The Gospel of John (Chapter 1)-Bible Study Program
Chapter 1 Verse Commentary - Study Guide & Reflective Questions
(The Apostle John)
Background of This Gospel (JOHN)
The Gospel of John is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, presenting a unique and deeply theological account of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The term “canonical gospels” refers to the four gospels that are included in the official canon of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are distinguished from non-canonical or apocryphal gospels, which were not included in the New Testament canon, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, or the Gospel of Judas. Apocryphal gospels are early Christian writings about Jesus that were not included in the New Testament canon. They often claimed to present teachings, stories, or revelations from Jesus or his disciples, but were ultimately not accepted by the early church as inspired Scripture.
The key characteristics of apocryphal Gospels are that they were written after the canonical Gospels (typically in the 2nd–4th century). The Gospel of John (a canonical Gospel) was most likely written between AD 90 and 100, although some scholars suggest a broader range from AD 80 to 110. Apocryphal Gospels focus more on esoteric, mystical, or speculative teachings rather than historical narratives. Gnostic or other fringe groups often used them. Gnosticism was a diverse and influential spiritual movement in the early centuries of Christianity that taught salvation through secret knowledge, known as “gnosis” (Greek for knowledge). It was eventually deemed heretical by the early Christian church.
While the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke, collectively known as the Synoptic Gospels) focus more on Jesus’ teachings, parables, and miracles from a narrative or historical perspective, John’s Gospel emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity and the spiritual significance of His mission.
A summary of The Gospel of John includes Jesus as the Eternal Word (Logos). John begins by declaring Jesus’ divine nature, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This sets the tone for the rest of this Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher, but God incarnate, eternal, preexistent, and the source of life and light.
The purpose of Jesus’ miracles is recorded in this Gospel, where John records seven “signs” (miracles) to reveal Jesus’ identity and inspire belief in Him. These include turning water into wine, healing the sick, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and raising Lazarus from the dead. Each of these miracles points to a more profound spiritual truth about who Jesus is.
Jesus’ “I AM” statements throughout the Gospel records where Jesus makes several of the “I AM” declarations (e.g., “I am the Bread of Life,” “I am the Light of the World,” “I am the Resurrection and the Life”), which connects Him directly with the name of God revealed in the Old Testament (”I AM who I AM” – Exodus 3:14). These statements affirm His divinity and His role as the source of salvation.
A central theme in John is that faith in Jesus leads to eternal life. The Gospel uses the word “believe” nearly 100 times, underscoring that salvation comes through personal trust in Christ, not just intellectual assent or religious observance.
Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which are the first three books of the New Testament and are called “synoptic” because they share a similar perspective, structure, and often the exact wording when recounting the life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the other Gospels present different perspectives. In the Gospel of John, John emphasizes that Jesus’ crucifixion is not a defeat, but a moment of glory and the fulfillment of His mission to redeem all humanity. His death is portrayed as a willing act of love and obedience.
John includes profound teachings about the Holy Spirit (the “Helper” or “Paraclete”) who will come after Jesus’ ascension (40 days after His crucifixion) to guide, comfort, and empower believers. The spiritual rebirth brought about by the Holy Spirit is key (see Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3).
John explicitly states that the purpose of his Gospel is to ensure that believers understand that it is to inspire. Stating, “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
Finally, the Gospel of John is a theological portrait of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God, sent from Heaven to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him. It focuses on revealing His identity through signs, teachings, and His ultimate sacrifice.
Who was the Apostle John?
John was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. His life and ministry are significant in Christian tradition and theology.
John was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the younger brother of James the Greater, who was also one of the 12 Apostles. Together, they were called the “Sons of Thunder” (Boanerges) by Jesus, likely due to their zealous and passionate nature. Before following Jesus, John and James worked as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.
John was part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and James. These three witnessed significant events, such as the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-13). Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33-42). The raising of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37-43). John is often identified as the “beloved disciple,” as mentioned in the Gospel of John, emphasizing his close relationship with Jesus.
This gospel is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and focuses on the divinity of Christ, emphasizing themes like light, love, and eternal life. This Gospel addresses themes of love, fellowship, and the nature of God. The Book of Revelation is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It is an apocalyptic text that describes visions of the end times, the Second Coming of Christ, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
According to tradition, John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. It was here that he is believed to have received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. John is thought to have settled in Ephesus later in life, becoming a prominent leader in the early Christian community. Unlike many of the other apostles, who were martyred, John is believed to have died of natural causes, possibly around the end of the 1st century.
John is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions and is the patron saint of love, loyalty, and authors. In Christian art, John is often depicted as an eagle, symbolizing the theological “soaring” nature of his gospel. John’s contributions to Christianity, both through his writings and his leadership in the early Church, have left an enduring legacy in theology, art, and tradition.
General Summary of The Gospel of John
Audience: General audience, focusing on deeper theological insights
Theme: Jesus as the Son of God and divine Word (Logos)
Key Features:
Focuses more on who Jesus is rather than what He did.
Includes unique miracles (e.g., turning water into wine, raising Lazarus).
The text contains long theological discourses, including Jesus’ “I AM” statements (e.g., “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”).
Starts with a cosmic prologue (“In the beginning was the Word...”).
Key Themes:
Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully divine.
Strong emphasis on belief, love, and eternal life.
Use of “I AM” statements (e.g., “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Unique Aspects:
Begins with a cosmic prologue: “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1).
Includes seven miracles (signs) to reveal Jesus’ identity.
Features long theological discourses (e.g., Jesus’ prayer in John 17).
Scripture & Commentary
The Gospel of John — Chapter 1 Study Guide
John 1 (1 – 5) The Eternal Word
(1) “In the beginning was the Word.” Jesus, the eternal Logos, was with God and is God, divine and pre-existent.
(2) He was with God from the start, co-eternal and in perfect fellowship with the Father.
(3) All things were created through Him; nothing exists apart from His power.
(4) In Him was life — the spiritual light that illuminates all humanity.
(5) His light shines continuously in darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it.
What Have We Learned:
Jesus is the eternal, divine Creator, the source of life and light, victorious over darkness. He is God’s perfect self-revelation and the foundation of our faith.
Reflection Prompt: Where do you see Christ’s light piercing the darkness in your own life today?
John 1: (6 – 13) John’s Witness — The True Light
(6) God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus.
(7) He came to testify about the Light so that people might believe.
(8) He was not the Light but a witness to it.
(9) The true Light, Jesus, enlightens everyone coming into the world.
(10) Though He made the world, the world did not recognize Him.
(11) His own people rejected Him.
(12) Those who received Him became children of God through faith in His name.
(13) They were born of God, not by human will but by His Spirit.
What Have We Learned:
Jesus is the true Light for all humanity. Though many reject Him, those who believe are reborn by God’s Spirit as His children.
Reflection Prompt: Have you personally welcomed the Light, or are you still standing in shadow?
John 1 (14 – 18) The Word Becomes Flesh
(14) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us; we saw His glory, full of grace and truth.
(15) John testified that Jesus, though coming after him, existed before him.
(16) From His fullness we receive grace upon grace — unending favor.
(17) The Law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
(18) No one has seen God, but the Son reveals Him fully.
What Have We Learned:
The incarnation is God dwelling with us. Through Jesus, we see God’s glory, truth, and abundant grace. He is the visible image of the invisible God.
Reflection Prompt: How does knowing that God took on flesh reshape your view of grace and truth?
John 1 (19 – 34) The Lamb of God
(19–20) John declares he is not the Christ but a messenger.
(21) He denies being Elijah or the Prophet.
(22–23) He identifies as “a voice crying in the wilderness,” preparing the way for the Lord.
(24–25) Pharisees question his authority to baptize.
(26–27) John says he baptizes with water, but One greater is among them.
(28) This occurred in Bethabara, beyond Jordan.
(29) John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
(30–31) He affirms Jesus’ preexistence and reveals this to Israel.
(32–33) The Spirit descended and remained on Jesus, divine confirmation.
(34) John testifies: “This is the Son of God.”
What Have We Learned:
Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the One who takes away sin and baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John models humility and faithful witness.
Reflection Prompt: Do your words and actions point others to Christ as John’s did?
John 1 (35 – 51) The First Disciples
(35–36) John again calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” directing his disciples to follow Him.
(37) Two disciples follow Jesus, seeking the true Teacher.
(38) Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” inviting heart examination.
(39) He says, “Come and see,” which is a personal call to experience Him.
(40) Andrew is identified and immediately brings his brother Peter.
(41) Andrew declares, “We have found the Messiah.”
(42) Jesus renames Simon “Peter,” foretelling his future role.
(43) Jesus calls Philip: “Follow Me.”
(44) Philip was from Bethsaida, home of Andrew and Peter.
(45) Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus of Nazareth, the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.
(46) Nathanael doubts but is invited to “Come and see.”
(47) Jesus calls him an Israelite without deceit.
(48) Jesus reveals supernatural knowledge: “I saw you under the fig tree.”
(49) Nathanael confesses, “You are the Son of God, the King of Israel.”
(50–51) Jesus promises greater revelations, and heaven will open, and angels will ascend on the Son of Man.
What Have We Learned:
Discipleship begins with witness and response. Jesus calls, renames, and reveals hearts. Faith spreads through personal encounter, and He is the bridge between heaven and earth.
Reflection Prompt: How is Jesus personally inviting you to “come and see” and follow Him deeper today?
Closing Thought
John 1 reveals Jesus as the eternal Creator, the genuine Light, the Lamb of God, and the bridge to heaven. To know Him is to see God and receive grace upon grace, a life that outshines every darkness.