1. AUTHOR. — John the Apostle.

2. DATE. — Probably between 75 and 85 A. D.

3. FOR WHOM WRITTEN. — Chiefly perhaps for those Christians at that time who may have had some doubts about the divinity of Christ. It is adapted, however, to Christians of all ages.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — Ata time when erroneous doctrines concerning Christ had be gun to be held, and when there was need of presenting the truth on apostolic authority.

5. LEADING TOPIC. — Those facts about Christ and his teaching that show that he was divine, and that he had come to give eternal life to those who believed on him.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that Jesus was come from God, and that he was God, that in him God was revealed in the flesh; that the kingdom of redemption was placed under his authority so that he is to decide the destiny of all, giving eternal life to those who believe on him. Thus the author himself says, “These are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in his name.” (Ch. 20: 31.)

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Introduction. — God revealed in Christ to give life, Ch. 1:1-18.

Part I. Jesus begins to reveal himself, Ch. 1:19–4:54.

Part II. Teachings and works amid growing opposition, Ch. 5–12.

Part III. Revealed especially to his disciples, Ch. 13–17.

Part IV. Christ's triumph over death, Ch. 18-21.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — Christ is God, eternal, author of eternal life, which is secured by belief in Christ. He is the truth; none can approach the Father but by him.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — In its teachings about the person of Christ, and the nature of the work that he does for man, this Gospel is in advance of the others. It gives much of the life of Christ omitted by them. It is closely related to the First Epistle of John. As compared with the other Gospels, it gives especial prominence to Christ's words while they do to his works.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — Teachings common to this Gospel and the Epistles of John. The history of the different apostles. The character of John as related to his Gospel.