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 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.
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“John 1:1-2” Bibleref.com
What does John 1:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Context Summary
John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.
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“John 1:3” Bibleref.com
What does John 1:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 1:3
3 All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made.
Context Summary
John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.
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“John 1:4” Bibleref.com
What does John 1:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 1:4
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Context Summary
John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 1:12” Bibleref.com
What does John 1:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
Context Summary
John 1:1–18 is a poetic introduction of Jesus Christ. Jesus is referred to using the Greek word Logos, meaning “The Word.” This passage clearly describes Jesus as identical to God, and co-creator with God. These verses summarize Jesus’ ministry and mission on Earth. The passage also explains how John the Baptist (a different John from the author of this gospel) was sent ahead of Christ to prepare for His arrival.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“John 1:14” Bibleref.com
What does John 1:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Context Summary
John 2:1–12 describes Jesus’ first miracle, which is turning water into wine at a wedding. This miracle was very quiet, known only to a few people. Changing water, meant for purification, into wine, symbolic of blood, is a reference to Jesus’ role as Messiah. Instead of rituals, we are purified by the miraculous blood of Christ. John specifically uses the Greek word semeion, or “sign,” for these miracles, since they are meant to prove that Jesus is God. This is first of seven such signs in the gospel of John.
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“John 2:11” Bibleref.com
What does John 2:11 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 2:11
11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Context Summary
John 2:13–23 describes Jesus driving corrupt businessmen from the temple. Selling sacrifices to travelers was not a problem. The sin was in gouging the people, focusing on money, rather than serving God. Jesus is never depicted as out of control, but His anger is clear. It’s likely that this is an early temple cleansing, and the other gospels record a second, separate cleansing. Jesus’ authority is challenged by the authorities. In typical Hebrew style, they demand a miraculous sign. Jesus instead predicts His own death and resurrection. This passage is in contrast to the quiet, joyous miracle at the wedding.
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“John 2:19” Bibleref.com
What does John 2:19 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 2:19
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
Context Summary
John 3:16–21 begins with the most easily recognized portion of any holy book on Earth: John 3:16. This is a one-sentence summary of the entire gospel. Still, the verses which follow are just as critical for understanding the Christian message. Christ wasn’t sent to judge the world, but to bring salvation. This is an expression of God’s incredible love. However, those who do not believe in Jesus Christ are condemned in the eyes of God. Human preference for sin causes many to choose darkness over the Light.
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“John 3:16” Bibleref.com
What does John 3:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Context Summary
John 3:22–30 describes an argument between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader, over purification. Though the passage does not name him, it’s possible this man was Nicodemus, who had just been discussing that topic with Jesus. The Baptist isn’t upset that his followers are dwindling, while Jesus attracts crowds. Instead, he makes it clear that Christ’s that was his mission, and seeing it succeed makes him happy. Rather than being selfish about our own applause, we should be happy when our efforts cause people to praise God.
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“John 3:30” Bibleref.com
What does John 3:30 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 3:30
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Context Summary
John 3:31–36 describes how Jesus’ ministry is from God, but almost everyone will reject it. Verse 36 is an important footnote to the core gospel message, seen in John 3:16–21. Those who put their faith in Christ will be saved, but those who reject Him will face the wrath of God. This passage emphasizes the exclusivity of the gospel: there is absolutely no other way to obtain heaven, but through Jesus Christ. “Testimony,” and the need to believe it, are also crucial in this text.
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“John 3:36” Bibleref.com
What does John 3:36 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 3:36
36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Context Summary
John 4:5–26 describes one of the most famous moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Here, He converses with a Samaritan woman. This particular woman is not only an ”unclean” Samaritan, but an outcast among her own people. She attempts to avoid Jesus’ teachings, giving flippant and sarcastic answers. Despite that, and despite knowing all about her sin, Jesus encourages her with the love of God. This breaks through her hard heart; as a result, many others are brought to meet Christ. The disciples are also taught a valuable lesson about the purpose of their mission.
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“John 4:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 4:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 4:10
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Context Summary
John 4:5–26 describes one of the most famous moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Here, He converses with a Samaritan woman. This particular woman is not only an ”unclean” Samaritan, but an outcast among her own people. She attempts to avoid Jesus’ teachings, giving flippant and sarcastic answers. Despite that, and despite knowing all about her sin, Jesus encourages her with the love of God. This breaks through her hard heart; as a result, many others are brought to meet Christ. The disciples are also taught a valuable lesson about the purpose of their mission.
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“John 4:25-26” Bibleref.com
What does John 4:25 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 4:25-26
25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah comes, he who is called Christ. When he has come, he will declare to us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who speaks to you.”
Context Summary
John 5:1–15 shows Jesus healing a man who had been crippled for thirty-eight years. This is the third of John’s seven ”signs” of Christ. Interestingly, the crippled man expresses no prior knowledge of Jesus, nor any overwhelming desire to be healed. Jesus restores the man, then tells him to walk. For carrying his mat—working—the man is then confronted by local religious leaders, but doesn’t know who Jesus is. Jesus meets the man in the temple and warns him about the dangers of sin. Once the city’s leaders find out that Jesus was responsible for the healing, they will confront Him for violating the Sabbath, and for claiming to be equal with God.
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“John 5:8” Bibleref.com
What does John 5:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 5:8
8 Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk.”
Context Summary
John 5:16–29 begins Jesus’ response to local religious leaders. After healing a man on the Sabbath, Jesus is attacked for violating traditions related to the Mosaic law and for claiming to be equal to God. In this passage, Jesus claims many of the attributes of God the Father. Among these are the power, judgment, love, and honor of God. Jesus also states that those who reject His message dishonor God and only those who believe Him will have eternal life. In the next passage, Jesus will support these claims by referring to various forms of evidence, all of which prove His ministry to be true.
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“John 5:19” Bibleref.com
What does John 5:19 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 5:19
19 Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.
Context Summary
John 5:16–29 begins Jesus’ response to local religious leaders. After healing a man on the Sabbath, Jesus is attacked for violating traditions related to the Mosaic law and for claiming to be equal to God. In this passage, Jesus claims many of the attributes of God the Father. Among these are the power, judgment, love, and honor of God. Jesus also states that those who reject His message dishonor God and only those who believe Him will have eternal life. In the next passage, Jesus will support these claims by referring to various forms of evidence, all of which prove His ministry to be true.
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“John 5:24” Bibleref.com
What does John 5:24 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 5:24
24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Context Summary
John 6:22–40 describes the initial aftermath of Jesus’ feeding of thousands the previous day. The crowd’s actual desire is for another supernatural spectacle and more free food. In this passage, Christ begins to explain the true meaning behind His miracle and His ministry. This includes the first of seven ”I AM” statements in the gospel of John—moments where Jesus declares His own divinity. Jesus clarifies that physical things such as bread are meant to be symbols of a spiritual truth. In the following segment, the crowd will stop seeking and start complaining.
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“John 6:38” Bibleref.com
What does John 6:38 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 6:38
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
Context Summary
John 6:60–71 shows the drastic impact of Jesus’ teaching on the crowd: most walk away. When confronted with spiritual needs and a spiritual message, most people will turn it down. What society wants is spectacle, material things, and a political savior. The more Jesus insists on being the means to eternal life, the angrier the crowd becomes, until the vast majority simply abandon Him. The twelve disciples, on the other hand, seem willing to follow Jesus, though they are also struggling to accept His recent claims. Peter’s declaration will be the third of John’s seven witnesses to Jesus’ divinity.
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“John 6:63” Bibleref.com
What does John 6:63 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 6:63
63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.
Context Summary
Matthew 7:15–23 contains a two-sided warning about false believers. A religious leader may appear respectable and wise, but you must look at the fruit of his life in order to know if he truly represents God. In the same way, it’s possible for a person to claim to follow Jesus, referring to Him as “Lord,” when they are not true believers. Only those who do the will of the Father will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven—which Jesus defines as beginning with true belief (John 6:28–29). Our good works might fool other people, and might even fool ourselves, but they cannot fool God.
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“John 7:15” Bibleref.com
What does Matthew 7:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 7:15
15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never been educated?”
Context Summary
John 7:37–52 shows how Jesus’ public ministry challenges the traditional views of Judaism. This causes infighting among both the people and the Jewish leaders themselves. The people hear His words, see His miracles, and begin to wonder if Jesus really is the Promised One. Once again, the religious leaders attempt to arrest Jesus, but the officers are so impressed by His words that they leave Him alone. When Nicodemus, a Pharisee, makes a plea for due process, he is mocked and his suggestion is ignored. Moments such as this will eventually lead the Jewish leaders to extreme measures against Jesus.
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“John 7:38” Bibleref.com
What does John 7:38 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 7:38
8 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.”
Context Summary
John 7:53—8:11 is one of the most famous stories of the New Testament. However, scholars do not believe it was originally found in this particular place in Scripture. The flow of the gospel of John seems interrupted by the story. Also, in ancient manuscripts, these verses are located in various places. This leads to the consensus that it is a true story, but not part of John’s original narrative of the Festival of Booths in chapters 7 and 8. Jesus’ response to a trap sprung by the Pharisees is masterful. Though He alone has the moral authority to execute the woman for her sin, Jesus instead chooses forgiveness. This highlights a major concept of Christian ethics: just because one has the power to do something does not mean it’s the best option.
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“John 8:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:8-10
8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Context Summary
John 8:12–30 includes the second of Jesus’ seven ”I AM” statements, as recorded in the gospel of John. Jesus’ reference to light was probably playing off of a ritual performed during the Feast of Booths, where lamps would be lit using wicks made from the robes of priests. This continues the dialogue of chapter 7, picking up where John 7:52 left off. The exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees will escalate, in part showing that Jesus was not afraid to directly castigate those who misled the people.
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“John 8:21” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:21
21 Jesus said therefore again to them, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can’t come.”
Context Summary
John 8:31–59 is a passage which dovetails with John 2:13–22, where Jesus drives corrupt businessmen from the temple. These Scriptures disprove any myths that Jesus was weak, timid, passive, or soft. In this exchange with the Pharisees, Jesus pulls no punches. Jerusalem’s religious leaders, and their followers, continue to resist Jesus’ preaching. They rely on arrogance and insults, to which Jesus responds with blunt, unfiltered condemnation. This culminates in Jesus making an overt statement of His own divinity, punctuating the debate by declaring ”before Abraham was, I am!”
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“John 8:42” Bibleref.com
What does John 8:42 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 8:42
42 Therefore Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven’t come of myself, but he sent me.
Context Summary
John 9:35–41 shows Jesus meeting with the man He has healed, formerly blind since birth. His healing, and subsequent conversation with the Pharisees, has resulted in the man being excommunicated from his synagogue. Jesus reveals His identity to the man, and explains how this episode summarized His earthly ministry. The Pharisees, once again, prove their spiritual stubbornness, giving Jesus an opportunity to connect greater knowledge with greater responsibility.
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“John 9:38” Bibleref.com
What does John 9:38 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 9:38
38 He said, “Lord, I believe!” and he worshiped him.
Context Summary
John 9:35–41 shows Jesus meeting with the man He has healed, formerly blind since birth. His healing, and subsequent conversation with the Pharisees, has resulted in the man being excommunicated from his synagogue. Jesus reveals His identity to the man, and explains how this episode summarized His earthly ministry. The Pharisees, once again, prove their spiritual stubbornness, giving Jesus an opportunity to connect greater knowledge with greater responsibility.
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“John 9:41” Bibleref.com
What does John 9:41 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 9:41
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
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“John 10:9” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:9
9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
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“John 10:10” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:10
10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
Context Summary
John 10:1–21 continues directly from Jesus’ encounter with local religious leaders, after giving sight to a man born blind (John 9). Jesus’ references here to shepherds and shepherding are pointed barbs at these hypocritical, self-serving figures. In this section, Jesus actually creates three separate metaphors; these are not meant to be understood as a single analogy. The first comes in verses 1 through 6, the second in verses 7 through 9, and the third in verses 10 through 18. In doing so, Jesus explains how He differs from the corrupt leaders He confronts. He also delivers His third and fourth ”I am” statements, out of seven in this gospel.
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“John 10:17” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:17
17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, Isaiah 53:7-8 that I may take it again.
Context Summary
John 10:22–42 happens a few months after the controversy described in chapter 9 through the first half of chapter 10. Here, Jesus is cornered, in an overt threat, by the same religious leaders He has been castigating for years. He echoes the metaphors of sheep and shepherd He employed after giving sight to a blind man. Jesus points out that His teachings and miracles are all consistent with predictions of the Messiah, but these men refuse to accept Him. This culminates in another attempt on Jesus’ life, which He somehow avoids. This represents the last time Jesus will publicly teach prior to His crucifixion.
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“John 10:28” Bibleref.com
What does John 10:28 mean? | BibleRef.com
John 10:28
28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
(Read John 10:22-30)
All who have any thing to say to Christ, may find him in the temple. Christ would make us to believe; we make ourselves doubt. The Jews understood his meaning, but could not form his words into a full charge against him. He described the gracious disposition and happy state of his sheep; they heard and believed his word, followed him as his faithful disciples, and none of them should perish; for the Son and the Father were one. Thus he was able to defend his sheep against all their enemies, which proves that he claimed Divine power and perfection equally with the Father.
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John 10 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) (christianity.com)
John 10:29-30
29 My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
