And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
Read it in contextBeyond Jordan
Start reading at John 10:40 (John 10:40 to John 10:42).
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.
Away from the immediate confrontation, people connect John's witness with Jesus' works and many believe on Him.
10:40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
10:41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.
10:42And many believed on him there.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
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 10:1–10:42): Jesus continues teaching about the shepherd and sheep; later Jewish opponents confront Him at the feast of dedication, while others across Jordan believe His testimony. 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? Beyond Jordan. Read John 10:40 through John 10:42 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Away from the immediate confrontation, people connect John's witness with Jesus' works and many believe on Him. 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 Beyond Jordan (John 10:40 to John 10:42).
Start reading at John 10:40. 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 10:40, John 10:42, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostleNamed 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.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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. The shepherd discourse follows the conflict over the healed man in John 9.
Connection to the wholeJesus contrasts His care with thieves and hirelings, explaining His giving of life for the sheep and producing further division among hearers.
Connection to the wholeJesus answers demands for plain testimony by pointing to His works and sheep, and His words provoke another attempt to seize Him.
Connection to the wholeAway from the immediate confrontation, people connect John's witness with Jesus' works and many believe on Him.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.