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 he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
and great multitudes of people followed Him from Galilee, and Decapolis, and Jerusalem, and Judea, yea and from beyond Jordan.
but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that abuse you and persecute you;
And when Jesus had ended these discourses, the people were amazed at his doctrine: for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send out laborers into his harvest.
All things are delivered to me by my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, but the Father; nor does any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son is pleased to reveal Him.
and came into his own country, and taught them in their synagogues; so that they were amazed and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom and these powers?
Now when it was evening his disciples came to Him and said, This is a desert place, and meal-time is now past; dismiss the people, that they may go away to the towns, and buy themselves victuals.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.
and oughtest not thou to have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had on thee?
And when Jesus had finished these discourses, He departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea, beyond Jordan:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
(seeing ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always:) for in pouring this ointment on my body,
And in the evening, there came a rich man of Arimathea, whose name was Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus, and went to Pilate,
and of the holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
Now after John was cast into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
but Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond Jordan; and those about Tyre and Sidon, a great number, hearing how great things He did, came unto 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 to the end, for which He hath anointed me: He hath sent me to publish good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to release them that are bruised,
And He said unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
All things are delivered to me by my Father: and none knoweth who the Son is, but the Father: and who the Father is, but the Son; and he to whom the Son pleaseth to reveal Him.
And as they were journeying, He entered into a certain village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house.
And as they were journeying, He entered into a certain village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and ye would not?
And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And when He was withdrawn from them about a stone's-cast, He kneeled down and prayed saying, read more. Father, if thou art willing take away this cup from me---nevertheless, not my will but thine be done. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven strengthening Him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was like clotted blood falling down upon the ground. And when He rose up from prayer, He came to his disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow; and He said to them, Why do ye sleep? rise and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. And while He was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him: and Jesus said to him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? But when they that were about Him saw what would follow, they said to Him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear: but Jesus said, Suffer ye thus far; and He touched his ear and healed him. Then said Jesus to the chief priests, and officers of the temple, and elders, that were come to Him, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was day after day with you in the temple, ye did not stretch out your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbiding to give tribute to Cesar; saying, that He himself is Christ the king.
but do ye continue in the city of Jerusalem, till ye are endued with power from on high.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, being full of grace and truth: and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, being full of grace and truth: and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, being full of grace and truth: and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father.
And of his fulness have we all received, even grace for grace.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming towards him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
And John testified saying, I saw the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and it abode upon Him.
And John testified saying, I saw the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and it abode upon Him.
And when the two disciples heard what he said, they followed Jesus. And Jesus turning, and seeing them following Him, saith unto them, What do ye seek? They said unto Him, Rabbi (that is to say, Master,) where is thine abode? read more. He saith unto them, Come and see. And they came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day: and it was about the tenth hour. Now Andrew the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two that heard what John said, and thereupon followed Jesus.
And He saith unto him, Verily verily I say unto you, Ye shall hereafter see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
And on the third day after, there was a marriage at Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
Now there was a man of the pharisees, whose name was Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews:
As the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound of it, but knowest not whence it cometh, or whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
He, that cometh from above, is above all: he that is of the earth, is earthly, and talketh like one of the earth: but He that cometh from heaven, is above all: and what He hath seen and heard, this He testifieth: and yet scarce any one receiveth his testimony. read more. He that hath received his testimony, hath set his seal to this, that God is true: for He, whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God: for God giveth the Spirit to Him not by measure. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all into his hand: wherefore he that believeth on the Son, hath eternal life; and he that obeyeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Therefore when the Lord knew, the pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but his disciples,) read more. He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.
Do not ye say, it is yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, lift up your eyes, and see the fields, they are already white for harvest.
in as much as I have sent you to reap that on which ye have not laboured: others have laboured, and ye are entered into their labors.
Therefore when the Samaritans came to Him, they desired Him to stay with them: and He staid there two days.
And after two days he departed thence, and went into Cana of Galilee. For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet hath no honor in his own country.
Now there is at Jerusalem near the sheep-market a pool, called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticos about it.
If I alone bear witness of my self, my testimony is not true in law: but there is another who testifieth concerning me; and I know that the testimony, which he giveth concerning me, is true.
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another should come in his own name, him ye will receive.
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw his miracles which He performed on them that were diseased. read more. So Jesus went up to a mountain, and there He sat down with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.
And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude come to Him, saith to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these people may eat?
Then Jesus lifted up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude come to Him, saith to Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these people may eat? (and this He said to try him, for He knew what He was going to do:) read more. Philip answered Him, Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, to wit, Andrew the brother of Simon Peter, saith unto Him, There is a lad here, that hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down: (now there was much grass in the place:) so the men sat down in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were sat down; and of the fishes likewise, as much as they would take. And when they were filled, He saith to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that are left, that nothing may be lost. They therefore gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley-loaves, which remained after they had eaten. Therefore the people when they had seen the miracle that Jesus wrought, said, this is certainly the Prophet who was to come into the world. Jesus therefore knowing that they would come, and take Him by force if possible, to make Him king, retired again to the mountain Himself alone. And when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea: and having entered into a ship were going over the Sea towards Capernaum: and it was now dark, and Jesus was not yet come to them. And the sea rose high by reason of a violent wind. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and near the ship: and they were affrighted. But He saith unto them, It is I: be not afraid. They desired therefore to take Him into the ship: and immediately the vessel was at the land to which they were going. The day following the people that staid on the other side of the sea, seeing there was no other boat there, but that one into which his disciples embarked, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples went away alone:
After these things Jesus resided in Galilee: for He would not appear in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews feast called the feast of tabernacles was near;
And after He had said these things unto them, He stayed a while in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not in a public manner but as it were in private.
Others said, This is the Messiah. But some said, Shall the Messiah come out of Galilee?
Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entreth not into the sheep-fold by the door, but climbeth up some other way, is a thief and a robber. But he that cometh in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. read more. To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice; and He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he bringeth forth his sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him; because they know his voice. But they will not follow a stranger, but will flee from him; because they know not the voice of strangers. This parable Jesus spake unto them; but they did not understand what He said to them.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.
For this doth the Father love me; because I lay down my life: that I may take it again.
Now it was the feast of dedication at Jerusalem, and it was winter.
Then the Jews came round Him, and said unto Him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou be the Messiah, tell us plainly.
Now there was a certain person sick, to wit, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and Martha her sister.
Jesus however, six days before the passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, and whom He raised from the dead.
For the poor ye have always with you, but me ye have not always.
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they might not see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Now before the feast of the passover, (Jesus knowing that his hour was come, when He should pass out of this world unto the Father, as He had loved his own, who were yet in the world, He loved them unto the end:) supper being prepared, (the devil having put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him) Jesus,
supper being prepared, (the devil having put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him) Jesus, who knew that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that He came from God, and was going to God, read more. riseth from supper, and turneth aside his clothes, and took a towel and tied it about Him; and then pouring water into a bason, began to wash the feet of his disciples, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. He cometh therefore to Simon Peter among the rest, who saith unto Him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou dost not now understand, but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith to Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I do not wash thee, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that hath been bathing, hath need only to wash his feet, being then clean all over: and thus ye are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, Ye are not all clean.
Little children, I am to be with you but a little while longer. Ye will wish for me, and as I said to the Jews, "Whither I go ye cannot come", so I now tell you.
I shall not have much more conversation with you: for the prince of this world is coming; not that he hath any thing in me,
I shall not have much more conversation with you: for the prince of this world is coming; not that he hath any thing in me,
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman:
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with his disciples over the brook Kedron; where there was a garden, into which He entred, and his disciples. Now Judas who was gone to betray Him,
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
But Jesus said to Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? So the band with the captain, and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus, and bound Him: read more. and led Him away to Annas first: (for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high-priest that year:) (18:24) and Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high-priest.
and 14.] Now Caiaphas was he who had said in council to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. read more. And Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. And that other disciple being known to the high priest went in with Jesus into the high-priest's hall. But Peter stood at the door without: the other disciple therefore, who was known to the high-priest, went out and spake to her that kept the door, and brought Peter in.
Now there stood near the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus therefore seeing his mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son:
Jesus therefore seeing his mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son: and then saith to the disciple, Behold thy mother. And from that hour the same 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 testifieth it, and his testimony is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye may believe.
And he that saw it testifieth it, and his testimony is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye may believe.
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they have pierced.
Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they both ran together, but the other disciple out-ran Peter, and came first to the sepulchre: read more. and stooping down to look in saw the linen cloths lying; but did not go in. Then cometh Simon Peter, who followed him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen cloths lying there; and the napkin that was upon his head, not laid with the linen cloths, but folded up by itself. Then went in also the other disciple; who came first to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed. For they did not before understand the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. So the two disciples went away again to their own company.
And when He had said this, He shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
But Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore told him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and my hand into his side, I will not believe. read more. And after eight days his disciples were again within, and Thomas with them: and Jesus came (the doors being shut as before) and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be to you. Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not incredulous, but believing.
Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not incredulous, but believing. And Thomas answered, and said, "My Lord and my God." read more. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And indeed Jesus wrought many other signs also in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these things are written, that ye may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life through his name.
but these things are written, that ye may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life through his name.
Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast younger, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst about where thou wouldest: but when thou art old, thou shalt stretch out thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee where thou wouldest not.
This is the disciple that testifieth of these things, and that writeth them: and we know that his testimony is true.
This is the disciple that testifieth of these things, and that writeth them: and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were to be described particularly, I suppose that the whole world could not contain the books that would be written concerning them. Amen.
Now there came to Ephesus a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of the whole creation: for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all were created by Him, and for Him.
knowing that I must soon lay down this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.