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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he will be called a Nazarene.
And great crowds from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
And it happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them with authority, and not like their scribes.
Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."
All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.
And coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Now when evening had come, the disciples came to him, saying, "This place is desolate, and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."
Should not you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?'
It happened when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her. How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not.
For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have me.
When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus' disciple came.
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. And look, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God,
And Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great crowd followed from Galilee, and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great crowd, when they heard what great things he did, came to him.
When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,
He began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
"All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him."
It happened as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him.
It happened as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him.
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused.
When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you do not enter into temptation." He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed, read more. saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"?and he touched his ear, and healed him. Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you in the temple daily, you did not stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king."
And look, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only of the Father, full of grace and truth.
For of his fullness we all received, and grace upon grace.
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
And John testified, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.
And John testified, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.
And the two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" read more. He said to them, "Come, and you will see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
And the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jewish people.
The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. read more. He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for he does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever refuses to believe in the Son won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."
Therefore when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples), read more. he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.
Do you not say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see the fields, that they are white for harvest already.
I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."
So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days.
After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Bethesda," having five porches.
"If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true.
I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias. A great crowd followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were sick. read more. Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the Jewish festival, was near.
Now the Passover, the Jewish festival, was near. Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great crowd was coming to him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"
Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great crowd was coming to him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. read more. Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may receive a little." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. When they were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost." So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, "This is truly the Prophet who comes into the world." Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, and they entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing. When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. But he said to them, "It is I. Do not be afraid." They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. On the next day, the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with his disciples into the boat, but his disciples had gone away alone.
After these things, Jesus was walking in Galilee, for he would not walk in Judea, because the Jewish leaders sought to kill him. Now the Jewish festival, the Feast of Tabernacles, was near.
Having said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.
Others said, "This is the Messiah." But some said, "What, does the Messiah come out of Galilee?
"Truly, truly, I tell you, one who does not enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. read more. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.
The Jewish leaders therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and there he stayed.
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha.
Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead.
For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
"He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them."
Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Because he knew that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, read more. arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" Jesus answered him, "You do not know what I am doing now, but you will understand later." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean."
Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jewish leaders, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I tell you.
I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has no hold on me.
I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has no hold on me.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"
Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?" So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jewish leaders, seized Jesus and bound him, read more. and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jewish leaders that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.
But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, look, your son."
Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, look, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Look, your mother." From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.
However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.
He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.
Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. read more. Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he did not enter in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes.
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore 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 hand into his side, I will not believe." read more. After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you." Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." 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 those who have not seen, and have believed." Therefore 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 Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Truly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you do not want to go."
This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.
This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself would not have room for the books that would be written.
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
who is the image of the invisible God, preeminent over all creation. For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers; all things have been created by him and for him.
knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.