John pt 1

The Gospel according to John is set apart from the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) (Greek meaning “have the same look”) there are stories found in this book that are exclusive to John.

All the gospels were written anonymously but there are internal and external evidences to conclude authorship. The biggest external would be church fathers. The early church fathers would have known these men personally. We can conclude that John wrote this gospel because the earliest greek manuscripts entitle this “This Gospel according to John” so right away we know this book was written by a first century Christian named John. The first 4 centuries of early church history were nearly unanimous in their agreement on the authorship of this Gospel.

internal evidence: The text of the Gospel itself also shows us certain things that help identify the author. He is a Jew, most likely from Galilee, a disciple of Jesus, and a person who wrote about Jesus as one who was present for the events he narrates. He is called “the disciple whom Jesus loves” throughout the gospel. But he is frequently seen with Peter and therefore we conclude that he is probably in the inner circle, who was comprised of Peter, James and John.

The purpose of this writing is found in John 20:31 “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

This was written for the saved and unsaved alike. To strengthen the faith of believers and to evangelize unbelievers.

It’s core themes are Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation - justification, atonement) and Christology (the doctrine of Christ, the study of His nature and work)

The light of God in Jesus forces people to make a decision based on faith. No one can remain neutral about Jesus; each one must decide to accept or reject Christ, and their eternal destiny awaits that faith-decision. - Grant R. Osborne, John: Verse by Verse

The Word.

THE PROLOGUE - A MASTERFUL INTRODUCTION TO THE WORK OF JESUS IN JOHN!

v 1-5.

v 1

In the beginning.. Gen 1:1. 1 John 1:1. Col 1:17. Rev 3:14.

The Word = Logos = word or message. Jesus is the Word of God, He is the Message of God to all of God’s creation!

The Word was with God.. 1 John 1:2. John 17:5.

The Word was God.. Phil 2:6.

Instantly we see Christology.. John pressing the deity of Christ.

The word is preexistent, enjoys a special relationship with God, and is in His very nature God Himself.

This is big for Jewish audience.

v2

Not a created being.. (refuting JW theology)

v3

1 Cor 8:6. Col 1:16. Heb 1:3.

It’s important to note that when we talk about “in the beginning” this does not mean that the Word came into being with the rest of the world as parallel births.

All things “were made” is the verb “egeneto” which means “come into existence”.

For all things to come into existence through Him, He had to be preexistent.

v4

Alternate reading

John 1:3 “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made..

John 1:4. That which has been made was life in him and the life was the light of men.”

This seems to fit context better, and alludes to the new creation! The first reading is redundant.

John 5:26. John 11:25. 1 John 5:11.

this continues to fit the theme of the revised reading of verse 4..

“The life was the light of men..”

John 8:12. John 9:5. John 12:46.

If we have the light, we will walk in the light..

1 John 1:5-7.

v5

John 3:19.

Gen 1:1-4.

The Word in Old and New Creation!

Physical and Spiritual Life!

2 Cor 4:6.

Jesus shines the light into darkness. The Gospel of John shows the encounter of the Gospel.. Men’s darkness is confronted with light and we are forced to make a decision.

Light and life are common themes for John through his gospel, epistles and Revelation.

Jesus is the Word. Jesus is the light, Jesus is the life. Through Him came physical life and spiritual life.

v6-7

verses 1-5 gave us insight to the heavenly realities behind the light, and the new creation, and the Word’s place in old creation as well. Now this prologue turns to the earthly witness of the light.

Now we see the Word not just in the supernatural, but coming to earth.. THE CORE OF THE GOSPEL!

v 6 “there was” is the same verb egeneto which means to come into existence. The idea is, this was John’s CREATED PURPOSE

Mal 3:1.

John was sent from God… Apostle means sent one. Almost like he was the first apostle before the 12…

v7

John was sent to “witness” that Jesus is the light.

Do you see the judicial flavor? Jesus presented in the courtroom of this world..

The purpose for this witness dominates this gospel, “that through him all might believe”.

God desires all mankind to come to salvation. Not all will, but it’s His desire.

The light of Jesus confronts every man in his sin, and forces you to make a faith decision. To reject or believe. And that’s the purpose of John’s witness.

Acts 19:4.

v8

John was not the light. He was the forerunner. preparing the way of the Lord.

He admits, “I am not the christ” when the pharisees ask him if he is the prophet or Christ..

John 1:26-28.