John
About this date: Dates are broad scholarly estimates of composition or final editing, not dates of the events narrated. Traditional attributions and scholarly assessments can differ.
John presents Jesus through a prologue, signs, dialogues, a farewell discourse, passion, and resurrection appearances. Its language of life, light, belief, and abiding should be read in the flow of each scene. The Gospel's witness to the beloved disciple and its later title raise related but distinct questions about composition.
Key points
- The prologue's Word-becoming-flesh claim sets the Gospel's theological horizon.
- Signs are narrated to disclose Jesus' identity and provoke differing responses.
- John 20 states the book's purpose; chapter 21 adds an epilogue with testimony and commission.
Scripture
- John 1:1-18 — The prologue introduces the Word, life, light, and incarnation.
- John 6:22-71 — The bread discourse follows a feeding sign and produces dispute.
- John 13:1-17:26 — The farewell material joins service, love, the Advocate, and prayer.
- John 20:24-31 — Thomas's encounter leads to the Gospel's stated purpose.
Primary sources
Athanasius's list names:
Athanasius's 367 Festal Letter names John among 'the four Gospels' in his New Testament list; it does not identify how John was composed.
Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Passage context and translation
Athanasius proceeds to list the New Testament books in a 367 letter. Section 7 distinguishes books he calls canonical from other books he says are useful for instruction; this is one regional bishop's influential witness.
Before the excerpt
Thus far constitutes the Old Testament.
After the excerpt
Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven
John 20:31 states:
John states that the written signs are directed toward belief in Jesus and life in his name.
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Passage context and translation
Thomas's encounter leads to the Gospel's stated purpose.
Before the excerpt
Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book;