospel emphasizes [[Divinity of Jesus Christ|Jesus' divine identity]] (while also fully human), the power of his divine nature via [[miracle]]s and his relationship with both [[God the Father]] and humanity.<ref>[https://biblehub.com/q/key_themes_in_john.htm#:~:text=The%20Book%20of%20John%20stands,the%20very%20life%20Christ%20offers. Key themes of the Gospel of John]</ref> The Gospel brings the [[infinite]] power and glory of [[Christianity]] to everyone in well-organized chapters. '''''The innovation in this gospel is breathtaking'''''.

The Gospel of John contains ''the most famous verse in the entire [[Bible]]'', welcoming all:

The Gospel of John contains ''the most famous verse in the entire [[Bible]]'', welcoming all:

*"For [[God]] so [[love]]d the world, that he gave his only [[Jesus|Son]], that whoever believes in him should not perish but have [[eternal life]]."<ref>{{bible ref|John|3|16}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> ([[Luke]]'s use of the name "[[Theophilus]]" -- meaning "loved by [[God]]" -- corroborates this.)

*"For [[God]] so [[love|loved]] the world, that he gave his only [[Jesus|Son]], that whoever believes in him should not perish but have [[eternal life]]."<ref>{{bible ref|John|3|16}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> ([[Luke]]'s use of the name "[[Theophilus]]" -- meaning "loved by [[God]]" -- corroborates this.)

This Gospel is very [[pro-life]] with an emphasis on [[eternity]], or [[infinity]], which are superb antidotes for modern-day [[anxiety]]. This Gospel contains the oft-quoted phrase "and you will know the [[truth]], and the truth will set you free."<ref>{{bibleref|John|8|32}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> '''''The Gospel of John mentions "life" 3-6 times as often as the Gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]], and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]]'''''.

This Gospel is very [[pro-life]] with an emphasis on [[eternity]], or [[infinity]], which are superb antidotes for modern-day [[anxiety]]. This Gospel contains the oft-quoted phrase "and you will know the [[truth]], and the truth will set you free."<ref>{{bibleref|John|8|32}} ([[ESV]]).</ref> '''''The Gospel of John mentions "life" 3-6 times as often as the Gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]], and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]]'''''.

This Gospel uniquely contains two powerful [[allegory|allegories]]: the [[Good Shepherd]] and the [[True Vine]]. This Gospel also includes one of the most often-discussed miracles, the changing of water into wine. ''See'' [[John 1-7 (Translated)#2:1|John 2:1-11]]. Overall, 90% of the Gospel of John is unique and fresh,<ref>https://www.learnreligions.com/the-differences-between-john-and-the-synoptic-gospels-363396</ref> and the origin of expressions like "doubting Thomas." {{bibleref|John|20|24-29}}

This Gospel uniquely contains two powerful [[allegory|allegories]]: the [[Good Shepherd]] and the [[True Vine]]. This Gospel also includes one of the most often-discussed miracles, the changing of water into wine. ''See'' [[John 1-7 (Translated)#2:1|John 2:1-11]]. Overall, 90% of the Gospel of John is unique and fresh,<ref>https://www.learnreligions.com/the-differences-between-john-and-the-synoptic-gospels-363396</ref>, and it contains the origin of expressions like "doubting Thomas." {{bibleref|John|20|24-29}}

'''''The top three most-quoted [[Bible]] verses are all from this Gospel''''':  (#1) {{bibleref|John|3|16}}, (#2) {{bibleref|John|1|1}}, (#3) {{bibleref|John|14|6}}  

'''''The top three most-quoted [[Bible]] verses are all from this Gospel''''':  (#1) {{bibleref|John|3|16}}, (#2) {{bibleref|John|1|1}}, (#3) {{bibleref|John|14|6}}  

The Gospel of John was an independent work, with almost no duplication with [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]] and many notable omissions of what is recounted elsewhere.  The Gospel of John was written in [[Greek]] with a distinctive character; John uses about ninety words not found in any other [[Hagiography|hagiographer]].<ref>A hagiographer is a biographer of a holy person.</ref>  When describing times of day, John uses the Roman ([[Gentile]]) method of beginning the day at midnight (as opposed to the Hebrew method, used in the other three Gospel accounts, which starts the day at sunset).

The Gospel of John was an independent work, with almost no duplication with [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]] and many notable omissions of what is recounted elsewhere.  The Gospel of John was written in [[Greek]] with a distinctive character; John uses about ninety words not found in any other [[Hagiography|hagiographer]].<ref>A hagiographer is a biographer of a holy person.</ref>  When describing times of day, John uses the Roman ([[Gentile]]) method of beginning the day at midnight (as opposed to the Hebrew method, used in the other three Gospel accounts, which starts the day at sunset).

Even more distinctive, the vocabulary is the grammatical use of pronouns, prepositions, and verbs. The [[Evangelist]] reveals a deep knowledge of Hellenistic speech of the first century AD, which is flavored with certain Hebrew expressions. His literary style is lauded for its noble, natural, and artistic simplicity. He combines harmoniously the rustic speech of the Synoptics with the urban phraseology of [[Saint Paul|St. Paul]].

Even more distinctive is the vocabulary and the grammatical use of pronouns, prepositions, and verbs. The [[Evangelist]] reveals a deep knowledge of Hellenistic speech of the first century AD, which is flavored with certain Hebrew expressions. His literary style is lauded for its noble, natural, and artistic simplicity. He combines harmoniously the rustic speech of the Synoptics with the urban phraseology of [[Saint Paul|St. Paul]].

What first attracts the reader's attention is the subject matter of the Gospel; the confinement of the narrative to chronicling events that took place in [[Judea]] and [[Jerusalem]]. The Savior's labors in Galilee relate a few events, without dwelling on details, and of these events only two—the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (6: 1-16), and the sea voyage (6: 17-21) -- are already related in the Synoptic Gospels.

What first attracts the reader's attention is the subject matter of the Gospel; the confinement of the narrative to chronicling events that took place in [[Judea]] and [[Jerusalem]]. The Savior's labors in Galilee relate a few events, without dwelling on details, and of these events only two—the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (6:1-16), and the sea voyage (6:17-21) -- are already related in the Synoptic Gospels.

Compared with the other Evangelists, John chronicles fewer [[miracle]]s but concentrates more attention on the discourses of [[Christ|Jesus]]. The events depicted form a frame for the words, conversation, and teaching of the Savior and His disputations with His adversaries. It is the controversies with the [[Sanhedrin|Sanhedrists]] at Jerusalem that seem especially to claim the attention of the Evangelist. John's interest is a highly theological one.

Compared with the other Evangelists, John chronicles fewer [[miracle]]s but concentrates more attention on the discourses of [[Christ|Jesus]]. The events depicted form a frame for the words, conversation, and teaching of the Savior and His disputations with His adversaries. It is the controversies with the [[Sanhedrin|Sanhedrists]] at Jerusalem that seem especially to claim the attention of the Evangelist. John's interest is a highly theological one.

Even in the earliest ages of Christianity, the honorary title of the "theologian"  was bestowed on John. There are certain great truths, constantly referred to, in the Gospel which are regarded as his governing ideas, special mention should be made of such expressions as the [[Light]] of the World, the [[Truth]], the Life, the Resurrection.

Even in the earliest ages of Christianity, the honorary title of the "theologian"  was bestowed on John. There are certain great truths, constantly referred to, in the Gospel which are regarded as his governing ideas. Special mention should be made of such expressions as the [[Light]] of the World, the [[Truth]], the Life, the Resurrection.

From his very opening sentences, John looks to the deepest of eternity; the Divine [[Logos|Word]] in the bosom of the Father. He never tires of portraying the dignity and glory of the Eternal Word Who took up His abode among men. As evidence of the Divinity of the Savior, the author chronicles some of the great wonders by which Christ revealed His glory, but he is far more intent on leading us to a deeper understanding of Christ's Divinity and majesty by a consideration of His words, discourses, and teaching, and His [[Divine]] [[Love]].

From his very opening sentences, John looks to the deepest of eternity; the Divine [[Logos|Word]] in the bosom of the Father. He never tires of portraying the dignity and glory of the Eternal Word Who took up His abode among men. As evidence of the Divinity of the Savior, the author chronicles some of the great wonders by which Christ revealed His glory, but he is far more intent on leading us to a deeper understanding of Christ's Divinity and majesty by a consideration of His words, discourses, and teaching, and His [[Divine]] [[Love]].

== Specially Observed Events ==

== Specially Observed Events ==

The Gospel of John includes several specially observed events that are not in [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]].  These include:

The Gospel of John includes several specially observed events that are not in [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]].  These include:

*Jesus's disclosing his [[divinity]] to the promiscuous [[Samaritan]] woman at {{bibleref|John|4|7-26}};

* Jesus's disclosing his [[divinity]] to the promiscuous [[Samaritan]] woman at {{bibleref|John|4|7-26}};

*Jesus's mother at the [[Cross]];

* Jesus's mother at the [[Cross]];

*the thrusting of the spear into Jesus's side on the [[Cross]]; and

* the thrusting of the spear into Jesus's side on the [[Cross]]; and

*Jesus's appearance to [[Mary Magdalene]] outside the tomb.

* Jesus's appearance to [[Mary Magdalene]] outside the tomb.

== Omissions ==

== Omissions ==

There are many omissions from the [[Gospel of John]], some of which even involved [[John]] such as the [[Transfiguration of Jesus]].  The omissions confirm the independence of this work.  Here is a sample of the many omissions of events and concepts described elsewhere:

There are many omissions from the [[Gospel of John]], some of which even involved [[John]] such as the [[Transfiguration of Jesus]].  The omissions confirm the independence of this work.  Here is a sample of the many omissions of events and concepts described elsewhere:

*Background and baptism of Jesus, and [[John the Baptist]]'s fate.

* Background and baptism of Jesus, and [[John the Baptist]]'s fate.

*[[Three Temptations of Christ]].

* [[Three Temptations of Christ]].

*[[Hell]].

* [[Hell]].

*[[Parable]]s.

* [[Parable]]s.

*[[Transfiguration of Jesus]], which is described in Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9 and 2 Peter 1 - perhaps John was avoiding repetition.

* [[Transfiguration of Jesus]], which is described in Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9 and 2 Peter 1 - perhaps John was avoiding repetition.

*[[Eucharist]].

* [[Eucharist]].

*[[Peter]] weeping after denying [[Christ]].

* [[Peter]] weeping after denying [[Christ]].

*[[Apocryphal]] "Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing."

* [[Apocryphal]] "Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what they are doing."

*Use of the concept [[repent]] and [[forgiveness]].

* Use of the concept [[repent]] and [[forgiveness]].

*Use of the term [[gospel]] or compassion.

* Use of the term [[gospel]] or compassion.

*Teaching against divorce.

* Teaching against divorce.

*Use of the concept [[faith]].

* Use of the concept [[faith]].

*No ban on preaching to the [[Samaritan]]s, and there is even a suggestion that Jesus may have been a Samaritan.

* No ban on preaching to the [[Samaritan]]s, and there is even a suggestion that Jesus may have been a Samaritan.

*[[Exorcism]]s.

* [[Exorcism]]s.

*prophecies of the Second Coming of Jesus are also mostly omitted in this Gospel.

* Prophecies of the Second Coming of Jesus are also mostly omitted in this Gospel.

==Author==

==Author==

[[File:Toros Roslin Manrankar.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Armenian icon of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, 13th century]]

[[File:Toros Roslin Manrankar.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Armenian icon of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, 13th century]]

The evidence is overwhelming that the [[Apostle John]] was the author of the Gospel of John.  Skeptics try to deny this by saying that the text is beyond the capabilities of a fisherman, but John himself was probably not a career fisherman and that would not be a disqualification of intelligence anyway.  Even skeptics do not deny that this Gospel was written by an eyewitness of [[Jesus]].<ref>According to the ''The New Oxford Annotated Bible,''

The evidence is overwhelming that the [[Apostle John]] was the author of the Gospel of John.  Skeptics try to deny this by saying that the text is beyond the capabilities of a fisherman, but John himself was probably not a career fisherman and that would not be a disqualification of intelligence anyway.  Even skeptics do not deny that this Gospel was written by an eyewitness of [[Jesus]].<ref>According to ''The New Oxford Annotated Bible,'' tradition says [the author] was the apostle John. Most scholars, however, suggest a disciple of John who recorded him preaching as Mark did that of Peter. In any case, the historical basis of the Gospel has become increasingly recognized.  May, Herbert G. and Bruce G. Metzger, ''The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Revised Standard Version,'' New York: Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 1286</ref>

:tradition says [the author] was the apostle John. Most scholars, however, suggest a disciple of John who recorded him preaching as Mark did that of Peter. In any case, the historical basis of the Gospel has become increasingly recognized.  May, Herbert G. and Bruce G. Metzger, ''The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Revised Standard Version,'' New York: Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 1286</ref>

===Evidence for authorship by the apostle John===

===Evidence for authorship by the apostle John===

* According to Clement of Alexandria, the Fourth Gospel was released after the three Synoptics.

* According to Clement of Alexandria, the Fourth Gospel was released after the three Synoptics.

* the Gospel of John avoids repetition with [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]], which implies John completed his later.

* The Gospel of John avoids repetition with [[the Gospels|the other Gospels]], which implies John completed his work later.

* It was probably completed after the death of [[Saint Peter|Peter]], since the last chapter - especially 21:18-19 presupposes his death.  Peter died in A.D. 64.  

* It was probably completed after the death of [[Saint Peter|Peter]], since the last chapter - especially 21:18-19 presupposes his death.  Peter died in A.D. 64.  

* It was completed after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, for the Evangelist's references to the Jews (cf. particularly 11:18; 18: 1; 19:41) seem to indicate that the end of the city and of the people as a nation is already come.  Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.

* It was completed after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, for the Evangelist's references to the Jews (cf. particularly 11:18; 18:1; 19:41) seem to indicate that the end of the city and of the people as a nation has already come.  Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.

* The text of John 21:23 might imply that John was already old when he completed and released the Gospel.

* The text of John 21:23 might imply that John was already old when he completed and released the Gospel.

* Those who denied the Divinity of Christ, the very heresy to which St. John devotes special attention throughout his Gospel, are believed to have disseminated this view near the end of the first century.

* Those who denied the Divinity of Christ, the very heresy to which St. John devotes special attention throughout his Gospel, are believed to have disseminated this view near the end of the first century.

* This Gospel also emphasizes the mortality of Jesus (e.g., he ate fish), which countered another heresy that he was not mortal.<ref>https://christ.org/questions-and-answers/when-was-the-gospel-of-john-written/</ref>

* This Gospel also emphasizes the mortality of Jesus (e.g., he ate fish), which countered another heresy that he was not mortal.<ref>https://christ.org/questions-and-answers/when-was-the-gospel-of-john-written/</ref>

* John mentions the banning of Christians (followers of Jesus) from the synagogues, which happened around A.D. 90 (see Council of Jamnia).

* John mentions the banning of Christians (followers of Jesus) from the synagogues, which happened around A.D. 90 (see Council of Jamnia).

There is also a school of thought that John, and the entire [[New Testament]] for that matter, were written before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 believing that heresies had always been around.  John 5:2 is cited, where John speaks of a pool with "is" instead of was, even though it was destroyed in A.D. 70.  (It should be noted that John sometimes uses the present tense to describe situations that have passed in other instances.)<ref>NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 1985</ref>

 

There is also a school of thought that John, and the entire [[New Testament]] for that matter, were written before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, believing that heresies had always been around.  John 5:2 is cited, where John speaks of a pool with "is" instead of was, even though it was destroyed in A.D. 70.  (It should be noted that John sometimes uses the present tense to describe situations that have passed in other instances.)<ref>NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 1985</ref>

==Composition==

==Composition==

Two major differences:

Two major differences:

*The duration of Christ's public ministry extends in the Fourth Gospel probably over three years, and some months. The three earlier Evangelists also suppose the space of at least two years and some months.

* The duration of Christ's public ministry extends in the Fourth Gospel probably over three years, and some months. The three earlier Evangelists also suppose the space of at least two years and some months.

*The purification of the Temple is referred by John to the beginning of the Savior's ministry, while the Synoptists narrate it at the close.

* The purification of the Temple is referred by John to the beginning of the Savior's ministry, while the Synoptists narrate it at the close.

===Presentation===

===Presentation===

===The Doctrine===

===The Doctrine===

John makes his teaching center around the Person of [[Jesus]], while the [[Synoptics]] bring into relief rather the Kingdom of God. At the end of the first century, there was no need for the Evangelist to repeat the lessons concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. His task was to emphasize the fundamental truth of the Divinity of the Founder of this Kingdom. By chronicling those words and works of the Redeemer in which He Himself had revealed the majesty of His glory.

John makes his teaching center around the Person of [[Jesus]], while the [[Synoptics]] bring into relief rather the Kingdom of God. At the end of the first century, there was no need for the Evangelist to repeat the lessons concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. His task was to emphasize the fundamental truth of the Divinity of the Founder of this Kingdom by chronicling those words and works of the Redeemer in which He Himself had revealed the majesty of His glory.

== See also ==

== See also ==