Preface

John’s Gospel is a profoundly mystical book, sometimes surprising in its style and non-traditional content. Though at times appearing to embrace Gnosticism, it establishes its author’s legitimacy as an eyewitness and disciple by displaying detailed knowledge of the events he chose to include.

While believed to have been written as late as 85-90 A.D. it is the latest of all of the eyewitness accounts, including those of the Apostle Paul.

While authorship is commonly attributed to John the “Beloved Disciple,” scholars question this because of the periodic use of a third person narrative style, and its disconnect from the other 3 gospels referred to as synoptic or “similar.” This does not detract from its content whatsoever.

“Nowhere is Jesus’ glory more splendid than in the Fourth Gospel. Nor is his humanity more human than anywhere else – right down to the account of his death and resurrection. And nowhere else does the Son of man, clothed by God with all power, descend more deeply, realistically, and scandalously into human flesh.”

The Gospel of John by Herman Ridderbos

Acknowledgements

All thanks, praise and glory go to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who literally saved my life.

I give extra credit to my wife, Rebecca, who works harder than most allowing me to do projects like this. She believes in my ministries and says it’s ok to do what God calls me to. We have come a long way from our days in Greenville with an inflatable bed, one chair and a TV, haven’t we!

Because God works in minute, strange, and miraculous ways there is not one individual I have crossed paths with who should not be included in this list; however, space is limited:

John, Lois, Steve and Michael Matthews; Mom and Dad Lawrence; daughters Brooks, Katherin and Ashley Siobhan; Jack Poirier; Scott & Jeri Lewis; my many congregations, Bible studies, and Christ-following friends over the years like Belinda, Victoria, Lauren, Beth, Joe, Rodney, Glenn and Jeff; Mike Richmond; Pastor Tara, Pastor Rob, Pastor Carrie, Pastor Ed, Pastor Gary and both Pastors named Chuck; Doug Campbell; Gary Rollstin; brothers Kevin & Keenan; Jack Reeder, Mrs. Kroger, Mrs. Ruby & Mrs. Porter; Alan Capasso; Mom & Dad Hammaker; Tim Lawrence; Arno Froese and Midnight Call Ministries; Jerry Morton, Bill Morse and Tom Macy; Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim, Aunt Phyl and Aunt Bea ...

Note: Unless otherwise indicated all Scriptural passages are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible hardcover © 2010 by Holman Bible Publishers, and online versions using websites e-Sword and theWord.