Quick Notes
The Gospel of John reads very differently from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Those three gospels are frequently referred to as the synoptic gospels. Those three Gospels seem to share a similar point of view and appear to have even drawn upon one another. John on the other hand, stands a part.
The Gospel of John is frequently given to new believers, perhaps because it’s core theme is belief. John points strongly toward Jesus as the promised Messiah and Son of God. The gospel is focused on belief in Jesus as the source of eternal life.
Author
There is both internal and external evidence that this Gospel was authored by the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee. Internal evidence is a term reference to clues from the text that validate a theory about the text. There are many references within this Gospel that point toward John as the Author. External clues are things like, commentaries from the earlier church fathers that support the identification of John as the author.
Where and when was it written?
Most scholars suspect that John was written between 70 and 100 A.D. But there are few clues pointing to anything specfic. Biblical scholars suspect that John was written in most likely in Ephesus in Asia Minor.
Audience
John, a Palestinian Jew, seems to have a mixed audience. He spends a great deal of time on revealing Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, but he also translates aramaic terms into Greek and utilizes Greco-Roman concepts about the “the Word” to communicate effectively to an audience that obviously was at least in part, Greek
What to watch for as you read
John is big on wanting to reveal Christ as the son of God and long awaited messiah. As you read, when every see the words Messiah or Son of God slow down and look at what John is sharing. What signs does John share with the readers to help them believe.
Also, whenever you see the word “belief” or some derivative of it, slow down and look at what John wants people to believe and why. How does the Gospel of John effect your own belief?
Salvation is also an important term in the Gospel. When you see the Word salvation or John talks about being saved. Pay attention. Who is saved and from what?
Power Reading Tip:
Don’t forget today’s tip mentioned in the email. Pray before you read. Pray for understanding. Pray for God’s Word to speak to you. Pray for a humble heart that is listening. Pledge yourself in prayer to be listening for God’s voice in God’s Holy and living word.
OK–maybe this is the key ingredient. How simple is that and I couldn’t even think of that. Please God, let me commit myself to your word!
i guess it had never crossed my mind but will start with prayer. am still getting along pretty good. thanks la
I don’t care to confess how often I forget this most basic piece, but when I do take time to prayer before reading I tend to be far more attentive and have greater insight. Keep up the good work on reading.
Thank you for your words of inspiration and encouragement. Will try not to fail God. I have not given thought to prayer henceforth before reading/ studying the bible. I will make sure I pray well before starting my reading for Holy Spirit to guide, inspire and interpret the word to me for better understanding.