John

Question 1

What is the complete outline of John.

Answer 1

Prologue - 1:1-18

Revelation to Israel 1:19-12:50
Private
Public
7 Signs

Revelation to Disciples 13:1-17:26
Instruction
Intercession
Upper Room

Redemption for the World - 18:1-20:31
Death
Resurrection
Final Sign

Epilogue 21:1-25

Question 2

Describe the public private structure of the outline of John.

Answer 2

Private - 1:19-2:11
Public - 2:12:12:50
Private - 13:1-17-17:26
Public - 18:1-19:42
Private - 20:1-31

Question 3

Where was the book of John discovered?

Answer 3

fragments were discovered in Egypt

Question 4

When were fragments of the book of John found and what is the significance?

Answer 4

Fragments were found in the 2nd century - so the book had to have been written in the first century.

Question 5

Where did John spend time ministering during the latter years of his life?

Answer 5

Ephesus

Question 6

During whose reign was John exiled to the Island of Patmos?

Answer 6

Emperor Domitian

Question 7

Why is John the last in the sequence of the Gospels?

Answer 7

His account of the life of Christ seemed to presuppose a knowledge of the Synoptics.

Question 8

What is the most likely date of the book of John?

Answer 8

AD 85-90

Question 9

What does Irenaeus say about the when and where of the Gospel of John?

Answer 9

He says John wrote it from Ephesus 68-98 AD. Most likely it was actually written 85-90 AD.

Question 10

How is John described in John 21:20, 23-24

Answer 10

The beloved disciple

Question 11

Who wrote John and how do we know?

Answer 11

The book does not name the writer, he is indicated as the beloved disciple and a close companion of Peter (John 21:20, 23-24)

Question 12

What other men named John are named in the NT?

Answer 12

John the Baptist - eliminated because he was beheaded long before the events of John were completed.

John the father of Peter (1:42) he is not mentioned in any connection which might suggest he is the author.

John Mark (Acts 12:12) concluded he was the author of the 2nd Gospel. John was written as an eyewitness account so he is eliminated from consideration.

John of the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:5-6) - only reference in Scripture identifies him as an enemy of Chrstianity.

John the Beloved Apostle (Matt. 4:21; Jn. 21:20-25) he is the most likely candidate.

Question 13

External evidence for the author of the book of John

Answer 13

Irenaeus is the chief witness to his authorship. He was a pupil of Polycarp, and Polycarp was a friend of the Apostle John.

Also supported by Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian and Origen.

Question 14

Internal evidence for the book of John being authored by John.

Answer 14

Jewish author - used OT Scripture

Eyewitness - people, time numbers and minute deatails

Statement - “we beheld His glory” - someone at the transfiguration

Peter mentioned by name (1:41) and James already martyred

By the way John introduces himself (13:23 and 19:26)

Mentioning John the Baptist as John

Question 15

What did John intend to teach with the book of John?

Answer 15

That Jesus is the Son of God.

Question 16

What prevalent heresies were there at the time of the writing of John?

Answer 16

Gnosticism - with its dualism
Dilemma of the origin of evil
Mysticism

Question 17

What heresy rocked the church of the second century?

Answer 17

Gnosticism

Question 18

What was John the most qualified to present?

Answer 18

as an eyewitness, the divine picture of Jesus as the Son of God.

Question 19

What verse states the purpose statement for John?

Answer 19

John 20:30-31

Question 20

What subordinate purposes existed for the writing of John.

Answer 20

An exposure of Gnosticism and docetism and the exposure of Judaism as an inadequate system of religion that crowned its sins by rejecting the promised Messiah.

Question 21

What are the characteristics of the book of John.

Answer 21

It is both simple and profound in its presentation of Jesus. Amazingly clear to beginning students and deep to the seasoned scholar

Father-Son relationship - Son presented as a reflection of the Father.

Style and vocabulary is simple ang uncomplicated.

Book records seven major miracles and seven major discourses but no parables.

Eschatology emphasized especially as it relates to judgment.

Predominant feature is the editorial comments of the author - 22 of them. Reveals the national blindness of Israel as the major cause and result of the rejection of the Messiah.

Prologue (1:1-18) of John unique as Christ is related to God and eternity

Question 22

What are the 7 signs of the book of John?

Answer 22

Wedding feast at Cana
Healing Nobleman's son
Healing the infirm man
Feeding of the 5000+
Walking on the water
Sight to the blind man
Raising of Lazarus

Question 23

What are the 7 Messianic Claims in John?

Answer 23

I am the bread of life
I am the light of the world 
I am the door of the sheep
I am the good shepherd
I am the resurrection and the life
I am the way, the truth and the life
I am the true vine

Question 24

What is the purpose statement of John?

Answer 24

JOHN RECORDED A SELECTED NUMBER OF SIGNS AND SAYINGS OF JESUS IN ORDER TO PERSUADE HIS AUDIENCE THAT JESUS WAS THE MESSIAH THE SON OF GOD WHO COULD GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE IF THEY WOULD BELIEVE IN HIM.