MAY'S BOOK OF THE MONTH - JOHN

JOHN The author of the book is the apostle John, the disciple “whom Jesus loved”. He was prominent in the early church but is not mentioned by name in this Gospel – which would be natural if he wrote it, but hard to explain otherwise. In general, two views of the dating of this Gospel have been advocated: 1. The traditional view places it toward the end of the first century, c A.D 85 or later; 2. More recently, some scholars have suggested an earlier date, perhaps as early as the 50s and no later than 70. The first view may be supported by reference to the statement fo Clement of Alexandria that John wrote to supplement the accounts found in the other Gospels. The second view has found favor because it has been felt more recently that John wrote independently of the other Gospels. Those who hold this view point out that developed theology does not necessarily argue for a late origin. John is the only Gospel writer to mention more than one Passover. In fact, he lists three (2:13, 6:4, 13:1) and hints at a fourth (5:1). It is this enumeration that allows us to reconstruct a full three-year ministry for Christ on earth. This also helps to demonstrate that John was familiar with the other three Gospels and consciously supplemented as necessary. Fully 92 percent of John’s Gospel is unique, that is, not contained in any of the other accounts. -Exerpted From Zondervan KJV Study Bible *******************************************************************************************************************************************READING GUIDE: John has 21 chapters; May has 31 days and 21 weekdays, To complete the book by the end of the month, we should read one chapters per weekday, or something less than one chapter per day. Please visit the blog page frequently and share any new(or old) insights or other information that might enrich the reading experience of the rest of us as we try and take in all the blessings that God provides through this month's Book!