The Book of St John

St .John -

90% of the Book of John is not found in the Synoptic Gospels Mathew, Mark, & Luke! One of the early church leaders Clement of Alexandria noted :
" But, last of all, John, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, being urged by his friends, and Inspired by the Holy Spirit, composed a Spiritual Gospel. {Eusebius, History,eccl. 6.14.7}

A "Spiritual Gospel " indeed. The vocabulary of John is not technical, but the language is plain, with the meaning profound! John is unique and a refreshing companion to the Synoptic Gospels...

John is refereed to as " the disciple whom Jesus loved " as he was an eyewitness to the life and ministry of Christ! he was the youngest of the disciples and was the one who wrote the Book of Revelation! John with Peter and James {Jesus brother} a member of the inner circle. From the cross Jesus entrust his mother Mary to John's care a noble choice.

John gives report of three happenings which the Synoptic s do not include { e.g. changing the water into wine at Cana, the raising of Lazarus, and the washing of the Disciples feet.}

The Gospel opens by identifying Jesus as the Word of God, who was with God and who was God, but who became a human to bring us life {John 1:1-18}.
The Central part of the Gospel divides into three parts:

- The Book of Signs John 1:19 to 12:50 features seven miracles or signs which Jesus performed to identify Himself which calls people to Faith in Him.

- The Book of Glory John 13:1 to 20:31 focuses on the last week of Jesus Life. The Passion Week is often described as Jesus's glorification.

- The epilogue John 21:1 - 25 describes Jesus appearance to the Disciples after the resurrection.

The outline is simple, yet profound enough for all to understand!

If you have not read St John.... Do it now...