Overview of the Book
The Gospel according to John is placed at the end of the four gospels included in the Bible; these are the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All four of these gospels bring forth the Christian teachings on Jesus’ life and ministry, God’s promises in the past, present, and future, the disclosure of the end-time events, and God’s ultimate plan for humanity. The contents and the centralized theme of all four gospels are well connected to one another. In some occasions, all four gospels include the same incidents and teachings without many differences, but sometimes each of the four gospels has its own peculiar things to share, which may not be found in other gospels. With regard to John’s gospel, it is slightly different in its presentation and character when we compare it with the first three gospels in the Bible, which are commonly known as the Synoptic Gospels. These gospels provide an account of Jesus – the promised Messiah, the savior of mankind. They focus on the announcement regarding Jesus’ birth, His life and ministry, the end-time events, and the redemption of humanity through the atoning death of Christ on the cross, His burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and His promise to return to take His saints with Him. From a historical perspective, the Synoptic gospels have so much to contribute to its readers but from a theological perspective John’s gospel is especially remarkable. John’s gospel provides a distinct overview of who Jesus is with theologically rooted discourses, miracles, and His ‘I am’ sayings. John’s gospel defends itself against any argument that is trying to disprove the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, including His preexistence from the timeless past (John 1:1-2). One can find several important teachings in John’s gospel that are invisible in the Synoptic gospels. Below mentioned are a few examples for our references:
- In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1a)
- The Word was with God (John 1:1b)
- The Word was God (John 1:1c)
- He was with God in the beginning (John 1:2)
- Through him all things were made (John 1:3a)
- Without him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3b)
- In him was life (John 1:4a)
- The life was the light of all mankind (John 1:4b)
- The light shines in the darkness (John 1:5a)
- The darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5b)
- The Word became flesh (John 1:14)
- Jesus and His disciples carrying out the ministry of baptism in Judea (John 3:22),
- And many more throughout the gospel
The source of John’s gospel is derived from author’s (Apostle John) personal experience with Jesus Christ (as a prominent disciple and witness of Jesus’ earthly life, ministry, suffering, the atoning death on the cross, burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, resurrection on the third day, and ascension to heaven), and through the revelation he received from the Holy Spirit. John was one among Jesus’ Twelve Apostles, and was counted among the three prominent disciples of Jesus (Peter, James, and John [Matthew 17:1; Mark 14:33; Luke 9:28). The main focus of the gospel revolves around Jesus of Nazareth, who is the promised Messiah – the Christ, the Son of God. Apostle John’s primary intention, through his gospel, is to communicate that Jesus of Nazareth is the incarnation of the Lord God Almighty [Yahweh] and anyone (despite who they are) who believes in Him and accepts Him as the Lord and Savior of their life will be saved and will inherit eternal life through Him (John 3:16, 36; 6:40; 11:25-26; 20:31 [Romans 10:9]). Jesus is the only One who revealed God the Father to humanity as it is stated in John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
John’s gospel is filled with lots of fundamental principles for living a well-nourished Christian life, especially from Jesus’ life and teachings; for instance:
- The I AM claims of Jesus (John 8:12)
- The Specific Miracles (John 2:1ff)
- Jesus’ Unique Teachings (John 3:1-21)
- Special emphasis on Jesus’ Last Supper (John 13)
- Jesus’ Intercessory prayer for Himself and others (John 17)
- Jesus’ arrest, suffering, and death (John 18-19)
- Resurrection and final commissioning of disciples for ministry (John 20-21)
The Title of the Book
The Gospel According to John is generally called the ‘John’s Gospel’ or the ‘Gospel of John.’ Some scholars just refer to it as the ‘Book of John.’ In most Bible translations, the book title is ‘The Gospel According to John,’ because in the Ancient Greek terms the title of the gospel is recorded as Εὐαγγέλιον κατὰ Ἰωάννην (Euangélion katà Iōánnēn), which is translated in English as ‘The Gospel According to John.’ Like the Synoptic gospels, in some of the ancient Manuscripts of the Scriptures the title is shown as Ἅγιον Εὐαγγέλιον κατὰ Ἰωάννην – that is translated into English as ‘The Holy Gospel according to John.’ In nutshell, whether the gospel is titled as the ‘book of John’ or the ‘gospel of John,’ ‘John’s gospel’, or known under any other title, this is the gospel of Jesus Christ and was written by Apostle John, one of Jesus’ beloved disciples, and, therefore, let us also follow the most appropriate title given to it, that is, ‘The Gospel According to John.’
Authorship of the Book
It is believed that the Gospel according to John is written by Apostle John, the brother of James. James and John were identified as the sons of Zebedee (John 21:2; Matthew 4:21; Mark 3:17; Luke 5:10). From the Scripture, we can understand that a large crowd followed Jesus wherever He went. He also had an untold number of disciples who clung unto Him always. From among these He chose the Twelve and appointed them as apostles, who left everything and followed Him. Again, from among the Twelve, Jesus chose three (Peter, James, and John) who were prominent among all of them. Also, it was Apostle John whom Jesus loved the most out of all whom He encountered during His earthly ministry (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20). John witnessed Jesus’ life and ministry, His trials, crucifixion, death, resurrection, ascension to heaven (John 19:35; 21:24). That’s why many Bible historians and Bible scholars unquestionably favored to call him ‘The Apostle of Love.’
Usually, there are disputes and disagreements which arise regarding the authorship of most Bible books, but regarding John’s gospel such disputes and disagreements have less importance since the author, John, himself identifies as the individual who authored it. Also, John very specifically mentioned that we (including himself) have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son.
John 1:14 states that The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 19:31-36 … 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe …
John 21:20-24 … This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
However, there are still a few disputes and disagreements regarding the authorship of the gospel of John. This is because some authors specifically attest their names in their writings. But, many Biblical book writers did not directly included their names within their writings, and Apostle John is one such writer. Nonetheless, in John’s case, he was an eye witness of Jesus’ life, ministry, arrest, trail, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He was called by Jesus along with his brother James, he was counted among the twelve and among the first three of the twelve. He was right there where Jesus was crucified and witnessed His sufferings along with Jesus’ mother Mary and others. John was the one Jesus chose to hand over the responsibility of taking care of His mother Mary for rest of her life (John 19:25-27).
Ever since Jesus called John to be His disciple, along with his brother James and other ten, Jesus engaged him most closely. Even after Jesus’ ascension to heaven, John became one of the prominent leaders in the early church. Apostle Paul noted in Galatians 2:9 that John along with James and Peter were the pillars of the early church. All things considered, we need to understand that Apostle John had very close relationship with Jesus Christ during His earthly life, and this continued through the glorified Christ after His resurrection to heaven. There might be more things to highlight in this regard, yet based on the few things we have discussed here, there is no one more qualified to write John’s gospel than Apostle John. Thus, we can come to the conclusion that the Gospel According to John is written by Apostle John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ!
Date and Place of Writing
With the ascension of Jesus to heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the apostles began to fully engage in the mission Jesus entrusted upon them; that is, preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and being stewards of God’s will (John 20:21 [Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8]. All these happened while John was still in his early years of age (without doubt, John was one of the youngest apostles of Jesus). John might have started writing this gospel as soon as Jesus ascended to heaven and concluded the writing in the last years of his life – in his eighties or nineties. However, most Bible historians and scholars believe that John completed writing this Gospel sometime between AD 80-90.
The exact location(s) where John was while he was writing this gospel is still in dispute, since he moved from place to place in order to encourage believers in their sufferings. The Book of the Acts states that John, along with other apostles, served in several regions in Judea, particularly in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1-5); and several Samaritan cities (Acts 8:15-17). Also, many early Church Fathers and Christian traditions believed that John served in places like Syria, Ephesus, and several other cities in Asia Minor. As such, no one knows exactly where was John at the time of this gospel writing. Yet, most Bible historians and scholars believe that John wrote this gospel while he was in Ephesus. There are also suggestions that the gospel was written while John was in Syria or in a different city in Asia Minor. Although no one is sure about the exact place of writing of this gospel, we can be reasonably certain that the gospel according to John was written while apostle John was in Ephesus. There are several reasons to come to such a conclusion: first of all, Ephesus was one of the prominent Christian centers in Asia Minor; secondly, Ephesus was one of the prominent cities in Asia Minor, thirdly, the city of Ephesus was known for political, cultural and religious center in Asia Minor; as well as an important Roman trading post in Asia Minor. Being such a notable city, and a city where Christianity was taking root, it is likely that Apostle John spent time in Ephesus, some of which he spent in writing the gospel according to John.
The Recipients of the Gospel
After the ascension of Jesus to heaven, Apostle John (Acts 3:1) was in Jerusalem along with the other apostles who were together carrying out the mission to which they were called. Later, according to many of the early Church Fathers and Bible historians, Apostle John moved to Ephesus in Asia Minor, one of the most important and influential cities in the ancient Roman Empire, in order to give leadership to the churches across that regions. In the light of this, many believe that Apostle John wrote this gospel while he was in Ephesus and might have had a vast audience in mind – consisting of Jews at home and abroad, and the Gentiles including Greco-Roman people live in Ephesus and beyond, and all the people beyond the borders. From the contents of the gospel of John, we can understand that the gospel might have been originally written to the whole community of Jews, keeping the Gentiles in mind, to declare to its readers that Jesus is the promised Messiah – the Christ of God, the Son of God, and the savior of the whole Mankind, who has come down to the earth to save the humanity. It is His invitation that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life in his name (John 3:15-17; 11:25-26).
The Purpose of Writing John’s Gospel
Although there is a common purpose that is holding all the books of the Bible together, each book in the Bible has its own very specific message. Similarly, there is a common purpose that hold all four gospels together, yet each of the gospel has its own specific message to proclaim. In spite of the fact that the first three gospels, known as the Synoptic Gospels, and the gospel of John have several things in common, the gospel of John keeps its distance from the Synoptic Gospels in its appearance and content. The synoptic gospels (Matthew and Luke) trace Jesus’ genealogy from the time of Old Testament Patriarchs (Matthew – from Abraham to Jesus; and Luke – from Jesus to Adam). However, John begins Jesus’ existence right from the beginning (whenever it was) saying, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-2). John was very keen to portray the supernatural relationship between the Holy God and sinful humanity. Such a relationship between the Holy God and sinful humanity is possible through faith in Jesus Christ, who said: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Those who believe in Jesus find new life in Him and, thus, a new relationship begins – the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Such a relationship is similar to a relationship between the Head and the body (Colossians 1:18) or the Bridegroom and the Bride (John 3:29). Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples and all believers described in John chapter seventeen (17) is very significant in this regard.
Apostle John, the author of John’s gospel, had a very personal experience with Jesus Christ ever since the moment Jesus called him to follow Him (refer: Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19-20; Luke 5:9-11). John was with Jesus from the time he was called to be His disciple up until His ascension to heaven. John witnessed Jesus’ life, ministry, arrest, crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. Perhaps that might be a reason why he wrote down what he heard or saw or experienced from Jesus, so that others would also experience a similar relationship with the resurrected Christ. As he noted down in John 1:1-5 & 14 that,
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 5 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
15 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Again John stated in his epistle 1 John 1:1-4
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete (1 John 1:4).
The purpose of writing all these in details is so that his readers will read, understand, and know that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of mankind and He is the only mediator between God and humanity. It is very specifically mentioned in John 20:30 that they may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. John also stated in John 3:16 that For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Thus, the ultimate purpose of writing this gospel is to reveal the identity of Jesus Christ and how we can gain access to the presence of God the Father through Jesus Christ and inherit eternal life with Him – a life forever and ever with God the Father.
The Major Themes in the Book
There are numerous specific and common themes described in the gospel according to John.
The very opening verses of the gospel itself states one of the major themes of the gospel, which proclaims Jesus as the preexistent and incarnate Word of God who has revealed God the Father, the Creator God (John 1:1-2). Some of the other themes in the early verses include the Word that became flesh (John 1:14); Jesus Christ – the source of life and light (John 1:4-5); the ministry of the Witness (John the Baptist), who was sent by God to testify about Jesus even before Jesus began His earthly ministry (John 1:6-7). Below is a detailed look into some of the themes mentioned above and some other themes from the gospel according to John.
The Word Became Flesh
John 1:14 states that The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. When we analyze the phrase ‘the Word became flesh,’ we can understand the willingness, sacrifice, and the energy involved. John tries to describe several things regarding the Word right from the opening verses of his gospel: the pre-existence of the Word from eternity (John 1:1a); the relationship of the Word with God the Father (John 1:1b); the identity of the Word as God (John 1:1c); the co-existence of the Word with God (John 1:2); the Word’s role in the creation of the heavens and earth and everything in them (John 1:3) the Word’s connection with mankind (In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind [John 1:4]). This is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Apostle Paul wrote, But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
John 3:16-17 says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Although, the Jewish religious leaders of His time rejected the Messiah and the Greeks questioned His identity, He became a sacrifice on behalf of all humanity, which includes you and me. He did not just die for the Jews or the Greeks, but His atoning death was for all humanity – He died for you, He died for me, and He died for all. Apostle John wrote, He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:11-12). Now, anyone who believes in Him and accepts Him as the Lord and savior of their live will be saved (John 3:16, 36; 6:35, 40; 11:25-26).
The Messiah
The promised deliverer of the Jewish nation – the Messiah, or the Anointed One, would rule over God’s people for ever and ever and His Kingdom will never end. God promised king David that a ruler would come from the lineage of David and He would establish the kingdom that would never end. 2 Samuel 7:8-16 states:
This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel … The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son … Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.
Although, the immediate fulfillment of the promise took place through king David’s son Solomon, whose mother was Bathsheba, the ultimate fulfillment would take place through Jesus, the heir to David’s throne. God’s promise to David is a continuation of God’s promise to Abraham, which we can read in Genesis 12:1-3.
Eternal Life
John’s gospel very specifically states that the primary purpose of Jesus’ coming is to bring abundant life to those who believe in Him (John 10:10). According to the book of Genesis, in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1:1-25); and then He created the human beings in His own image and likeness. Genesis 1:26-27 states, Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness … So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them; and it is recorded in Genesis 2:7 that Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. This tells us that we have our origin in the Lord God Almighty Himself because He created us. Although, we have life in us, it is condemned due to our sin against our creator God (Genesis 3:1-24; Psalm 51:4; Isaiah 59:2; [Romans 3:23]). Yet, a life that will last forever; in other words, eternal life, could be restored to us by reconciling and re-establishing our relationship with God (John 5:24). Such a relationship is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:8-9; [Romans 6:23]), by accepting Him as the Lord and Savior of one’s life (John 5:26; 17:3). He is the only one who is able to give us a life that continues beyond our death through the power of His resurrection (John 5:24; 10:10; 11:25-26). Jesus said, For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day (John 6:40). John quoted Jesus’ explanation of Eternal Life [Jesus said] – Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent (John 17:3). One thing is very true in this regard, Christian life begins with Christ, continues with Christ, and continues through eternity with Christ (John 3:16; 5:24-26; 11:25; 17:3; 20:31).
Resurrection
Resurrection of the dead is a prominent theme in John’s gospel. John 5:28-29 states that … for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. Jesus Himself is the resurrection and life, as Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live (John 11:25). Those who live a righteous life, in the power of the resurrected Lord, at present will have an abundant life in this age as well as eternal life in the age to come. Jesus said, I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world (John 6:51). Hebrews 9:27-28 states that Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. John quotes Jesus’ words in 12:31-32 that Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. Again it is stated that (John 12:47-48) If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. This means that our present life will end with our physical death but we will be resurrected for judgement, either for an endless life with Christ or for eternal condemnation. Jesus promised that He will come back to take us with Him to be where He is. Jesus assured His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for those who listen to Him and obey His commands; John 14:3-4: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. This is the reason why Jesus stated over and over again that He will raise us up: Jesus said, I will raise them up at the last day (John 6:40b, 44b, 54b). So, the author of the gospel according to John, gave much importance to the theme ‘resurrection’ in his gospel.
The World God Created
According to Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Apostle John also stated that In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:1-3). This statement reminds us that the world was created by God and He created it through the Word. In the fullness of time, the Word became flesh (John 1:14) and came to this world, but the world did not recognize Him. Apostle John states that He [Jesus] was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him (John 1:10-11). Yet God loved the world so much and was willing to send His only Son to this world, as it is mentioned in John 3:16 that For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The Holy Spirit
Apostle John, the author of John’s gospel, allots ample space, in his gospel, to focus on the Holy Spirit and His role in the mission of God – either working by Himself, or working alongside Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry (John 1:32-34; also, refer Isaiah 42:1; 61:1). Regarding the end of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, Jesus promised His disciples that He will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit can be with His disciples and all believers forever as Jesus is going back to the Father after completing the work the Father had entrusted upon Him. Jesus said to His disciples, If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you (John 14:15-18). The Greek term used for the Holy Spirit here is παράκλητος (Paraklētos), which means an advocate, helper, comforter, and intercessor. At the moment, we are not going discuss much on this topic here but below is collection of Bible verses for our referral (we may be able to discuss elaborately on the person and work of the Holy Spirit some other time):
John 1:32-34 Then John gave this testimony: I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.
John 3:5-8 Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
John 14:25-29 All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
John 15:26-27 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
John 16:7-8 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
John 16:12-15 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.
John 20:21-23 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.
The Holy Spirit significantly ministered alongside Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. Later, Jesus promised and assured His disciples that the same Holy Spirit will accompany them while He [Jesus] is gone in order to carry out the mission for which they were called. The Holy Spirit will counsel and guide them (and all the believers) while they are on earth; empower them (and all the believers) to live and love the way Christ showed them; and the Holy Spirit will strengthen them (and all the believers), comfort them and give them (and all the believers) peace in times of trials and hardships. Apostle Paul stated that Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
The Importance of Jerusalem in God’s Plan
After Jesus began His ministry, He made several visits to Jerusalem Temple either to celebrate the Passover (John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55) or other Jewish festivals (John 5:1; 7:2; 10:22). According to John 12:12-19, Jesus had a grand entry to Jerusalem during the last days of His earthly life. The crowd was excited, and they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel” (John 12:13). It is certain that Jesus had been visiting Jerusalem right from His childhood either for Passover celebrations and other Jewish festivals [the author of the gospel according to Luke very specifically mentioned two of Jesus’ childhood visits to the Jerusalem Temple: [i] Joseph and Mary took Him [Jesus] to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22-38); and (ii) when He [Jesus] was twelve years old, Joseph and Mary took Him for the festival, according to the custom (John 2:41-52)]. All these show that Jesus had a very close connection with Jerusalem, the city of David, Jesus’ ancestor From the time king David made Jerusalem the capitol of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-10) till date, Jerusalem has been the center of almost all Jewish religious, political, and cultural activities and landmarks. Jesus spent His final moments in Jerusalem, where He was crucified for the sins of the world, buried, and resurrected from the dead in order to give life everlasting to those who believe in Him. In the future, Jerusalem will be replaced with New Jerusalem and it will be the center of the Messianic Kingdom (Revelation 21:2).
Titles of Jesus in John’s Gospel
Although, Jesus is referenced in John’s gospel with various names and titles, the first and foremost term used is ‘The Word.’ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning (1:1-2). Later, at God’s appointed time, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14a). His name is Jesus – Jesus of Nazareth, the long awaited promised Messiah of the Old Testament. For our reference, some of those titles, that reveal the identity of Jesus Christ, are mentioned below:
- The Word [who was with God in the beginning and who was God] (John 1:1)
- The One who Created the Universe (John 1:3)
- The Life and the Light of all Mankind (John 1:4-5)
- The Word became Flesh/incarnation of God (John 1:14)
- The Passover Lamb [who takes away the sin of the world] (John 1:29)
- The Lamb of God (John 1:36)
- The Promised Messiah (John 1:41; 20:31)
- The Savior of Mankind (John 3:16)
- The Water of Life (John 4:14)
- The Prophet of God (John 4:19)
- The Divine Healer (John 5:8)
- The Son of God (John 5:25; 10:36; 20:31)
- The Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- The Passover Meal [Jesus becomes the Passover Meal] (John 6:53)
- The Light of the World (John 8:12a)
- The Light of Life (John 8:12b)
- The Door to Eternal Life (John 10:7, 9)
- The Giver of abundant life (John 10:10b)
- The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
- The Revealer of the Father (John 10:30; 38)
- The Christ of God (John 11:27)
- The Resurrection and Life (John 11:25-26)
- The Lord and Teacher (John 13:13;20:28)
- The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
- The True Vine (John 15:1)
- The Promised Messiah (John 20:30-31)
- The Son of God (John 20:30-31)
Jesus’ Miracles in John's Gospel
John’s gospel is the last of all four canonical gospels in the Bible. When we read the first three gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), we can notice a detailed sequence of Jesus’ life (including Jesus’ genealogy, birth, and childhood life), and ministry (including His preaching, teachings, parables, miracles, suffering, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension). However, when we go through the gospel according to John, we don’t see many details about Jesus’ life prior to His baptism, but we can see that John writes much on Jesus’ ministry – His dialogues/discussions with His disciples and people who were around Him, a few miracles, and prayers of Jesus, especially His intercessory prayer in John 17, and so on. Apostle John narrated only a few of Jesus’ miracles in his gospel, which are given below (the miracles that are marked with an asterisk mark (*) are found only in the gospel of John):
- *Jesus turning water into wine at the Cana wedding (John 2:1-11)
- *Jesus healing the son of an official (John 4:46-54)
- *Jesus healing the man at the Bethesda pool (John 5:1-18)
- Jesus feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1-14)
- Jesus walking on the water (John 6:15-25)
- *Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth (John 9:1-41)
- *Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of his death and burial (John 11:1-46)
- *Jesus displayed His power in the Great Catch of Fish by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-6)
The I AM sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of John
In a back and forth conversation with God, Moses asked God, what is His (God’s) name? Immediately God responded, introducing Himself by revealing His name אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (‘ehye ‘ăšer ‘ehye), which is translated in English as I AM THAT I AM and in Greek: είμαι αυτό που είμαι, eímai aftó pou eímai (Exodus 3:14). This is the first ever time God introduced Himself by saying His name when He was talking to a human being. In some Bible translations, the phrase I AM THAT I AM is mentioned slightly different. For instance: ‘I Am Who I Am’ or ‘I Am What I Am.’
We can notice several examples in the New Testament, particularly in John’s gospel, where Jesus used the same ‘I AM’ statements to reveal who He is when He had a conversation with His disciples and other hearers. Thus, we can come to the conclusion that the Old Testament I AM THAT I AM and the New Testament I AM are the same God who created the heavens and the earth and everything in it, including creating the human beings in His own likeness and image. Some examples are given below for our reference:
- John 6:20 … It is I; don’t be afraid …
- John 8:23-24 … I am from above … I am not of this world … I am He …
- John 8:28 … I am He and that I do nothing on my own …
- John 8:58 … before Abraham was born, I am …
- John 18:5 … I am He …
Jesus’ Identity of who He is with the following I AM sayings …
- Jesus said, I AM the Bread of Life
- John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty
- John 6:48 I am the bread of life
- Jesus said, I AM the Living Bread that came down from Heaven
- John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world
- Jesus said, I AM the Light of the world
- John 8:12 He [Jesus] said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life
- John 9:5 Jesus said, While I am in the world, I am the light of the world
- Jesus said, I AM the Door [gate] for the Sheep
- John 10:7 Jesus said, Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep
- John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved
- Jesus said, I AM the Good Shepherd
- John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep
- John 10:14 I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me
- Jesus said, I AM the Resurrection and the Life
- John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die
- Jesus said, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life
- John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him
- Jesus said, I AM the True Vine
- John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener
- John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
Thus, John confirms that the I AM THAT I AM of the Old Testament (Exodus 3:13-15) has come down from heaven to earth in the form of Jesus Christ to live among His people, to deliver them from their sins, and give them eternal life. He is the Bread of Life that came down from Heaven, He is the Light of the world, He is the Door of the sheep, He is the Door to the Father, He is the Good Shepherd, He is the Resurrection and Life, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is the True Vine. He is the God who …
- created the heavens and the earth and everything in it
- made man out of the dust and breathed the breath of life in them
- took initiative to reunite the sinful humanity with the Holy God
- called Abraham and made an everlasting covenant with him
- came down into this world as a human being and dwelt among us
- took up our infirmities and bore our diseases
- became an ultimate sacrifice for our sins and wickedness
- gave up His very life in order to give us life everlasting
- died on the cross, was buried, resurrected and ascended to heaven
- has no beginning and no end
- is coming back again to take us with Him to be where He is
Key Teachings in John’s Gospel
The entire message recorded in the Bible is the Word of God. Although, God used people from different backgrounds and various walks of life to write down these messages in each book of the Bible, the Absolute Author of the Bible is the Holy Spirit. So, everything written in the Bible is holy and true. In regard to John’s gospel, every word and passage we read in the gospel is important and truthful and nothing should be separated or divided. However, what we are discussing here, under the title ‘The Key Teachings in John’s Gospel,’ will help a person who reads the Bible occasionally to choose a passage based on a topic or a subject. Also, it will help a person who is interested in studying the Scripture based on a topic of his/her choice and study that topic. Below mentioned are a few selected topic-based-themes to focus on:
- The Word became Flesh Narration (John 1:1-18)
- The Testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus (John 1:19-42)
- Wedding at Cana [the very first miracle in John] (John 2:1-11)
- Cleansing the Temple (John 2:12-22)
- Conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
- Conversation with the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
- Healing of the Royal Official’s Son (John 4:43-54)
- Healing the Man who was at the Bethesda Pool for Thirty Eight years (John 5:1-15)
- Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Men [excluding women and children] (John 6:1-15)
- Jesus the Bread of Life Sermons (John 6:25-59)
- Disputes during the Festival of Tabernacles due to Jewish Leaders’ unbelief (John 7:1-52)
- Healing of the Man who born Blind (John 9:1-41)
- Jesus the Good Shepherd Sermon (John 10:1-21)
- Raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44)
- Jewish Leaders’ Plot to kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)
- Anointing of Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1-11)
- Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19)
- Last Supper and washing of the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
- Jesus predicts Judas’ Betrayal and Peter’s Denial of Him (John 13:18-38)
- Jesus’ Farewell Sermons (John 14:1-16:33)
- Jesus’ Prayer and Intercession for Himself, the Disciples, and His Believers (John 17:1-26)
- Betrayal and Arrest (John 18:1-14)
- Jewish and Roman Trials (John 18:12-14; 19-24; 18:28-19:16)
- Crucifixion and Death (John 19:17-37)
- Burial and Resurrection (John 19:38-20:10)
- Resurrected Christ’s Appearances (John 20:11-21:14)
- Jesus Reinstates Peter for the Special Task/Ministry (John 21:15-19)
- Jesus re-assures His return [His second Coming] (John 21:20-25)
The Major Discourses of Jesus in John’s Gospel
Each of the four gospels (The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) records the details of Jesus’ preaching and teaching ministry in addition to His healing and saving ministry during His earthly ministry. While most of His Discourses deal with people’s past, present, and future life conditions, some of them deal with humanity’s ultimate destiny based on one’s past or present life conditions. Below mentioned are a few such inspiring Discourses that Jesus intentionally taught His disciples and followers during His earthly ministry:
- Discourse on the need of New Birth and New Life (John 3:1-21)
- Discourse on the importance of drinking the Water of Life (John 4:4-42)
- Discourse on the Divine Sonship of Jesus Christ (John 5:19-47)
- Discourse on the importance of eating the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)
- Discourse on the Holy Spirit who gives Life (John 7:37-52)
- Discourse on the Light of the World and the Light of Life (John 8:12-30)
- Discourse [parable] on the Good Shepherd and His Sheep (John 10:1-21)
- Discourse on the Gardener, the True Vine, and the Branches (John 15:1-17)
- Discourse on the Ultimate Benefit of being Jesus’ Follower (John 15:18-6:33)
Some Noteworthy Conversations recorded in John’s Gospel
- Jesus’ Conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)
- Jesus’ Conversation with the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-26)
- Jesus’ Conversation with the Jews during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:14-39; 8:3-58)
- Jesus’ Conversation with His Disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)
Significant Events in John’s Gospel
There are many things we can note down that are very unique to John’s gospel. However, a few are mentioned below:
- The Word was with God, the Word was God, the Word became Flesh (John 1:1; 14)
- Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-12)
- The Visit of Nicodemus to Jesus at night (John 3:1-22)
- Jesus talking to the woman at the well in a Samaritan town (John 4:1-45)
- Jesus raises Lazarus after four days of his burial (John 11:1-44)
- Jesus washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-20)
- Jesus’ Prayer for Himself, His disciples, and all the believers (John 17:1-27)
The Testimonies Regarding Jesus’ Divinity
- John the Baptist (John 1:29-34; 3:30-35)
- The Holy Spirit (John 15:26; 16:13)
- The Disciples (John 1:14, 45)
- Christ’s Life and Ministry (John 5:36)
- God the Father (John 3:16, 18; 5:36-38)
- The Scripture (John 5:39-40, 46)
Significance and Details of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer and Intercession
John chapter 17 records Jesus’ High Priestly prayer just prior to His arrest and crucifixion. In this prayer, He prayed for Himself and interceded for His disciples and the believers who will become His followers through the ministry of His Disciples. The significance of this intercessory prayer was that He prayed for His Disciples and the believers, for their deliverance from harm and danger in this world, their protection and preservation, that they may experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, their sanctification, unity, fellowship with God and other believers, joy, and fruitfulness of their ministry.
- Jesus prayed for Himself as the hour has come to finish the work God has given (John 17:1-4)
- Jesus prayed for His glorification, so that He can glorify the Father (John 17:5)
- Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples (John 17:6-19)
- The Disciples were chosen from the world (John 17:6)
- The Disciples would be left in the world while Jesus is gone (John 17:11)
- The Disciples are hated by the world (John 17:14a)
- The Disciples are not of the world any more than I am of the world (John 17:14b)
- Protect the Disciples from the evil one while they are in the world (John 17:15)
- As you sent me into the world, I have sent the Disciples into the world (John 17:18)
- Jesus’ Prayer for all Believers (John 17:20-24)
- Bring them into a complete unity with God – I in them and You in me (John 17:23a)
- Love the Disciples the way you have loved me [Jesus] (John 17:23b)
- I [Jesus] want them to be with me where I am, and let them see my glory (John 17:24)
- Jesus’ desire to extend the Father’s Love and Unity to all Believers (John 17:25-26)
Summary of John’s Gospel
As we have already mentioned above, the Gospel of John is, to some extent, different from the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Also, the presentation of Jesus is unique in the gospel of John compared to the other three gospels: The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Son of God, while Matthew presents Jesus as the King, Mark presents Him as the Servant of God, and Luke presents Him as the Son of Man. It does not matter what titles these gospel writers use, Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ – the Anointed One of God. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew word ישוע (Yeshua), which is the alternative form of the name יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yehoshu, (in other words, Joshua), which means ‘The Lord Saves.’
During Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, He was very much determined to fulfill the mission for which He was sent forth to accomplish. Jesus revealed the power of God by His preaching, teaching, and performing miraculous signs and wonders. Jesus gave Himself fully for the people He was sent to and He identified Himself as the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, and the Good shepherd. The life and ministry of Jesus pointed to the fact that He was greater than Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and any other Jewish hero who ever lived. At the end of His earthly life, Jesus willingly submitted to the will of God (His Father) and laid down his very life in order to display God’s love and compassion for all of entire creation and, in particular, to reconcile the sinful humanity to the Holy God. Through His life, ministry, and death, He opened the way to the Father; His resurrection from the dead brought hope and everlasting life to everyone who believes in Him; through His ascension to Heaven He was given His former glory, power, and authority; and He promised that He is coming back to take us with Him to be where He is. Jesus is the Son of God and there is life in Him. Let us also join with Martha (the sister of Lazarus) who said, … I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world (John 11:27). Or join with Simon Peter who confessed: … Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:68-69); You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29b).
Apostle John noted that Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:30-31).
The Outline of the Gospel According to John
1:1-18 The Prologue
1:1-5 Introduction of the Word into our World
1:6-8 The Ministry of the Witness – John the Baptist
1:9-13 Jesus – the True Light that gives light
1:14-18 The Incarnation of the Word – The Word became flesh
1:19-12:50 The Ministry of the Promised Messiah to the Twelve Tribes of Israel
1:19-51 Jesus begins His Ministry
1:19-34 The ministry of John the Baptist – The Forerunner of Jesus
1:35-42 Two of John the Baptist’s disciples follow Jesus
1:43-51 Calling of Philip and Nathanael
2:1-4:54 Jesus Expands His Public Ministry in and around Galilee and Judea
2:1-12 Jesus turns Water into Wine at the Wedding in Cana
2:13-17 Jesus Cleanses the Temple prior to the Passover Feast
2:18-25 Jesus ministers to the Jews at Jerusalem during the Passover Feast
3:1-4:3 The Ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist in the Judean Countryside
3:1-21 Jesus ministers to a Pharisee named Nicodemus
3:22-26 Jesus and John the Baptist minister in the Judean countryside
3:27-4:3 John the Baptist’s Testimony about Jesus and His ministry
4:4-42 Jesus ministers to the People of Samaria at the Well
4:1-26 Jesus ministers to the Samaritan Woman at the Well
4:27-38 The Disciples join Jesus at the Well
4:39-42 Jesus ministers to the Samaritan People at the Well
4:43-54 Jesus Heals an Official’s Son at Cana in Galilee
5:1-10:42 Jesus Teaches at the Jewish Annual Festivals in Jerusalem
5:1-15 Jesus Heals a Man at the Bethesda Pool on the Sabbath
5:16-30 Jewish Leaders question Jesus for healing on Sabbath
5:31-47 Authoritative Testimonies About Jesus
6:1-15 Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men (plus, women and children)
6:16-21 Jesus Walks on the Water in a lake
6:22-71 Jesus ministers to the people at Capernaum
7:1-8:59 Jesus and His Disciples in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles
7:1-9 Jesus went back to Galilee due to Jewish Leaders’ opposition
7:10-13 Jesus returned back again to Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast
7:14-24 Jewish Leaders oppose Jesus as He ministers to the People
7:25-52 Division among the Crowd and Unbelief of Jewish Leaders
7:25-44 Division among the Crowd over Who Jesus Is
7:45-52 Jewish Leaders questions Jesus due to their Unbelief
7:53-8:11 Jewish Leaders test Jesus on the Law of Moses
8:12-59 Jesus reveals His identity as Jewish Leaders challenge Him
9:1-41 Jesus the True Light shines for those in darkness
9:1-7 Jesus heals a man who was blind since his birth
9:8-12 The healed man’s neighbors and friends question him
9:13-17 The Religious Leaders question the healed man
9:18-23 The Religious Leaders question the healed man’s parents
9:24-34 The Religious Leaders question the healed man again
9:35-41 Jesus heals the healed man’s spiritual blindness
10:1-21 Jesus the Good Shepherd and His Sheep
10:1-10 Jesus: The Door for the Sheep
10:11-18 Jesus: The Good Shepherd for His Sheep
10:19-21 Opposition of Religious Leaders
10:22-42 Jesus Attends the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem
10:22-24 Jews question Jesus regarding His Messiahship
10:25-42 Jesus’ reaffirms that He is the Son of God
11:1-57 Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead and its Consequences
11:1-16 Death of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, due to sickness
11:17-37 Jesus arrives at Martha and Mary’s House at Bethany
11:38-44 Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
11:45-57 Religious Leaders Plot to kill Jesus
12:1-50 The Final Days of Jesus’ Public Ministry
12:1-11 Jesus Anointed at Bethany
12:12-19 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as a King riding on a young donkey
12:20-22 The Greek’s Quest to Know Jesus
12:23-36 Jesus Predicts His Death for the sins of the world
12:37-50 People’s unbelief and Jesus’ assurance of their Redemption
12:37-43 People’ unbelief due to their spiritual blindness
12:44-50 Jesus’ Assurance that their Trust in Him will Save them
13:1-17:26 Jesus Prepares His Disciples for a Larger and Tougher Ministry in the World
13:1-17 Jesus Teaches the basic Discipleship lessons to His Disciples
13:1-11 Practical Lessons of Discipleship: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
13:12-17 Jesus’ Lectures on Discipleship: The act of washing the Feet explained
13:18-30 Jesus Predicts His Betrayal and the betrayer is identified
13:31-35 Mark of True Discipleship: Love one another as Jesus loved us
13:36-38 Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial of Jesus
14:1-31 Jesus Delivers the Message of Hope to His Disciples
14:1-4 Jesus Comforts and Encourages His Disciples
14:5-14 Jesus reaffirms that He is the Way and the Truth and the Life
14:15-31 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (the Helper/Counselor/Advocate)
15:1-17 Jesus Teaches from the example of the Vine and the Branches
15:1-3 Jesus the True Vine and God the Father the Gardener
15:4-11 An invitation to Abide in Christ – the True Vine
15:9-17 An invitation to Love one another
15:18-25 Jesus’ Warning regarding the World’s Attitude towards His Disciples
15:18-19 The world that hated Jesus would hate His Disciples also
15:20-25 Jesus’ invitation to endure the hostility of the world towards them
15:26-27 Jesus reaffirms the coming of the Holy Spirit
16:1-15 The Work or Ministry of the Holy Spirit – An Advocate from the Father
16:16-33 Blessed Assurance of Christ’s triumph over death and His Return
17:1-26 Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer and Intercession
17:1-5 Jesus’ Prayer for Himself and His glorification
17:6-19 Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples – for Father’s favor to rest upon them
17:20-24 Jesus’ Prayer for all Believers – for Father’s grace to extend to them
17:25-26 Jesus’ desire for the Father’s Love and Unity to be extend to all Believers
18:1-19:42 Passion narrative: Arrest, Trials, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of Jesus
18:1-2 Judas, Soldiers, and Officials arrive at the Garden to Arrest Jesus
18:3-12 The Soldiers with their Commander and the Jewish Officials Arrest Jesus
18:12-19:12 The Jewish (Religious) and Roman (Political) Trials of Jesus
18:12-14 Jesus was brought to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas
18:15-18 Peter Disowns Jesus the First Time
18:19-24 Jesus before Annas and Caiaphas and other Religious Leaders
18:25-27 Peter Disowns Jesus the Second and Third Time
18:28-38 Jesus’ Trial before Pilate, the Roman governor
18:39-40 Jewish Leaders demand the release of Barabbas from Prison
19:1-12 Pilate found no basis either to Sentence or to Crucify Jesus
19:13-42 Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of Jesus
19:13-16 Pilate Sentences Jesus to be Crucified upon Jews (leaders) demand
19:17-27 Crucifixion of Jesus at the place of the Skull (Golgotha)
19:28-37 The Death of Jesus on the Cross
19:38-42 The burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
20:1-21:25 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead and His appearances thereafter
20:1-31 The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Appearances
20:1-10 The Open and Empty Tomb where Jesus was Buried
20:1-2 Mary witnessed the Open and Empty Tomb
20:3-10 Peter and the other disciple (John) witnessed the Empty Tomb
20:11-29 The Appearances of the Resurrected Christ
20:11-18 The Resurrected Christ appears to Mary Magdalene
20:19-20 The Resurrected Christ appears to His Disciples
20:21-23 The Resurrected Christ Commissions His Disciples for Mission
20:24-29 The Resurrected Christ Appears to Thomas (Didymus)
20:30-31 The Author’s Testimony Regarding the Purpose of writing John’s Gospel
21:1-23 The Resurrected Christ Continues to Appears to His Disciples
21:1-14 The Resurrected Christ Appears to the Disciples by the Sea of Galilee
21:15-23 The Resurrected Christ Reinstates Peter for the Special Task/Ministry
21:24-25 The Author’s Final Testimony Regarding the Purpose of writing John’s Gospel
