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Why the Gospel of John Is Such a Surprise

Why the Gospel of John Is Such a Surprise

Monday, May 22, 2023
Presenter: Dr. Shirley Paulson
with guest scholar Dr. Paul N. Anderson

In our Bible and Beyond Discussions, we often look at lesser-known ancient texts because they help us understand something of antiquity that relates to Jesus. We are kicking off our two-month focus on “Surprising Things about Jesus” with the Gospel of John. Since it is one of only four gospels in the Bible itself, we might think it would have little to offer in terms of surprises. But our guest scholar, Dr. Paul Anderson, makes the case that this gospel has been overlooked in the historical quest for Jesus. He will start with an overview of the valuable things we do see in the Gospel of John that help us understand Jesus. Then we’ll discuss why this is such a surprise. And finally, we’ll have a chance to ask Paul more about why he thinks this gospel has been sidelined in this search for Jesus. The discussion about John’s value as a historical source will lead us into a deeper relationship between the Gospel of John and the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). We’ll learn from Paul more about the history of the study of the gospels and why the study of the synoptics led toward the exclusion of John.

Texts used in this discussion

Gospel of John

Chapter 1
Chapter 2:13 – 25
Chapter 18
Chapter 19

This is one item in our May–July 2023 focus on “Surprising Things about Jesus.” For more content please check this page.