Introducing the Gospel of John: Setting the Stage

Before diving into the individual passages of John, it’s helpful to have an overview of the Gospel itself. This introductory lesson will explore the authorship, dating, audience, major themes, and unique characteristics of John compared to the other Gospels.

John vs. the Synoptics

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they share a similar perspective and contain much of the same material. John’s Gospel is quite different.

• Chronology: The Synoptics generally follow a similar chronological order for Jesus’ ministry. John’s chronology is different, with Jesus’ ministry lasting longer and featuring different events. For example, John emphasizes Jesus’ visits to Jerusalem, while the Synoptics focus more on his ministry in Galilee.
• Content: John includes unique stories and teachings of Jesus that are not found in the Synoptics, such as the “I AM” sayings and the extended discourses in the Upper Room.
• Emphasis: John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and his relationship with the Father more than the Synoptics.

Historical Context

Understanding the historical and social context in which John was written can help us to better interpret its message. The late first century was a time of significant change and challenge for early Christians.

• Author: Traditionally, the Gospel is attributed to John the Apostle, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. However, modern scholarship suggests that while the Gospel may draw on the tradition associated with John, it’s unlikely to have been written by him directly. It’s more likely that it originated within a Johannine community, a group of early Christians who treasured and developed the teachings attributed to John.
• Date: Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which are generally believed to have been written between 60-90 AD, John is usually dated later, perhaps between 90-100 AD. John’s Gospel reflects a more advanced theological understanding of Jesus as the Word of God incarnate, which aligns with the development of Christian thought in the later first century. Additionally, some scholars argue that certain passages in John’s Gospel seem to reflect the historical context of the late first century, such as the increasing separation between Christianity and Judaism. This later date suggests that John was written for a community that had already experienced some development and possibly some challenges.
• Audience: It’s believed that John was written for a diverse audience, including Jewish Christians who were struggling with their identity in the aftermath of the split from Judaism, as well as Gentile Christians. The Gospel addresses themes and concerns relevant to both groups.

The World of Early Christians

• The Pax Romana and its Cracks: While the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) provided a period of relative stability and facilitated travel and communication, cracks were beginning to appear in this facade. Economic disparities, social unrest, and political intrigues were simmering beneath the surface. This underlying tension could have contributed to a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among Christians.
• Persecution and Discrimination: Although widespread, systematic persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire was still sporadic and localized in the late first century, the threat of persecution was ever-present. Nero’s persecution in the 60s CE had set a precedent, and Domitian’s reign (81-96 CE) was also marked by persecution, though its extent is debated. Even without widespread persecution, Christians faced social discrimination and were often viewed with suspicion due to their distinct beliefs and practices.
• The Rise of Christianity and its Separation from Judaism: Christianity was steadily growing, but it was still a relatively young and developing religion. The late first century witnessed the increasing separation of Christianity from Judaism. This divergence had significant implications for how Christians were perceived by the Roman authorities and the broader population. As Christians distinguished themselves from Jews, they lost the legal protections afforded to Judaism, making them more vulnerable to persecution.
• Internal Developments within Christianity: The late first century was a time of theological development and consolidation within Christianity. Different interpretations of Jesus’ teachings and the meaning of his life were emerging. The Gospel of John, with its emphasis on Jesus’ divinity and his unique relationship with God, reflects these internal developments and contributes to shaping Christian identity.
• The Socio-Cultural Context: The Roman world was a diverse and multicultural society, with a wide range of religious beliefs and philosophical schools. Christianity existed alongside various pagan cults, mystery religions, and philosophical traditions. This diverse environment presented both challenges and opportunities for early Christians as they sought to articulate their faith and its relevance in this broader context.
• The Aftermath of the Jewish-Roman Wars: The Jewish-Roman Wars (66-73 CE and 132-135 CE) had a profound impact on both Jews and Christians. The destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE was a traumatic event for Jews and marked a turning point in Jewish history. For Christians, the wars further contributed to the separation between Christianity and Judaism, as they were increasingly seen as distinct groups by the Romans.

Major Themes in John

• “Signs” in John: John uses the term “signs” to refer to Jesus’ miracles. These are not just displays of power, but symbolic actions that reveal Jesus’ identity and point to deeper spiritual truths. They reveal Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Word made flesh.
• Jesus as the Word: John presents Jesus as the pre-existent Word of God who became flesh.
• Light and Darkness: The Gospel explores the conflict between light (truth, life) and darkness (falsehood, death).
• Love: Love is a central theme in John, particularly the importance of loving one another as Jesus loved.
• Life: John emphasizes that Jesus came to bring abundant life to all who believe in him.
• The Holy Spirit: John highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers.