Episode 1 - Preliminary Info on the Gospel of John - Read this first

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  • There are four books called “Gospels” in the New Testament or Christian Scriptures: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

  • These books give accounts for the birth of a man known as Jesus of Nazareth; often referred to in the Christian Scriptures as Jesus Christ. He lived nearly 2000 years ago.

  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the “synoptic gospels” because they contain a lot of the same or similar information. It can be challenging, but rewarding seeking to understand what events are the same events recorded more than one of these books or what events may be different, but similar. John’s gospel has some events in the life of Jesus that are recorded only in this book. This book simply has a “different feel” to it than the other three Gospels.

  • Critics in the 19th century into the early 20th century questioned the tradition that this was authored by a close ally of Jesus; arguing that it was produced a few hundred years after Jesus walked the earth. However, during the 20th century, an old fragment (Papyrus 52) was discovered that was dated in the early to mid second-century AD that lends evidence in this book that supports the earlier dating of John’s Gospel. Some church groups excluded this book from their worship and teaching as part of the Biblical Canon and have continued the practice; perhaps ignorant of the later evidence supporting the more ancient tradition. I view the accounts in this book as authentically from John the Apostle. There is continuity from the author’s opening statements in his introduction through the book that support his explicitly stated purpose for writing this book.

  • The differences in the various gospel accounts often lend themselves to the themes and theology that is being emphasized by each respective author.

  • There are two men of significance associated with Jesus named John. One was a fisherman by trade. He is the man to whom this book is attributed even though the author does not directly identify himself as John. The internal evidence within the book points to this man, who was a close friend of Jesus, as the author. The other man is known as John the Baptist.

  • Before you begin the actual study, I would recommend that you read the very first chapter in the very first book of the Bible; the book entitled Genesis. John begins his book by drawing his readers' thoughts to the opening words of Genesis and the theme of Genesis chapter one will be a strong theme in John’s gospel.

  • My other advice would be to write notes for yourself. Email questions to me and I’ll try to get back soon.