The Gospel of 1 John
BLOCK F
The Author
John is suspected to be a Jewish Christian. The Johannine tradition is, in many respects, poorer than the synoptic. John has a special aim and this is the readiest explanation of his differences with the synoptics.
The Audience
The purpose of John’s letter is to oppose certain false ideas, especially about Jesus, and to deepen the spiritual and social awareness of the Christian community. John is writing to the Christians who are facing false accusations about Jesus. The reader is urged to believe Jesus is the Messiah.
John is writing to make and defend claims of Jesus, who continued to emerge more largely on to the community’s horizon and its heart of life.Date of the writing (c.)
The date of the writing for John’s gospel is approximately 90-100 AD
Christology
The Eagle
Unique Themes and Stories
John’s Gospel theme is light and darkness. "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." (12:46). Jesus is being seen as the light of the world. This verse states that those who are lacking in faith will be nurtured through Jesus.
In 1 John, the divinity of Jesus is not clearly identified. Jesus, the Risen Christ, taught with the use of his seven great "I AM" statements. Throughout the gospel Jesus is displayed as an omniscient man.
Unique Themes, Images, and Stories
JESUS WALKS ON WATER
JESUS CONVERTS WATER TO WINE
JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF the world
Model Disciple
5 Differences between the Gospel of John & the Synoptic Gospels
- The start of the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels are different. John starts his Gospel with the same words used in the beginning of the Book of Genesis, "In the beginning". The Synoptic Gospels start with Jesus' public ministry.
- The knowledge of Jesus as the Son of God. In the Gospel of John, the disciples acknowledge Jesus identity as the Son of God. In the Synoptic Gospels, the true identity of Jesus is known by only the reader and narrator, not the disciples.
- The use of allegories and parables. In the Gospel of John, there is no use of parables, Jesus used allegories. In the Synoptic Gospels, when Jesus taught he often used parables.
- John's Seven Signs. In the Gospel of John, Jesus performed signs rather than miracles. John focuses on the symbolic meaning of these signs rather than the act itself. In the Synoptic Gospels Jesus performs miracles.
- John's only focus is of his audience's interpretation of his Gospel.