The Book of John

The Gospel of John is the most reflective Gospel, opening with 'In the beginning was the Word.' It presents Jesus as the eternal Son of God and is often recommended as the best place to start reading the Bible.

Testament: New (21 chapters)
Type: Gospel
Date: Probably 85-95 AD — the latest Gospel.

The Word made flesh

John opens with cosmic scope — 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God' (1:1) — and lands on a stable: 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us' (1:14). The whole Gospel unfolds what that incarnation means.

I am — seven self-revelations

Seven 'I am' sayings of Jesus structure the Gospel: I am the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way the truth and the life, the true vine. Each picks up a deep Old Testament image and applies it to Christ.

Key verses (KJV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 (KJV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1 (KJV)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6 (KJV)

How to read John

Many Christian guides recommend John as the very first book of the Bible to read. Read one chapter a day for three weeks. Chapters 13-17 (the Last Supper and Jesus' farewell prayer) reward slow re-reading for a lifetime.

Read John on your iPhone

Read the full book of John in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

Read John free on iPhone.

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Popular chapters in John

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of John about?

John is a book of Gospel, running to 21 chapters. Its main threads: The Word made flesh; I am — seven self-revelations.

Who wrote the Book of John?

Traditionally John the apostle, son of Zebedee. The 'disciple whom Jesus loved' (13:23) is the book's source.

Where does John come in the Bible?

John is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Gospel books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.