Reference: John, The Gospel According to
Fausets
Well called "the Gospel of the incarnate God," "the Gospel of witness," that of the Father, that of Scripture, that of miracles, that of Jesus Himself. Written at Ephesus at the request of the Asiatic bishops to set forth more profoundly Christ's Divinity (Jerome, Prolegomena in Matthew). Ephesus, after Jerusalem's fall, A.D. 70, took a chief place in oriental Christendom. Containing a large Christian church, a synagogue of zealous Jews, and the most famous of pagan temples that of Artemis or Diana, it was a common meeting ground for widely diverse creeds. Philosophical speculation too had free scope in its xystus; here Cerinthus broached his doctrines, concocted at Alexandria. Its commercial position on the sea linking the East and West adapted it as an admirable center for the diffusion of gospel truth. John sets forth the positive truth which indirectly yet effectively counteracts Gnosticism, Ebionitism, and docetism. The Spirit has made his Gospel virtually supplementary to the other three. (See GOSPELS; JESUS CHRIST.)
Theirs is that of "Christ according to the flesh," his that of "Christ according to the Spirit." As he joined Christ early he records facts of His ministry in Galilee and Jerusalem, prior to those in the three synoptists. He writes with a specification of times and places, and a freshness, which mark an eye-witness (Joh 1:29,35,37-40; 2:1; 3:1; 4:40,43; 6:22; 13:1-11; 18:10-16; 19:26; 20:3-10,24-29). That the beloved disciple (called episteethios from his reclining on Jesus' breast) was the writer appears from Joh 19:25-27,35; 21:24; 1:14. Another undesigned propriety identifying him is, though naming John the Baptist 20 times he always omits "the Baptist," whereby the three synoptists distinguish him from John the evangelist.
PLACE AND TIME. His allusions in the peculiar terms of his prologue to the theosophic notions prevalent at Ephesus accord with that city being the place of his writing the Gospel. Ac 18:24 implies the connection between Alexandria, the headquarters of Gnosticism, and Ephesus. John 21 is an appendix written subsequently to Joh 20:30-31 (which at first completed the Gospel), perhaps after Peter's martyrdom. The Gospel cannot have been written at the same time and place as Revelation, the styles are so different, His mode of counting the hours as we do was Asiatic (see Townson, Harmony, 8:1, section 3), and accords with Ephesus being the place of writing. His not feeling it necessary to explain Jesus' prophecy that John should tarry until He came (John 21) shows that he wrote soon after the destruction of Jerusalem (A.D. 70), when that event was generally understood as being the Lord's coming, namely, in judgment upon the Jews.
In Joh 5:2 the sheep market with five porches is spoken of as still standing, perhaps spared as some other things for convenience by Titus (Josephus, B. J., 7:1, section 1). Testimonies of authenticity. If Joh 21:24-25 came from some Ephesian disciples this is the oldest testimony to it. 2Pe 1:14 alludes to (Joh 21:18) Christ's prophecy of Peter's crucifixion, taking for granted his readers' acquaintance with the Gospel, the strongest kind of testimony as being undesigned. Ignatius (his Epistle to the Romans), Polycarp (his Epistle to the Philippians), the Epistle to Diognetus, Justin Martyr (Apol. 1:61, Dialogue with Trypho 63,88), contain implied quotations of it; their not expressly quoting it is due to the prevalence of oral more than written teaching at first; while the inspired preachings of apostles were fresh in memory definite appeals to writings are less to be expected than in the following age. The general references of the former and the definite quotations of the latter are just what we might expect presuming the Gospel genuine.
Papias (Eusebius H. E. iii. 39) used the first epistle of John which is close akin to the Gospel. Tatian's Diatessaron opens," In the beginning was the Word"; he quotes this Gospel in Orat. contra Gentil. Thus, its currency A.D. 170 is proved. Theophihs of Antioch (Autol. 2) first expressly attributes it to John; he wrote a commentary on the four and a harmony (Jerome Alg. 53, Vir. Illust. 25). He and Tadan therefore, in the second century, considered the four the exclusively canonical standard. Irenaeus, a hearer of Polycarp, the disciple of John, argues for the propriety of the number four; his argument proves their long and universal acceptance by the church more conclusively than if it had been his aim to demonstrate it. The Alogi of Asia Minor were the only sect that rejected this Gospel, owing to their opposition to Montanus, whose heresies they thought were favored by it. The diversity of the scene and incidents of Christ's ministry in it, as compared with the three preceding Gospels, is just what we might expect if the author were acquainted with them.
For while as an independent witness he does not with formal design supplement them, yet he generally omits under the Spirit those particulars already handled by his predecessors. Excepting the crucifixion and resurrection, respecting which he gives new information, he has only two sections in common with the Synoptists (Joh 6:1-21; 12:1). He omits Christ's baptism, temptation, mission of the twelve, transfiguration (of which he was one of the three selected eye witnesses), the Lord's supper, and the agony in Gethsemane, yet incidental hints show his taking them for granted as known already (Joh 1:14,32; 13:2; 14:30; 18:1,11), which last refers to the very words of His prayer during the agony, recorded by the synoptists, an undesigned coincidence and so a proof of authenticity; Joh 14:30 is the link between the temptation (Lu 4:13) and His agony (Lu 22:40-53); Joh 11:1 assumes the reader's acquaintance with Mary and Martha, from Lu 10:38.
So Joh 4:43-44; 7:41, tacitly refer to the facts recorded in Mt 13:54; 2:23; 18:33 takes for granted the fact recorded in Lu 23:2. John 6, wherein he repeats the miraculous feeding of 5,000 recorded by the synoptists, is introduced to preface the discourse which John alone records. In John 12 the anointing by Mary is repeated for its connection with Judas' subsequent history. The objections to John's acquaintance with the synoptical Gospels are based on the presumption that in that case he was bound to slavishly supplement them and guard against the appearance of discrepancies between him and them.
But he was an independent witness, not formally designing to supplement; yet as knowing their Gospels he would mostly use materials heretofore not handled. As they presented Jesus' outer and popular life, so it remained that he should represent the deeper truths of His divine mission and Person. They met the church's first needs; he, its later wants. Luke's Gospel was written under Paul's superintendence at least 20 years before John's. Considering the intercourse between the Christian churches it is incredible that his Gospel should have been unknown at Ephesus, John's and previously Paul's scene of labours, and this to John a "pillar" of the church.
DESIGN. John, the last surviving apostle, would surely be consulted on the canonicity of New Testament Scriptures which by God's providence he lived to see completed. Theodore of Mopsuestia, 4th century (Catena Johann. Corder. Mill New Testament) says John did attest it. Clement Alex. (Eusebius, H. E. vi. 14) states on the authority of old presbyters (and the Muratorian Fragment, Ant. M. Aev. 3, confirms the statement) that John wrote at his friends' request to give Christ's "spiritual" aspect, the former Gospels already having given His "bodily" aspect. John, who leant on Jesus' breast, His closest intimate, was the fittest to set forth the deeper spiritual truths of the Son of God. Thus the "ye" (Joh 19:35; 20:31) will refer to John's "friends" primarily, the general church secondarily. To prove "that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God" is this Gospel's declared design, that men so "believing might have life through His name."
A continued polemic reference is not likely, considering John's contemplative and usually loving spirit. An incidental guarding of the truth against incipient heresies in that region certainly there i
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and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that the word might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets: He shall be called a Nazarene.
And many multitudes followed him from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
But I say to you, Love your enemies: bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who insult you and persecute you:
And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these words, that the multitudes were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son, but the Father; nor does any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
And he came into his own country, and taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said: Whence has this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, and said: This is a desert place, and the hour is now past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.
Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Ought you not to have had mercy on your fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on you?
And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these discourses, that he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea, beyond the Jordan.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest those who are sent to thee, how often have I desired to gather thy children together, as a bird gathers her young under her wings, and you refused.
For you have the poor always with you, but me you have not always.
When the evening had come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph; and he also was a disciple of Jesus.
teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo; I am with you all the days, even to the end of the age.
But after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
And Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea; and there followed him a great multitude from Galilee, and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan: and those about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard what things he was doing, came to him.
And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a time.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken hearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed;
And he began to say to them: This scripture which you have heard, is this day fulfilled.
All things are delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is but the Father, and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
And it came to pass, as they continued their journey, that he entered a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And it came to pass, as they continued their journey, that he entered a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent to thee: how often have I desired to gather thy children together, as a bird gathers her young under her wings, and you refused.
And when he came to the place, he said to them: Pray, that you enter not into temptation. And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed, read more. saying: Father, if thou art willing that this cup should pass from me yet, not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, to strengthen him. And he was in agony, and prayed more earnestly. And his sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. And he arose from prayer, and came to his disciples, and found them asleep for sorrow. And he said to them: Why do you sleep? Arise and pray, lest you enter into temptation. And while he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and came near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him: Judas, do you deliver up the Son of man with a kiss? When those who were about him saw what would be done, they said to him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword? And a certain one of them struck the servant of the chief priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said: Let this matter proceed thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests, and the captains of the temple, and the elders that had come against him: Have you come out with swords and clubs, as against a robber? While I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the authority of darkness.
And they began to accuse him, saying: We found this man turning the people away, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king.
And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you. But do you remain in the city of Jerusalem, till you be clothed with power from on high.
And the "WORD became flesh, and tabernacled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and of truth.
And the "WORD became flesh, and tabernacled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and of truth.
And the "WORD became flesh, and tabernacled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and of truth.
And from his fullness have we all received, even grace for grace;
The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said: Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.
And John testified, saying: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.
And John testified, saying: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.
Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples.
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them: read more. What do you seek? They said to him: Rabbi, (which, when translated, is called Teacher,) where abidest thou? He said to them: Come and see. They went and saw where he abode; and they remained with him that day; for it was about the tenth hour.
Jesus answered and said to him: Do you believe, be cause I said to you, I saw you under the fig-tree? You shall see greater things than these. And he said to him: Verily, verily I say to you, From this time you shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
And on the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
The Spirit breathes where he pleases, and you hear his voice, but you know not whence he comes, and whither he goes; so is every one that is begotten of the Spirit.
He that comes from above, is over all. He that is from the earth, is from the earth, and speaks from the earth. He that comes from heaven, is over all; and what he has seen and heard, this he testifies; and no one receives his testimony. read more. He that has received his testimony has solemnly declared that God is true. For he whom God has sent, speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure to him. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. He that believes on the Son has eternal life. But he that believes not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
When, therefore, the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and immersing more disciples than John, (though not Jesus himself, but his disciples immersed,) read more. he left Judea, and went again into Galilee.
Do you not say, There are yet four months, and harvest comes? Behold, I say to you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are already white for the harvest.
I have sent you to reap that on which you bestowed no labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.
When, therefore, the Samaritans came to him, they besought him to abide with them. And he abode there two days.
And after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee; for Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Now there is in Jerusalem, near the sheep gate, a pool, called, in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, with five porches.
If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not worthy of credit. There is another that testifies concerning me, and I know that the testimony which he testifies concerning me is worthy of credit.
I have come in my Father's name, and you receive me not; if another should come in his own name, him you would receive.
After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they had seen the signs which he did in the case of the sick. read more. And Jesus went up into the mountain, and sat there with his disciples. And the passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.
And the passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus, lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?
Then Jesus, lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? But this he said to try him; for he himself knew what he was about to do. read more. Philip answered him: Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, that each may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him: There is a lad here that has five barley loaves, and two little fishes; but what are these among so many? But Jesus said: Make die men recline. Now, there was much grass in the place. So the men reclined, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks, distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those who had reclined; and in like manner of the fishes, as much as they wished. And when they were satisfied, he said to his disciples: Gather up the broken pieces which remain, that nothing be lost. Then they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces of the five barley loaves, which remained after they had eaten. Then the men, after having seen the sign which Jesus did, said: This is, in truth, the prophet that was to come into the world. Therefore, Jesus perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew into the mountain himself alone. And when evening had come, his disciples went down to the sea, and, having entered the ship, went across the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that was blowing. Then, having rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and coming near the ship; and they were afraid. But he said to them: It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship; and immediately the ship was at the land to which they were going. The next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea, seeing that no other boat had been there but the one which his disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone;
And after this Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the feast of tabernacles, a feast of the Jews, was near.
These things said he to them, and remained in Galilee. But when his brothers had gone up, then he also went up to the feast, not openly, but, as it were, in secret.
Others said: This is the Christ. But others said: Does the Christ come out of Galilee?
He answered and said: Who is he, sir, that I may believe on him?
Verily, verily I say to you, he that goes not through the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief, and a robber. But he that enters through the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. read more. To him the door-keeper opens; and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when he puts his own sheep out, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spoke Jesus to them; but they knew not the meaning of the things which he spoke to them.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
For this reason, my Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again.
And the feast of the dedication was celebrated in Jerusalem, and it was winter:
Then the Jews came round him, and said to him: How long do you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.
And he went away again beyond the Jordan, to the place where John first immersed, and there he abode.
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus, of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha her sister.
Then, six days before the passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead.
For the poor you have always with you; but me you have not always.
He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and should turn, and I should give them health.
Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come that he must go out of this world to his Father; and having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them to the end. And supper being over, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to deliver him up,
And supper being over, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to deliver him up, Jesus, knowing that the Father had delivered all things into his hands, and that he had come from God, and was going to God, read more. arose from supper, and laid aside his garments, and taking a towel, he girded himself. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. Then he came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to him: What I am doing you know not now, but you will know here after. Peter said to him: Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. Simon Peter said to him: Lord, not my feet only, but my hands and my head. Jesus said to him: He that has bathed needs nothing else save to wash his feet, but is wholly clean. And you are clean, but not all. For he knew who would deliver him up; for this reason he said, You are not all clean.
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and, as I said to the Jews, whither I go, you can not come, so now I say to you.
I will not talk much more with you; for the prince of this world is coming, and has nothing in me.
I will not talk much more with you; for the prince of this world is coming, and has nothing in me.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-dresser.
When Jesus had spoken these things, he went out with his disciples beyond the brook Kedron, where was. a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the chief priest, and cut off his right ear. The name of the servant was Malchus. Then Jesus said to Peter: Put up your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that my Father has given me?
Then Jesus said to Peter: Put up your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that my Father has given me? Then the band of soldiers, and the officer, and the attend ants of the Jews, took Jesus and bound him, read more. and led him first to Annas; for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was chief priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had given counsel to the Jews, that it was profitable that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. And that other disciple was acquainted with the chief priest, and he went in with Jesus into the palace of the chief priest. But Peter stood without near the door. Then the other disciple, who was acquainted with the chief priest, went out and spoke to the door-keeper, and brought Peter in.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. Then Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing by, said to his mother: Woman, behold your son.
Then Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing by, said to his mother: Woman, behold your son. Then he said to the disciple: Behold your mother. And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
but one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear; and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true, and he knows that he speaks the truth, that you may believe;
And he that saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true, and he knows that he speaks the truth, that you may believe;
And again another scripture says: They shall look on him whom they pierced.
Then Peter and the other disciple went out, and came to the tomb. And the two ran together; and the other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the tomb; read more. and he stooped down and saw the linen cloths lying, but he did not go in. Then came Simon Peter, following him; and he went into the tomb, and saw the linen cloths lying, and the handkerchief that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded in a place by itself. Then, therefore, the other disciple, who came first to the tomb, went in, and saw, and believed. For, as yet, they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went away again by them selves.
And having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced, when they saw the Lord.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Then the other disciples said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. read more. And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Then Jesus came, though the doors had been closed, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he said to Thomas: Reach hither your finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither your hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.
Then he said to Thomas: Reach hither your finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither your hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said to him: My Lord and my God. read more. Jesus said to him: Because you have seen me you have believed: blessed are they who, though they have not seen, yet have believed. Many other signs truly did Jesus 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 by believing you may have life through his name.
but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life through his name.
Verily, verily I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself, and walked whither you chose; but when you have become old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and lead you whither you would not.
This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did; if they should be written, every one of them, I suppose that not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.
And a certain Jew, named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature; for by him were all things created, things in heaven and things in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities; all things were created by him, and for him:
For I know that the putting off of this my tabernacle is near at hand, even as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.