Symbols in the Gospel of John

Abstract

The New Testament begins with the first four gospel books, each proclaiming ideas unique to the time of their composition, as well as the audiences they wished to reach. The synoptic gospels consist of the first three gospels, making the Gospel of John very unique due to its exclusion from this trend. This new break in identity leads to various different ideals and theologies existing within John that cannot be found within the other three. John also incorporates his own rhetoric style of writing, neglecting the former synoptic traditions, which allows for a better understanding for a greater diversity of people. Therefore, through a collection of differences within John as compared to the synoptic gospels does John differentiate his distinct symbols and identify his purpose.

Biblical scholars believe John to be the last gospel written, and certain details exist within support this proposition. Scholars have estimated the composition of the gospel to occur between 90 and 100 C.E. due to the conflict within the gospel between Jesus and the Jewish people. Numerous accounts are mentioned within the Gospel of John references the expulsion of those who followed Jesus as the messiah from the Jewish synagogue. This conflict between Christian Jews and Non-Christian Jews arose many times, and actually occurred in history most significantly in the period of 90 to 100 C.E., hence the theory of the creation of the Gospel of John within that time frame (SMSB 1578). Therefore, this negative portrayal of the Jewish people exists within the literature in order to relate to the historical events of the time, which would allow for a larger collection of followers who could identify with the writings.