Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “Yahweh Has Been Gracious.”

AUTHOR: John

TIME WRITTEN: Between 60-90 A.D.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 43rd Book in the Bible
• 4th Book in the New Testament
• 4th and last of 4 books of Biography (Matthew – John)
• 23 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 21

VERSES: 879

WORDS: 19,099

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT JOHN:

• Nickname and Background:
• Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
• John was the son of Zebedee and Salome.
• Initially a disciple of John the Baptist, John followed Jesus early in His ministry (John 1:19-61).
• New Testament Contributions:
• John is the author of five New Testament books:
  • John
  • 1 John
  • 2 John
  • 3 John
  • Revelation
• He is second only to Paul in the number of New Testament books written.
• Significant Events:
• John is mentioned in the Book of Acts alongside Peter (Acts 3:1; 4:13; 8:14).
• Exiled to the Island of Patmos by the Romans (Revelation 1:9).
• Tradition holds that he later lived in Ephesus.
• Unique Aspects of the Gospel of John:
• John’s purpose is stated in John 20:31: “That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
• Written for a universal audience, unlike Matthew (Jewish), Mark (Roman), and Luke (Greek).
• Focuses on the meanings behind Jesus’ actions rather than the actions themselves.
• The book is more topical than chronological.
• Key Themes:
• Seven “I Am” Statements:
  • John 6:35, 48: “I am the bread of life.”
  • John 8:12; 9:5: “I am the light of the world.”
  • John 10:7, 9: “I am the door.”
  • John 10:11, 14: “I am the good shepherd.”
  • John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
  • John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
  • John 15:1: “I am the vine.”
• Christ refers to “the Father” over 100 times in this book.

John’s Gospel stands out for its deep theological insights and focus on the divine nature of Christ, offering a profound exploration of Jesus’ identity and mission.