John

Definition

John refers to one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, a close follower of Jesus. The Gospel of John offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing His divinity and the nature of His relationship with God. This Gospel is distinct in style and content compared to the Synoptic Gospels, focusing on themes such as love, light versus darkness, and eternal life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gospel of John is known for its high Christology, presenting Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos) who became flesh.
2. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John's account includes unique stories such as the wedding at Cana and the raising of Lazarus.
3. John emphasizes Jesus' teachings through long discourses, particularly during the Last Supper, highlighting themes of love and service.
4. The opening verses of John (John 1:1-14) introduce key theological concepts about Jesus’ divine nature and His role in creation.
5. The Gospel concludes with an epilogue that highlights Peter's reinstatement and John's testimony about Jesus' works.

Review Questions

• How does the Gospel of John differ from the Synoptic Gospels in its portrayal of Jesus?
  • The Gospel of John differs significantly from the Synoptic Gospels in its portrayal of Jesus by emphasizing His divine nature and pre-existence as the Word (Logos). While the Synoptic Gospels focus more on Jesus' parables and miracles within a narrative framework, John presents lengthy theological discourses and unique stories that highlight themes like love and eternal life. This distinct approach allows readers to explore a deeper understanding of who Jesus is as both fully divine and human.
• Discuss the significance of John's high Christology in understanding early Christian beliefs about Jesus.
  • John's high Christology is significant because it shapes early Christian beliefs about Jesus' divine identity. By presenting Jesus as the pre-existent Word who was with God and was God, this Gospel laid a foundational understanding for later theological discussions about the nature of Christ. This perspective influenced how early Christians understood salvation, emphasizing that belief in Jesus as divine is essential for eternal life, which became a core tenet in Christian doctrine.
• Evaluate how John's unique literary style contributes to theological themes present in his Gospel.
  • John's unique literary style contributes profoundly to its theological themes by using symbolic language and deep metaphors to convey complex ideas about Jesus. For instance, his use of 'I am' statements encapsulates key aspects of Jesus' identity, such as 'I am the bread of life' or 'I am the light of the world,' reinforcing His divinity and mission. Additionally, John's reflective narrative encourages readers to engage with profound questions about faith, love, and eternal life, making it a rich text for both personal reflection and communal worship within early Christianity.

Related terms

Synoptic Gospels:

The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that share similar content and structure, providing a more narrative account of Jesus' life.

Apostle: One of the twelve original disciples chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the early Christian church.

Christology:

The study of the nature and work of Christ, focusing on His identity as both fully divine and fully human.