The Book of John

Over the past number of weeks, we have been in the Light & Love series, studying the book of John. It has given us insight into moderation, being judgemental, persecution, among many other things. With all of those wonderful topics, it is also understand the context that this book was written. Why is historical context important when studying God’s Word? It will reveal why the text was written. It will enrich what you take away from the passage, and help you understand the full meaning. It will help you grasp why the words were significant to their original audience. It will increase the likelihood of you interpreting the Bible correctly.
The book of John is one of the four gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a testament to the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ, as recounted out by its author, John son of Zebedee. John was one of the apostles, and is said to have written the Gospel of John, 1-3 John and revelations.
The gospel of John was written later than the rest of the gospels, while was living in Epheseus, likely between 80-90 A.D. This book is unique among the four gospels in its focus on the person and teachings of Jesus, and its emphasis on the idea of Jesus as the divine Son of God. John’s gospel is structured differently from the other gospels, with a more philosophical and theological tone. Unlike the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John does not follow a strict chronological order, but instead focuses on specific events and teachings that highlight the significance of Jesus and his message. The audience for this book is not narrow in any sense, being written for those who are not believers, or who are new to Christianity from both Judaism or other religions.
One of the key themes of John is the idea of Jesus as the light of the world, a theme that is introduced in the opening chapter and woven throughout the rest of the book. In this gospel, Jesus is portrayed as a teacher who uses miracles and parables to reveal God’s truth to the people. John also emphasizes the idea of faith, and how belief in Jesus can bring salvation and new life to believers.
Another important aspect of John is the depiction of Jesus’ miracles, which serve as signs that demonstrate his power and authority. In John, these miracles are not just performed for their own sake, but are meant to reveal the deeper spiritual truths about Jesus and his role as the Messiah.
Throughout the book, John also provides several intimate, personal moments with Jesus, such as his conversations with Nicodemus and the woman at the well, which serve to illustrate his compassion and wisdom. These moments also provide insight into the nature of Jesus’ relationship with his followers and his teachings on topics such as love, obedience, and the importance of belief.
The book of John concludes with the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the aftermath of these events as the apostles and other followers spread the news of Jesus’ message throughout the world.
In conclusion, the book of John is a powerful and thought-provoking account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through its emphasis on the person and message of Jesus, this gospel offers a unique perspective on the foundations of Christianity and the role of faith in the lives of believers.