The Book of John Introduction - 3

Introduction: We have been leading up to beginning our verse by verse study of the book of John.

We began by looking first at John the Apostle.

We discovered much concerning who John is.

We saw that John was an apostle, one of the 3 of the Lord’s most trusted disciples.

We saw John’s brother was James and together they were called the “Sons of thunder”

We discovered that John was a Jewish man, and he and his family had some wealth and influence.

We spoke about the fact that in all likelihood John outlived all of the other Apostles and as far as we know was not martyred.

We know John spent much of his life in Jerusalem, he was exiled to Patmos for his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. And many early church fathers testify to his latter years being spent in Ephesus.

He is know by many as the apostle “whom Jesus loved..” and the apostle “who leaned on Jesus’ breast...”

John had a close friendship with Peter and were very active in the first part of the book of Acts.

Last week we took a closer look at the theme verse found in John 20:30-31.

This week we will finish our introduction of the book of John by surveying the entire book.

At the end of your notes I have included a general outline that we will fill in as we go through the book of John together.

Penman - John the Apostle

Audience -

Was this Gospel record intended for a particular audience?

We understand that the “Good News” concerning the Lord Jesus Christ is for all men.

But we still as the question, was there a particular audience that John had in mind when he penned this Gospel record?

When we look at the individual Gospel records it has been said that the Synoptic Gospels target specific audiences.

For instance, the book of Matthew deals with the Jewish people.

In the book of Matthew there seem to be many distinctive points geared toward the Jewish people.

In Matthew, we find in the genealogy given in Matthew 1:1 a reference to David and also Abraham.

This would be important to fulfilling of Messianic Prophecy for the Jew.

Matthew 1:1 “1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Throughout the book of Matthew, we find the phrase “that it might be fulfilled…” “then was fulfilled...” which points us back to the Old Testament Scriptures.

Often Matthew references Old Testament Prophets. Some have surmised at 39 different references.

And so, though Matthew is not just written to the Jew, it seems that there is certainly a Jewish emphasis in that Gospel record.

Mark, it has been said, seems to be geared more toward a Roman mindset.

Jesus is presented as constantly in action.

The words ‘straightway’ and ‘immediately’ are used frequently.

Sentences often begin with the word “And” emphasizing this movement from action from one event to another.

Luke seems to be written to a more educated audience.

Some have said, this is the Gospel record written for the Greeks.

In Luke we find more details than any of the Gospel records.

(The same is found with the book of Acts, which is also penned by Luke.)

By words (and verses), it is the longest book in the New Testament.

And we would expect this, as we see that Luke goes to great lengths to record specific details.

Both in Luke and Matthew we see genealogical records concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1 and Luke 3)

Luke’s record shows that Jesus is “the son of Adam, which was the son of God.” (Luke 3:38)

As was already quoted, in Matthew 1:1, Matthew records Jesus’ genealogy to David and Abraham.

Both in Matthew (1-2) and Luke (1-2) we see the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We enjoy reading those records of Jesus’ birth especially around Christmas time.

In Mark and Luke (and the book of Acts) we have recorded for us the Ascension of the Lord.

Interestingly enough, the book of John contains no formal genealogy of Jesus, no formal account of Jesus’ birth (other than John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”), and no record of the Ascension.

And so, seeing these things, we ask the question, Does the Gospel record have a particular target audience?

John Philips stated this in his introduction to this Gospel record, “So why write another gospel? His friend and colleague Matthew had written a masterpiece. John Mark— he knew him well- had given a precise account of Peter’s preaching. Luke had written a Christian classic. So why was the Holy Spirit urging him to write? Because so much was still unsaid. The other gospels primarily dealt with Galilee. But what about the work of Christ in Judea? The other gospels prepared their hearers for the kingdom of heaven, but what about the deeper mysteries Christ had taught? Many of those mysteries, indeed, had subsequently been revealed to Paul. But what about their origins in Christ’s teaching?

Matthew had written primarily for Jews, Mark for Romans, and Luke for Greeks. There was a desperate need for one more gospel record. Someone needed to write for the church.”

As we think about the audience for the Gospel of John, I think we can safely come to this conclusion.

This is the Gospel record deals with all people.

Consider these few verses as we think about this,

John 1:4 “4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John 1:12 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

As we said in the introduction last week, John shows us signs. These signs are for a specific purpose. They teach us who the Lord Jesus Christ is, being the God-man. They validate His message. They are intended to teach truth and also encourage belief.

Further, as stated in the John 20:30-31. This record is for men to belief. For those without Christ, it is that they might believe the Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing they might have life through His name.

For us who are saved, it is that we might know Him and be increased in our faith.

The we find that term life. We think about our lives in connection with our Lord and Savior. True life, is found in Jesus Christ. Abundant life is discovered as we abide in the True Vine.

Place Written - Because of early tradition, many believe that this Gospel record was written in Ephesus.

We saw two Sunday’s ago the video clip showing the possible sepulcher of John the Apostle.

We understand that there are extrabiblical records that indicate he spent the latter years of his life.

The time frame of this record according to early tradition and conservative Bible scholars is around 85 AD.

This late date seems to be evident as many Bible expositors point out that this Gospel record purposely leaves out what some would deem as the most important events that took place in the Lord’s earthly life and ministry.

In other words, the book of John presents what is not presented by the synoptics and seems to purposely leave out what has already been presented.

This of course alludes to its late writing.

No only this, but John “reflects” and “interprets” the differing scenes presented to us throughout the record.

Albert Barnes said this, “As John wrote after the other evangelists, he has recorded many things which they omitted. He dwells much more fully than they do on the divine character of Jesus. John relates many things pertaining to the early part of Jesus’ ministry which they had omitted.”

Occasion for the Book -

Many times, especially examining the epistles, there is a stated reason for the writing.

We understand that the Bible teaches us that all Scripture is God-breathed. II Timothy 3:16 “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

Meaning that though penman were used, God is the Author.

But in using men, situations and circumstances often arose providentially directing the penning of God’s Word.

For instance, we see in the book of Luke and Acts, Luke is writing to a man by the name of Theophilus.

In II Thessalonians, many believe that verse 2 of chapter 2 reports a false letter that the Thessalonians had received. Therefore Paul pens II Thessalonians to clear up the matter of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 2:1-5)

The small book of Philemon has with it the express purpose of directing Philemon concerning his runaway slave Onesimus who had now trusted Christ as His Savior and been a help to Paul.

In the book of Jude we find this statement by Jude in verse 3 “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Peter speaks about penning words of exhortation so that the brethren may have them after his departure from this world in II Peter 1:14-15 “14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.”

With all of that being said, I believe there are two main purposes concerning the Gospel record of John.

What is the occasion for the book of John?

To give a fuller right understanding of Jesus Christ. (Especially the deity of Jesus Christ)

Simple declaration to make us “wise unto salvation.” (That men might believe.)

As we think about last week, there were many heresies springing up toward the end of the 1st century.

So, as we think about the wonderful perfections of our God, we understand that He is never late.

This Gospel record was given at the right time and penned by the right person.

Remember John’s background is very unique. When I see the Apostle John, I think of other extraordinary folks that God used like Paul and Peter.

The Lord Jesus Christ already declared and knew how the Gospel would proliferate.

Unique to John

There are seven “I AM” statements. (Though as I said last week, there are more verses where the Lord Jesus Christ states I AM. Consider these: John 8:24, 8:28, 8:58, 9:9, 10:36, 13:13)

The Bread of Life 6:35

The Light of the World 8:12

The Door 10:9

The Good Shepherd 10:11,14

The Resurrection and the Life 11:25

The Way, the Truth, and the Life 14:6

The True Vine 15:1

There are also presented seven signs.

Water turned into wine.

Healing of the Nobleman’s Son.

Impotent Man.

Feeding of the 5,000.

Walking on Water.

Healing the Blind Man.

Raising Lazarus from the dead.

Unlike Matthew, Mark and Luke there are no strict parables in the book of John.

John emphasizes many personal encounters the Lord has with individuals.

75% of the words used in the book of john are four letters or less and are monosyllabic. (One Syllable)

However, even with the simplicity of the words, there is inexhaustible depth to the truth contained in the book of John.

Martin Luther said this concerning the book of John, “Never in my life have I read a book written in simpler words than this, yet the words are inexpressible.”

Albert Barnes said it this way, "The other evangelists only record Jesus’ parables, his miracles, his debates with the Scribes and Pharisees; John records chiefly Jesus’ discourses about himself. If anyone wishes to learn the true. doctrine respecting the “Messiah, the Son of God,” expressed in simple language, but with most sublime conceptions; to learn the true nature and character of God, and the way of approach to his mercy-seat; to see the true nature of Christian piety, or the source and character of religious consolation; to have perpetually before him the purest model of character the world has seen, and to contemplate the purest precepts that have ever been delivered to man, he cannot do it better than by a prayerful study of the Gospel by John.”

The following key words are emphasized in the book of John:

Believe - 86 times

World - 80 times

Know -71 times

Life - 44 times

My Father - 38 times

Verily, Verily - 25 times

We notice by this main thrust of the Gospel record, that men might believe unto everlasting life, knowing truly Jesus Christ and God the Father.

One expositor divided the book of John this way declares “the Lord Jesus Christ as”:

Chapters 1-12 The Soulwinner (Personal)

Chapters 13-16 The Spiritual Instructor

Chapters 17-18 The Supplicator

Chapter 19 The Sacrifice

Chapters 20-21 The Shepherd

Another outline, which I like, is divides up the book of John by time periods.

I. The Era of Incarnation (1:1-4:54)

II. The Years of Conflict (5:1-11:6)

III. The Days of Preparation (12:1-17:26)

IV. The Hour of Sacrifice (18-19)

V. The Dawn of Victory (20-21)

For the purpose of our study we will be using the following outline:

I. Prologue – The Revelation of the Word 1:1-14

II. The Chosen Witnesses of the Word 1:19-4:54

III. The Coming Rejection of the Word 5-6:71

IV. The Conflict with the Word 6:60-12:50

V. The Comfort from the Word 13-17

VI. The Condemning of the Word 18-20

VII. The Epilogue 21:1-25

Well I look forward in a few weeks to beginning with chapter 1 in the book of John, let’s pray.