A powerful story of Jesus and Christianity
But not considered as relevant as the other three gospels
The fourth gospel is a powerful retelling of Jesus’ story. An exuberant recount of early Christianity, it is not without controversy. Once considered the most accurate of the four gospels, it is given less relevance today than in the past, partly because of the question of its authorship.
Gospel of John Authorship
Who wrote the Gospel of John?
The authorship of John is widely debated, primarily due to a variety of abstract references to “John” throughout the New Testament. In the book of John itself, there are no references to the identity of the author, which leaves open the question: Did John the Apostle write the Gospel of John, or did someone else recount John’s life?
John the Apostle
John the Apostle, the brother of James and son of Zebedee, is the John who wrote the three New Testament letters and the book of Revelation. There is proof that as early as 130 AD, John the Apostle was considered the author of the Gospel of John. Early historian Irenaeus believed John was the author. Since Irenaeus was friends with Polycarp, who personally knew John the Apostle, his belief should be strongly considered.
John the Elder
An early splinter group first questioned John’s authorship. This caused others to question why some of the text appears to be written in a different voice than John’s other writings. To those who doubt John’s authorship, another John, John the Elder, is believed to have penned the fourth gospel.
About the Gospel of John
When was the Gospel of John written?
John does not mention himself by name but rather mentions “the disciple whom Jesus loves.” This is likely a vague reference intended to gently mask the author, or perhaps it is a show of humility. If John the Apostle were the author, it would have likely been written when he was in his 80s, sometime around 90 AD, shortly after Jesus’ death.
What differentiates John from the other three gospels?
It’s important to note that the Book of John was written early in the church’s history, at a time when persecution of Christians may have made some rethink their position on Christ. John himself says he wrote the book to “produce faith in Jesus as Christ and the Son of God.” This objective may explain the difference in “voice” and the fever in which John makes his point.
John goes to great lengths to explain his strong belief in Jesus as God. He also emphasizes eternal life for believers. John prompted the beginning of Trinitarian thought, which holds that God exists in three forms: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.