Today we will be taking a look at John, and his books. Again, yes he wrote multiple books. This post may also be a bit long, but will be worth the read.

Before I get into the blog. I wanted to let you know that I will be doing a blog a day during Holy Week ,which leads up to Easter. Let your friends know about it, it should be a great week of blogs.

John wrote 5 books in the New Testament. They are: John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. The Book of John is a gospel, 1John, 2John, and 3John are epistles ( letters), and Revelation is a prophecy. The possible dates of each writing are the following: John was written 80-90 AD, the three epistles were written 90-95 AD, and Revelation was written in 95 AD.

John was known as John The Apostle. He was considered to be the closest disciple to the heart of Jesus. John and his brother James were among the first disciples whom Jesus told to follow him. John and James were sons of Zebedee, who owned a successful fishing business in Galilee. During Christ’s ministry, John, James (John’s brother), and Simon Peter were the only disciples whom had the privilege to watch certain miracles. Upon the death of Jesus, John was told to look after Jesus’ mother, Mary, as if she was his own mother. Some scholars believe that John was younger then the other disciples, possibly a teenager. He lived to be older then the other disciples, and was the only disciple not do a martyr’s death.

John wrote the book of Revelation while he was in jail on the island of Patmos. He either was released or escaped, as he died a few years later as a free man.

The book of John covered the period of 7 BC to 26 AD, and was written between 80-90 AD. This book was known in America as the Bible book that new Christians should start with.

Some of the famous stories in the Book of John include:

1. Jesus turning water into wine
2. Raising Lazarus from the dead
3. The famous seven (7) ” I am” statements of Jesus ( I will be discussing these statements at a later time, just not sure when)

The book of John has 3 famous verses, one which every Christian knows.

1. John 3:16: ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. John 14:6: ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
3. John 3:3: ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again

Some of the important points of the book include:

1. He wanted to make sure that people knew that Jesus was not just a great prophet, miracle man, or teacher, but He was “the only begotten son of God”
2. New Christians often start reading their bibles with the book of John.

1 John was written between 90-95 AD, this is the first epistle (letter) written by Jesus’ closest disciple. it was written to combat false teachings called “Gnosticism.” Gnostics taught that Jesus was a spirit and never had a body and other errors.

There are two famous verses that come out of 1 John:

1. 1 John 1:8-9: ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2. 1 John 4:7: ⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

John wanted people to know that love is most important. That love comes from God. John also wanted us to know that it is important not to listen to false teachers.

2 John was also written between 90-95 AD, this is the second epistle that he wrote. John again is dealing with the same issue as in 1 John, but not in as much detail. It is suggested that he is responding to someone that wrote to him. He is encouraging a woman in a general way, saying that he hopes to see her soon and give her details in person.

This short one chapter book gives great encouragement to walk in the light and to love one another, even when it is hard.

3 john was also written between 90-95 AD. This is the shortest book in the New Testament. In this letter John criticized a false teacher. He even named the false teacher, his name is Diotrephes. He accused the man of having a big ego and being a troublemaker. This letter shows that even in the early days of the church, it has the same problems that we do in our day.

Famous verses in 3 John:

1. 3 John 1:4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
2. 3 John 1:11: ¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

The book of Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. it was believed to be have been written around 95 AD, while John was in jail on the Island of Patmos. The main issue that the book addresses is the end times and the coming of Jesus back to earth.

In my opinion it is one of the most difficultness to understand, as there a a lot of symbols in the book. The big take away from Revelation is that Jesus returns to earth.

There are two famous verses:

1. Revelation 3:20: ⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
2. Revelation 21:1: Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I apologize that this blog is so long. I really hope that you enjoyed reading it. Please leave a comment, or like this (if you really did like it). Have a blessed day