Book of John Overview: A Closer Look at Jesus Christ
When: Written around 75 AD (The Book of Revelation was written later, in 95 AD).
Who Was John?
- Disciple and Apostle: John was both a disciple of Jesus and an apostle of the early Christian church. Reflect on whether you follow Christ or are led by His Spirit; these are two distinct experiences.
- Authorship:
- John authored five New Testament books:
- The Book of John
- 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John
- The Book of Revelation
- John authored five New Testament books:
- Role and Privileges:
- Part of Jesus’ “inner circle” alongside Peter and James.
- Witnessed significant events:
- The crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:26).
- The resurrection of Jesus (John 20:3-4), outrunning Peter to the tomb.
- The Transfiguration of Jesus, including His conversation with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9).
- Referred to as “the one Jesus loved.” This close relationship included sitting next to Jesus at the Last Supper and being the only disciple present at the crucifixion.
- Became a “pillar” in the Jerusalem church after Jesus’ crucifixion (Galatians 2:9).
- Ministered alongside Peter (Acts 3:1, 4:13, 8:14).
- Exile and Revelation:
- Exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans, where he wrote Revelation around 95 AD.
- Received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation during his exile.
Purpose of the Gospel of John
- Proclaiming:
“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have eternal life in His name” (John 20:31).
The focus is on the deity of Jesus (Jesus as God) and that He is the sole path to God the Father, eternal life, and heaven. Salvation comes through faith alone in Jesus, not by works or secret knowledge. It emphasizes the necessity of two births to enter the kingdom of God. - A Different Introduction of Jesus:
Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, who introduce Jesus through genealogy, John begins with “the beginning,” highlighting Jesus’ existence before creation. This gospel emphasizes the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus, echoing God’s declaration to Abraham, “I am who I am.” - Eternal Life through Faith in the Resurrection:
Jesus claims at Lazarus’ tomb, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). By believing in Jesus, you will never die and will have eternal life.