John
The Gospel that presents Jesus as the Word made flesh and tells of signs written “that you may believe.”
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
The book names no author but says the “disciple whom Jesus loved” bears witness to these things. It states its purpose: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life.John 21:24; John 19:35; John 20:30–31
- Outside evidence
The Rylands Papyrus P52, a fragment of John 18 found in Egypt, is usually dated about AD 125 (some scholars allow a range from about 100 to 175). The pool of Siloam and the pool of Bethesda, mentioned in John 5 and 9, have both been excavated in Jerusalem.P52; John 5:2; John 9:7
- Debated
Irenaeus names John the apostle, and many readers accept this. Many scholars attribute the book to a disciple or a community around the apostle, and some to another man named John. The author’s identity is debated.Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1
- Christian conclusion
Christians read John 1:1–14 as stating that Jesus is God incarnate.John 1:1; John 1:14