Brief Summary:
The gospel of John includes only seven miracles—John calls them “signs”—to demonstrate the deity of Christ and illustrate His ministry. Some of these miracles and stories, such as the raising of Lazarus, are found only in John. His is the most theological of the four Gospels, and he often gives the reason behind events mentioned in the other gospels. The gospel of John shares much about the approaching ministry of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension. There are certain words or phrases that create a recurring theme in the gospel of John: believe, witness, Comforter, life – death, light – darkness, I am, and love.
The gospel of John introduces Jesus Christ, not from His birth, but from “the beginning,” before creation. John calls Jesus “the Word” (Logos) who, as God Himself, was involved in every aspect of creation (John 1:1–3) and who later became flesh (verse 14) in order that He might take away our sins as the spotless Lamb of God (verse 29). The gospel of John includes several spiritual conversations, such as Jesus’ talk with the Samaritan woman that shows
Him as the Messiah (John 4:26) and Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus that explains salvation through His vicarious death on the cross (John 3:14–16). In the gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly angers the Jewish leaders by correcting them (John 2:13–16); healing on the Sabbath, and claiming traits belonging only to God (John 5:18; 8:56–59; 9:6, 16; 10:33).
The last nine chapters of the gospel of John deal with the final week of Jesus’ life. Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming death and for their ministry after His resurrection and ascension (John 14–17). He then willingly dies on the cross in our place (John 10:15–18), paying our sin debt in full (John 19:30) so that whoever trusts in Him will be saved (John 3:14–16). Jesus then rises from the dead, convincing even the most doubting of His disciples that He is God and Master (John 20:24–29).
The Book of John Summary
Summary of the Gospel of John – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
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“John 15:2” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:2
2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 15:5” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:5
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 15:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:6
6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 15:7” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:7
7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 15:9” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:9
7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
Context Summary
John 15:1–11 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known metaphors: the vine and the branches. This features the seventh of seven “I Am” statements as recorded by John. Jesus lays out several nuanced ideas, touching on Christian perseverance, faith, false conversion, and spiritual effectiveness. This ends with another reference to loving obedience, which sets up the next passage of Jesus’ teaching.
For a more detailed explanation select the link below.
“John 15:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:10
10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love.
Context Summary
John 15:12–17 builds on Christ’s explanation of the vine and branches. Once again, Jesus commands His followers to demonstrate love toward each other. This is phrased, in no uncertain terms, as an obligation given directly by Christ. Jesus once again ties willingness to obey to the legitimacy of one’s love for Him. This contrasts with the hatred shown by the unbelieving world, which He discusses in the following passage.
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“John 15:13” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Context Summary
John 15:12–17 builds on Christ’s explanation of the vine and branches. Once again, Jesus commands His followers to demonstrate love toward each other. This is phrased, in no uncertain terms, as an obligation given directly by Christ. Jesus once again ties willingness to obey to the legitimacy of one’s love for Him. This contrasts with the hatred shown by the unbelieving world, which He discusses in the following passage.
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“John 15:14” Bibleref.com
What does John 15:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 15:14
14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
Context Summary
John 16:5–15 resumes an explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus began to discuss this topic in John 15:26–27, before returning to the subject of persecution (John 16:1–4). Christ must leave the world, so His followers will learn to depend on the influence of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit will guide, judge, and speak in order to bring glory to God.
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“John 16:13” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:13
13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
Context Summary
John 16:5–15 resumes an explanation of the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus began to discuss this topic in John 15:26–27, before returning to the subject of persecution (John 16:1–4). Christ must leave the world, so His followers will learn to depend on the influence of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit will guide, judge, and speak in order to bring glory to God.
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“John 16:15” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:15
15 All things that the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes[b] of mine and will declare it to you.
Context Summary
John 16:16–24 once again reminds the disciples that Christ must suffer and die for the sins of the world (Mark 8:31). The days ahead will be especially dark and frightening for those who so closely followed Jesus. Yet the outcome will be powerful and world changing. Jesus explains this using the analogy of childbirth. The process of giving birth is painful—but the reward is immeasurably valuable. Afterwards, joy over the new birth far outweighs memories of the painful birth process.
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“John 16:22” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:22 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:22
22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
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“John 16:27” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:27
27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 16:31” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:31 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:31
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
For a more detailed explanation select the link below.
“John 16:33” Bibleref.com
What does John 16:33 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 16:33
33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Context Summary
John 17:1–5 begins what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. After giving a few last lessons to His disciples (John 16:31–33), Christ now prays. John explained certain earlier incidents by noting that it was not yet Jesus’ “time.” Here, that time has come. Christ begins by praying for Himself, though His words convey complete submission to the will of God. This moment occurs just before Jesus and the disciples enter Gethsemane, where He will pray again prior to being arrested.
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“John 17:1” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:1
Jesus said these things, then lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you;
Context Summary
John 17:1–5 begins what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. After giving a few last lessons to His disciples (John 16:31–33), Christ now prays. John explained certain earlier incidents by noting that it was not yet Jesus’ “time.” Here, that time has come. Christ begins by praying for Himself, though His words convey complete submission to the will of God. This moment occurs just before Jesus and the disciples enter Gethsemane, where He will pray again prior to being arrested.
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“John 17:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:4
4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.
Context Summary
John 17:6–19 continues the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, prior to crossing into the garden of Gethsemane. After asking God the Father to glorify Him, so He may glorify the Father, Jesus now prays for His disciples. Earlier passages included Jesus’ warnings about persecution (John 16:1–4). His plea, here, is for the apostles’ continued faith in the face of that hardship. While this passage has application for all Christians, the immediate subject is Jesus’ immediate circle of closest disciples. After this, Jesus’ prayer will continue with an emphasis on all future believers.
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“John 17:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:6
6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.
Context Summary
John 17:20–26 completes the High Priestly Prayer offered by Jesus just before He goes to Gethsemane, where He will be captured by His enemies. His prayer has included requests on behalf of Himself and His closest disciples. Now, Christ begins to pray for those who will come to faith in Him through the writings and teachings of those apostles. A major theme of this prayer is for love and unity.
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“John 17:21” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:21
21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.
Context Summary
John 17:20–26 completes the High Priestly Prayer offered by Jesus just before He goes to Gethsemane, where He will be captured by His enemies. His prayer has included requests on behalf of Himself and His closest disciples. Now, Christ begins to pray for those who will come to faith in Him through the writings and teachings of those apostles. A major theme of this prayer is for love and unity.
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“John 17:23” Bibleref.com
What does John 17:23 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 17:23
23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me and loved them, even as you loved me.
Context Summary
John 18:1–11 occurs after Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17). The garden setting evokes both the beginning and end of human history (Genesis 2:8; Revelation 22:1–5). Christ’s obedience contrasts with the disobedience of Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 2:8; Genesis 3:12). Writing after the other Gospels were in circulation, John skips over Jesus’ prayers in the garden (Matthew 26:36–46). Judas arrives to identify Jesus so He can be arrested. Christ provides a last demonstration of power before submitting to His enemies. Peter’s maiming of a servant is mentioned, along with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter, but not the healing of the servant’s ear (Luke 22:50–51), or the disciples retreat (Matthew 26:56). David, also, experienced betrayal by a close ally while crossing Kidron on the way to the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:23–31).
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“John 18:6” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:5-6
5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Context Summary
John 18:1–11 occurs after Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17). The garden setting evokes both the beginning and end of human history (Genesis 2:8; Revelation 22:1–5). Christ’s obedience contrasts with the disobedience of Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 2:8; Genesis 3:12). Writing after the other Gospels were in circulation, John skips over Jesus’ prayers in the garden (Matthew 26:36–46). Judas arrives to identify Jesus so He can be arrested. Christ provides a last demonstration of power before submitting to His enemies. Peter’s maiming of a servant is mentioned, along with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter, but not the healing of the servant’s ear (Luke 22:50–51), or the disciples retreat (Matthew 26:56). David, also, experienced betrayal by a close ally while crossing Kidron on the way to the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:23–31).
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“John 18:11” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:11 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:11
11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?”
Context Summary
John 18:28–40 describes Jerusalem’s religious leaders taking Jesus to the local Roman governor. While Jewish authorities are allowed punish blasphemers, Roman law will not let them administer the death penalty. Jesus is too well-liked to be assassinated, so His enemies will attempt to paint Him as a rebel against Rome. In a private interview with Pilate, Jesus claims His role as King, but also notes that His purpose is not yet to rule an earthly kingdom. Pilate attempts to appease the crowd, trying to spare a clearly innocent man, but a mob has formed to demand Jesus’ death. John continues his habit of skipping details offered in other Gospels. He does not repeat the account of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:55–65), nor the part of Pilate’s investigation where Jesus is sent briefly to Herod (Luke 23:6–12).
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“John 18:36” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:36 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
Context Summary
John 18:28–40 describes Jerusalem’s religious leaders taking Jesus to the local Roman governor. While Jewish authorities are allowed punish blasphemers, Roman law will not let them administer the death penalty. Jesus is too well-liked to be assassinated, so His enemies will attempt to paint Him as a rebel against Rome. In a private interview with Pilate, Jesus claims His role as King, but also notes that His purpose is not yet to rule an earthly kingdom. Pilate attempts to appease the crowd, trying to spare a clearly innocent man, but a mob has formed to demand Jesus’ death. John continues his habit of skipping details offered in other Gospels. He does not repeat the account of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:55–65), nor the part of Pilate’s investigation where Jesus is sent briefly to Herod (Luke 23:6–12).
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“John 18:37” Bibleref.com
What does John 18:37 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 18:37
37 Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
Context Summary
John 19:1–16 continues Jesus’ interrogation by the Roman governor, Pilate. Pilate has already recognized Jesus’ innocence and continues to look for ways to release Him without an execution. Religious leaders refuse this, using the threat of a riot to coerce the governor. Eventually, Pilate gives in and orders Jesus to be crucified. Parallel accounts are found in Matthew 27:24–30, Mark 15:12–15, and Luke 23:20–25.
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“John 19:2-3” Bibleref.com
What does John 19:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 19:2-3
2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 3 They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him.
Context Summary
John 19:38–42 describes Jesus’ hasty burial. A member of the Jewish leadership and secret follower of Jesus, Joseph, gets permission to bury Jesus. He works with Nicodemus, who has also been secretive about his faith. They quickly wrap Jesus in grave cloths and place Him in a borrowed tomb. Parallel passages are Matthew 27:57–61, Mark 15:42–47, and Luke 23:50–56.
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“John 19:41” Bibleref.com
What does John 19:41 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 19:41
41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid.
Context Summary
John 20:11–18 describes a remarkable scene. In an era where women were ignored and often mistrusted, a woman becomes the first person to share her experiences with a risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene encounters two angels outside Jesus’ empty tomb, followed by Jesus Himself. She obeys His commands to speak with the disciples. This event is another example of John including certain details, without repeating the exact same points as the other, older gospel writings (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12).
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“John 20:15” Bibleref.com
What does John 20:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 20:15
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
Context Summary
John 20:11–18 describes a remarkable scene. In an era where women were ignored and often mistrusted, a woman becomes the first person to share her experiences with a risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene encounters two angels outside Jesus’ empty tomb, followed by Jesus Himself. She obeys His commands to speak with the disciples. This event is another example of John including certain details, without repeating the exact same points as the other, older gospel writings (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12).
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“John 20:17” Bibleref.com
What does John 20:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 20:17
17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Context Summary
John 20:24–29 is the source of an unfortunate nickname: “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas was not present when Jesus came through a locked door and proved to the other disciples that He was alive. He makes an exaggerated demand for proof before he will believe, insisting on more evidence than is reasonable. Once again, Jesus passes through a physical barrier to appear. Thomas is reminded of his earlier stubbornness, but humbly confesses that Jesus is God.
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“John 20:27” Bibleref.com
What does John 20:27 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 20:27
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”
Context Summary
John 21:15–19 is a poignant moment between Peter and the resurrected Jesus. Early in his ministry, Jesus inspired a faithful response from Peter, by miraculously providing fish (Luke 5:5–8). He then called Peter to become a disciple (Luke 5:10–11). Not many days before this breakfast on the beach, Peter had stood near a fire and denied even knowing Christ three times (John 18:25–27). Now, in front of another fire, Jesus asks Peter to affirm his faithful love three times. Peter grasps the symbolism. Jesus affirms Peter’s calling to serve Him and predicts the matter of Peter’s death.
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“John 21:15” Bibleref.com
What does John 21:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 21:15
15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
Context Summary
John 21:24–25 is something of a signature applied to the end of the gospel of John. The words of these last two verses are probably a combination of John’s dictation to a scribe, a note from either that scribe or another believer, and possibly John’s own handwritten note. They affirm this book was written by John, based on his own experiences. The last words of the text remind the reader that not everything Christ said or did in His earthly ministry was recorded in the Bible.
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“John 21:25” Bibleref.com
What does John 21:25 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 21:15
25 There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.
