What is the book of John?
The Gospel of John is a collection of stories about Jesus. It includes Jesus’ words and teachings. The stories and teachings were passed down by Jesus’ followers who lived and worked with him.
John told his gospel story in a new and different way from the other gospel writers. Yet the stories and teachings recorded by John agree with the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
It’s thought that John wrote his gospel down between the years AD 85 and 90.
Who was John written for?
For Jewish and Gentile believers who lived throughout the lands controlled by the Roman government.
For people who didn’t know who Jesus is.
Followers of Jesus recognise that John’s gospel shares the truth about Jesus. It’s for all people everywhere.
Why was John written?
To help believers throughout Roman lands understand more about Jesus and follow him faithfully.
To help people who didn’t know about Jesus to believe that he is the Messiah and God’s Son.
To invite everyone to receive the gift of eternal life from Jesus.
Main ideas
Jesus as the Word of God, the Messiah and the Son of God.
The seven I am statements.
The seven signs Jesus did that show he is the Messiah.
The seven witnesses to Jesus.
Outline
The Word became a human being (1:1–18).
The beginning of Jesus' work and service (1:19–51).
Jesus teaches in public and performs seven signs (2 – 11).
The last week of Jesus’ life (12 – 19).
Jesus is raised from the dead (20).
Jesus spends time with the disciples (21).