In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III offers a deep study of the Gospel of St. John, showing its unique position among the four Gospels and its profound theological and spiritual purpose—to declare the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son and the Word made flesh.

Main Idea

The Gospel of John differs from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in aim and content. It is a spiritual and theological Gospel, written to proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that faith in Him gives eternal life. John wrote last to reveal the depth of Christian faith and the divine nature of Christ.

Core Points

• The first Gospel written was Mark (~56 AD), followed by Matthew (56–58 AD), Luke (~60 AD), and finally John (~95 AD in Ephesus).

• John avoided repeating previous miracles, choosing instead those that reveal Christ’s glory and divinity.

• The stated purpose (John 20:31): “These are written that you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

• John’s Gospel has two purposes: theological (to prove Christ’s divinity) and spiritual (to grant life through faith).

• St. John, “the Beloved” and “the Theologian,” shows that theology is not mere reasoning but knowing, loving, and living in God.

• “Only Begotten Son” (John 1:18, 3:16) refers to the Son begotten of the Father’s divine essence, unlike our adoption as sons by grace.

• Each miracle demonstrates faith in Christ’s divinity, as in the healing of the blind man and the raising of Lazarus.

• The repeated “I Am” sayings affirm Christ’s unity with the Father: “I am the Bread of Life,” “I am the Light of the World,” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

• The Gospel’s poetic and rhythmic style, with repeated contrasts (light/darkness, life/death, belief/unbelief), deepens its spiritual message.

Theological and Spiritual Meaning

The Gospel of John reveals the incarnate theology: Christ as the eternal Word made flesh to give life.
“Only Begotten Son” expresses His divine generation from the Father’s essence.
True faith is not just belief in doctrine but a living union with Christ, the source of eternal life.

Practical Application

His Holiness urges believers to live faith as a living relationship, not as mere knowledge.
To know Christ is to live in His light and love, because true theology is communion with God through the Son.
Every word—life, light, truth—in this Gospel invites the faithful to abide in Christ, the eternal Word who gives life to all.For better translation support, please contact the center.