The gospel of John has been called by some “the greatest book in the world.” It is as clear as a crystalline pool but so deep that its bottom will never be seen. It is a book for children and scholars, neither of which will ever get their fill. In one sense, it is direct, simple, and easily understood by everyone, but in another, it is so profound that it baffles even the greatest of scholars.
Author
The author is the Apostle John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20, 24).
John 21:20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
Date
The date of its writing is unknown, but it was written after the other three gospels and most probably occurred in the late first century, possibly 85 – 95 AD.
Purpose
The purpose of the gospel is clearly stated in (John 20:30-31).
John 20:30-31 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Theme
The theme of the book is the deity of Christ.
Style
The style is non-synoptic, which means it is different from the other three gospels. John had one theme and one purpose and everything he recorded was to attest to them. For example, in the synoptic gospels, the miracles of Jesus are often performed out of mercy, but in John they are always given as demonstrations of the Messiahship of Jesus that men may know Who He is and may be saved by believing upon Him.