The Gospel of John: Background

Question 1

Describe John briefly

Answer 1

John was a fisherman by trade and a man of great humility.

Question 2

What was John described as?

Answer 2

One of the “pillars of the church”

Question 3

How did Paul regard John?

Answer 3

Very highly and with respect.

Question 4

Who were the three who Jesus’ worked more closely with out of the twelve disciples?

Answer 4

Peter, James, and John

Question 5

What was John’s relationship with Jesus often described as?

Answer 5

“The disciple whom Jesus loved”

Question 6

What were some of the things that happened during Jesus’ crucifixion that proved John to be closer to Jesus than the other disciples?

Answer 6

1. John stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus died and did not desert him like the other disciples.
2. John was the only disciple to witness Jesus’ death.
3. Jesus asked John to take care of his mother, which is something that is usually requested of his closest friend.

Question 7

Why did John decide to include some events and not others?

Answer 7

John was including parts of Jesus’ life that would most boldly contain his true identity.

Question 8

What was the purpose of this book?

Answer 8

“But these things were written so that you may believe that Jesus Christ is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name.”