AUTHOR

John the apostle - one of the members of the inner circle - Peter and James being the other two. (Mark 5:37-43; Matthew 17:1; Matthew 26:36-37 ). John identifies himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20 KJV; John 21:24 ), and clarifies this with "which also leaned on His breast at supper." (John 21:20 KJV). At the arrest of Jesus he, like the others disciples, had fled - but then followed the Master to the judgment (John 18:15 ). He is seen at the cross receiving the Lord's dying message concerning Mary (John 19:25-27 ). John the apostle was an eyewitness of the events contained in this fourth gospel. Eyewitness internal evidence argues for the authorship of John the apostle. So does the external evidence. Early writers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian say that John wrote the gospel.

DATE

The date most often suggested for this fourth gospel is between 85 and 90 A.D., many years later than the other gospels. John was the last survivor of the Twelve. He died near 100 A.D.

PURPOSE

Instead of giving a record of Christ's life and works he made a careful selection of seven miracles and with the purpose in mind to prove Jesus Christ is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30,31 ), that the reader might believe - and have life in His name.

The supreme question for faith is, 'Who is Jesus?'. This gospel answers

(1) He is the 'Word of God' (John 1:14 ).
(2) The 'Lamb of God' (John 1:29,36 ).
(3) The 'Messiah' (John 1:41 ).
(4) The 'Son of God' (John 1:49 ).
(5) The 'King of Israel' (John 1:49 ).
(6) The Savior of the world' (John 4:42 ).

The climax comes with Thomas' ringing confession 'My Lord and my God' (John 20:28 ). In this gospel seven "signs" of Jesus are recorded, which reveal the reason and mission of Jesus:

(1) The turning of water into wine (John 2:1-11 ).
(2) The cure of the nobleman's son (John 4:46-54 ).
(3) The cure of the paralytic (John 5:1-18 ).
(4) The feeding of the multitude (John 6:6-13 ).
(5) The walking on the water (John 6:16-21 ).
(6) Giving sight to the blind (John 9:1-7 ) and
(7) The raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-45 ).

The purpose and effect of these "signs" are disclosed in John 12:37-43: They will not believe because their eyes have been blinded. There are also seven great "I Am" sayings:

(1) The bread of life (John 6:35 ).
(2) The light of the world (John 8:12 ).
(3) The door of the sheep (John 10:7 ).
(4) The good Shepherd (John 10:11 ).
(5) The resurrection and the life (John 11:25 ).
(6) The way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6 ).
(7) The true vine (John 15:1 ). Harper Study Bible

TEACHING

John's gospel contains some of the most profound of themes,

	The pre-existence of Christ
	His incarnation
	The relationship of Jesus Christ to the Father
	The Person and work of the Holy Spirit

making this gospel as it has been called "A Spiritual Gospel." A gospel for spiritual people.

THE HOUR

The ministry of Jesus is controlled by "the hour", the decisive moment when God's purpose will be accomplished (John 2:4; 4:21,23; 5:25,28; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23,27; 13:1 ). The decisive climax is reached with the declaration of John 17:1 "Father, the hour has come." Harper Study Bible

John 20:31 "but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."