FocusLife, light, and incarnation
Connection to the wholeThe prologue explains who the Gospel reveals, joining the Word's identity with His becoming flesh and making God known.
interpretation John 1:13
KJVWhich were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Read it in context
The Word and His coming
Start reading at John 1:1 (John 1:1 to John 1:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The prologue explains who the Gospel reveals, joining the Word's identity with His becoming flesh and making God known.
- 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
- 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
- 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
- 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
- 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
- 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
- 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
- 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
- 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
- 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
- 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
- 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
- 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
- 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
- 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
- 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
- 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 1:1–1:51): John the Baptist answers priests and Levites and points his disciples to Jesus; Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael feature in the first calling scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Word and His coming. Read John 1:1 through John 1:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The prologue explains who the Gospel reveals, joining the Word's identity with His becoming flesh and making God known. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Word and His coming (John 1:1 to John 1:18). Start reading at John 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 1:1, John 1:18, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- were John 3:3,5 Jas 1:18 1 Pet 1:3,23 1 Pet 2:2 1 John 3:9 1 John 4:7 1 John 5:1,4,18
- not John 8:33-41 Matt 3:9 Rom 9:7-9
- nor of the will of the Gen 25:22,28 Gen 27:4,33 Rom 9:10-16
- nor of the will of man Ps 110:3 Rom 9:1-5 Rom 10:1-3 1 Cor 3:6 Phil 2:13 Jas 1:18
- of God John 3:6-8 Titus 3:5 1 John 2:28-29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 1
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
John's testimony
John 1:19–34FocusPreparing and pointing to Jesus
Connection to the wholeJohn denies being the Christ and identifies Jesus, directing attention from the witness to the one witnessed about.
interpretation The first followers
John 1:35–51FocusCome and see
Connection to the wholePersonal encounters gather the first disciples and introduce titles and expectations that the narrative will develop and clarify.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.