Introduction to the Gospel of John

Authorship: Internal and external evidence points to the Apostle John as the author of the Gospel.  John most likely wrote from the Island of Patmos, where he was exiled in the latter part of his life by the Roman Emperor Domitian. 

Audience: John wrote to a general Gentile audience.

Date: The Gospel was most likely written between A.D. 85-95. 

Purpose: The major purpose of John is to provide information about Jesus in order to persuade the reader that He is the Christ, the Son of God.  Believing in Jesus results in the benefit of receiving eternal life.  John writes: “Therefore many other signs [σημεῖον semeion – distinguishing marks] Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).