John

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43rd in the Bible, fourth in the New Testament, John's Gospel is different from Matthew, Mark and Luke. It was written in 85 A.D.

Audience

John wrote his gospel last, that is, after the other gospels were written. In fact, most of the New Testament had been written by the time of this composition. John expected his readers to have heard some of the details and also to be familiar with the Old Testament quite thoroughly. John plainly quotes and subtlety alludes to the OT. In John 3, the reference to the snake presupposes the entire context of Numbers.

Outline

Main article: Outline of John

Separate from the rest of the Gospel is a prologue, a poem summarizing all the main themes of the book. Bookending the rest of the content are two small sections about the disciples, before and after the ministry respectively. The bulk of the book is divided into two section, the Book of Signs and the Book of Glory. These both begin with a medium-size section transitioning from the previous towards the new focus. Then both have large sections making the central points of the text. Then they each have a brief scene exemplifying the message and setting up the next section.

Prologue 1:1-18
Disciples Before the Ministry 1:19-51
Behold, the Lamb of God 1:19-34
Jesus Calls the First Disciples 1:35-51
Book of Signs Book of Glory 2:1–11:54 11:55–19:42
Two Signs About Worship Final Manifestation 2:1–4:54 11:55-13:30
Jesus is Equal with God Upper Room Discourse 5:1-10:39 13:31-17:26
Raising of Lazarus Arrest, Trials and Death of Jesus 10:40–11:54 18:1–19:42
Disciples After the Ministry 20:1-21:25
Out of the Darkness 20:1-29
Peter, John and Jesus 20:30-21:25