Author: Not stated but traditionally attributed to John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:7), brother of James and son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21).
Date: Around the AD 90s, as the last Gospel written.
In Ten Words or Less: Jesus is God Himself, the only Savior of the world.
Details: While the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have many similarities (they’re called the “synoptic Gospels,” meaning they take a common view), the book of John stands alone. The fourth Gospel downplays Jesus’ parables (none are recorded) and miracles (only seven are featured). Instead, John provides more extensive treatments of Jesus’ reasons for coming to earth (“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” 10:10); His intimate relationship with God the Father (“I and my Father are one,” 10:30); and His own feelings toward the job He had come to do (“Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him,” 17:1–2). John also gives special emphasis to Jesus’ patient treatment of the disciples Thomas, who doubted the resurrection (20:24–29), and Peter, who had denied the Lord (21:15–23).
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
