Tradition tells us it was written by John the Son of Zebedee.

He was the last surviving member of the apostolic band.

Although some question the authorship of the Gospel no other hypothesis is offered that makes sense. His authorship was accepted by Clemet of Alexandria (A.D. 190), Origen c. A.D. 220), Tertullian (c. A.D. 200), Muratorian Fragment (c. A.D. 170)

What we do know about the author from the book itself…
He was a Jew that was very familiar with Jewish customs.
He was very familiar with the Palestine area.
He was an eyewitness to the events recorded (he speaks in the third person “we”)
According to the last chapter he is closely associated with the “beloved disciple”.
Although the author did not name himself he assumed everyone knew.
At the last supper John was honored by sitting next to Jesus.

Written
At the close of the first century
Possibly in Ephesus
Written in Gentile surroundings as the Jewish customs are explained for the benefit of those reading the Gospel

John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Approximately 92% of John’s Gospel is unique

John’s theme is Jesus Christ the divine Son of God

The book deals with the signs Christ gave during His ministry, signs that prove His deity.

John uses the term “sign” rather than miracle, because a “sign” is a miracle that carries a message with it, or gives its theological purpose.

John’s Gospel contains no parables and only seven miracles. Of these 7 only 2 are recorded in the other Gospels.

Jesus relationship with individuals is emphasized rather than His general conduct in public.

Matthew pictures Christ as the King
Mark shows Christ as the Servant
Luke views Christ as the Son of Man
John presents Christ as the Son of God

Rather than just telling of the events in Christ’s life as the synoptic gospels do, John deals with the spiritual meanings of these events.

All four Gospels tell of the feeding of the 5,000, but only John gives the sermon on the Bread of Life.

Key words repeated in John’s gospel, signs, believe, life.

John’s Gospel is filled with the conflict of faith versus unbelief.

The seven I AM statements of Christ
Ex. 3:14

Introduction:
In talking with Moses God told him to tell the Israelites that “I AM” had sent him.
Ex. 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
In the Gospel of John Jesus follows His Fathers example and uses these two same words to preface several claims about Himself.

I AM the Bread of Life – 6:35, 41, 48, 51

I AM the Light of the world – 8:12; 9:5

I AM the Door of the sheep – 10:7, 9

I AM the Good Shepherd – 10:11, 14

I AM the Resurrection of the Life – 11:25

I AM the way, the truth, and the life – 14:6

I AM the true Vine – 15:1, 5