John

Introduction

The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, son of Zebedee, one of the twelve disciples and a member of Jesus' inner circle (along with Peter and James). Writing likely in the 80s or 90s AD from Ephesus, John composed his Gospel for a broad audience — both Jewish and Gentile believers — with the explicit purpose stated in John 20:31: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which share much common material and a similar narrative framework, John's Gospel is markedly different in structure, vocabulary, and theological emphasis, presenting a deeply reflective and theologically rich portrait of Jesus.

John's Gospel is often called the "spiritual Gospel" because of its sustained focus on the identity of Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, the unique Son of the Father. The book is organized around a series of miraculous "signs" (seven in total) and extended discourses in which Jesus reveals Himself through the famous "I am" statements — "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," "I am the good shepherd," "I am the resurrection and the life," "I am the way, the truth, and the life," "I am the true vine." The narrative moves at a deliberate pace, often lingering over individual encounters and conversations (Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the man born blind) rather than covering many events quickly. The prologue (1:1-18) sets the theological framework for the entire Gospel, identifying Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos) who was with God and was God, through whom all things were created, and who became flesh to dwell among humanity.

Structure

The Prologue (1:1-18)

A theological overture introducing Jesus as the eternal Word, the source of life and light, who became flesh and revealed the Father's glory, full of grace and truth.

The Book of Signs (1:19–12:50)

Jesus' public ministry, organized around seven miraculous signs and accompanying discourses that reveal His identity and provoke both faith and opposition.

• The early ministry and first signs (1:19–4:54): John the Baptist's testimony, the calling of the first disciples, the wedding at Cana, the cleansing of the temple, encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, and the healing of the official's son.
• Growing conflict in Jerusalem (5:1–10:42): Healings on the Sabbath, the feeding of the five thousand, walking on water, the "I am" discourses, the healing of the man born blind, and the Good Shepherd teaching — all provoking escalating confrontation with the Jewish authorities.
• The climax of public ministry (11:1–12:50): The raising of Lazarus, the plot to kill Jesus, Mary's anointing, the triumphal entry, and Jesus' final public appeal.

The Book of Glory (13:1–20:31)

Jesus' private ministry to His disciples and His passion, death, and resurrection.

• The Farewell Discourse (13:1–17:26): The foot washing, the prediction of betrayal, the new commandment, the promise of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete), the vine and the branches, and Jesus' high priestly prayer.
• The Passion Narrative (18:1–19:42): The arrest, trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, the crucifixion, and the burial.
• The Resurrection (20:1-31): The empty tomb, appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, and Thomas's confession.

The Epilogue (21:1-25)

A post-resurrection appearance in Galilee, the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus' restoration of Peter, and the testimony of the beloved disciple.

Chapter Summaries

1. 1The prologue declares Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and was God, became flesh, and brought grace and truth; John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, and the first disciples — Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael — begin to follow Him.
2. 2Jesus performs His first sign by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana, then cleanses the temple in Jerusalem and speaks of raising the temple of His body in three days.
3. 3Jesus teaches Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the ruling council, about being born again by the Spirit and declares that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son; John the Baptist affirms that Jesus must increase while he must decrease.
4. 4Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, many Samaritans believe, and He heals an official's son in Capernaum — His second sign.
5. 5Jesus heals a lame man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath and delivers a discourse on His authority as the Son, who gives life and executes judgment just as the Father does.
6. 6Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, walks on water, and teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum that He is the bread of life — causing many disciples to turn away.
7. 7Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches in the temple amid divided opinions about His identity, and on the last day of the feast cries out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."
8. 8Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery, declares "I am the light of the world," and confronts the Pharisees about their spiritual blindage, claiming "Before Abraham was, I am."
9. 9Jesus heals a man born blind, prompting an investigation by the Pharisees that results in the healed man's expulsion from the synagogue and his confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of Man.
10. 10Jesus teaches that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, declares "I and the Father are one," and the Jews attempt to stone Him for blasphemy.
11. 11Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after four days in the tomb, and the chief priests and Pharisees begin plotting to kill Him, with Caiaphas prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation.
12. 12Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume, Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, Greeks seek to see Him, and He teaches about His coming death as a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die.
13. 13At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples' feet as an example of servanthood, predicts His betrayal by Judas, and gives a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you."
14. 14Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of His Father's house, declares "I am the way, the truth, and the life," and promises to send the Holy Spirit as another Helper.
15. 15Jesus teaches that He is the true vine and His disciples are the branches, commands them to love one another, and warns that the world will hate them as it hated Him.
16. 16Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the Spirit of truth who will guide them into all truth, and assures them that their grief will turn to joy.
17. 17Jesus prays for Himself, for His disciples, and for all future believers — asking the Father to glorify Him, to protect and sanctify His followers, and to make them one as He and the Father are one.
18. 18Jesus is arrested in the garden, Peter denies Him three times, and Jesus stands trial before the high priest and then before Pontius Pilate, who finds no basis for a charge against Him.
19. 19Pilate has Jesus flogged and presents Him to the crowd, who demand His crucifixion; Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, commits His mother to the beloved disciple's care, and is buried in a nearby tomb.
20. 20Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb, Peter and the beloved disciple investigate, Jesus appears to Mary and then to the gathered disciples, and Thomas confesses "My Lord and my God!"
21. 21Jesus appears to seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee, provides a miraculous catch of fish, restores Peter with a threefold commission to feed His sheep, and hints at the beloved disciple's future.