THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 1. WRITER: John, Son of Zebedee, brother of James, Called 'sons of thunder' by Jesus. Identified as the 'beloved disciple'. A fisherman, Palestinian Jew and close friend of Peter. (Gal 2:9) John became one of the leaders of the Jerusalem church. A man of courage, loyalty, spiritual perception and humility. John was one of the twelve. 2. KEY VERSES: (Jn 20:30,31) "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." 3. MAIN THEME: Jesus The Son Of God      a. Written to win unbelievers to faith in Christ. 'Signs' given to point to significant       spiritual truths. 4. OUTLINE:      A. Christ and Individuals (Ch 1-4)      B. Christ and The Multitudes (Ch 5-12)      C. Christ and His Disciples (Ch 13-17)      D. Christ and His Passion (Ch 18-21) 5 NOTES: John reveals Jesus in -      a. His exclusive offer seen in the 'I Am's'.      b. His concern and compassion for His own which is clearly evident.      c. His equality with God (in nature, power and authority). COMMENTS: John selected seven incidents to present in his book. These were designed not to give a biography of Jesus Christ, but to encourage belief. John combines simplicity of language with great depth of teaching. The first four chapters of his book are centered on the early Judean ministry of Christ not mentioned in the other gospels. The mention of Passover Feasts show Jesus' ministry was approximately three years in length. This gospel is thought to have been written approximately 90 AD. John also wrote the epistles of 1, 2 and 3 John. He penned Revelation as dictated by Jesus Himself. John does not mention Jesus' birth, baptism or temptation, but begins his gospel with Jesus existing with God the Father since the very beginning.