BIBLE STUDY - NEW TESTAMENT
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Explore John's Gospel -177 Audios

The Gospel of John, written by John the Apostle, is distinct from the other three Gospels and
contains much theological content in regard to the person of Christ and the meaning of faith.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often referred to as the "Synoptic Gospels" because of their
similar styles and content, and because they give a synopsis of the life of Christ. The Gospel of John
begins not with Jesus' birth or earthly ministry but with the activity and characteristics of the
Son of God before His becoming man (John 1:14). The Gospel of John emphasizes the deity of
Christ as is seen in his use of such phrases as "the Word was God" (John 1:1), "the Saviour
of the World" (4:42), the "Son of God" (used repeatedly), "Lord and...God"
(John 20:28) in describing Jesus.

In John's Gospel, Jesus also affirms His deity with several "I Am" statements, most notable among
them is John 8:58, in which He states that "...before Abraham was, I Am" (compare to
Exodus 3:13-14). But John also emphasizes the fact of Jesus' humanity, desiring to show the error
of a religious sect of his day, the Gnostics, who did not believe in Christ’s humanity. John's spells
out his overall purpose for writing toward the end of his gospel:

"And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written
in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31).