The Book of John: A Brief Summary
The Gospel of John is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, written by John the Apostle. It provides a unique perspective on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
John’s Gospel is distinct from the other Gospels in that it emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and his relationship with God the Father. It also contains several unique stories and teachings not found in the other Gospels.
Reading the Book of John in 60-Seconds or Less
Chapter 1: Jesus is the Word made flesh. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (1:1)
Chapter 2: Jesus performs his first miracle at a wedding in Cana. "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." (2:5)
Chapter 3: Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born again. "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." (3:16)
Chapter 4: Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." (4:14)
Chapter 5: Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda. "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." (5:8)
Chapter 6: Jesus feeds the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger." (6:35)
Chapter 7: Jesus teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles. "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." (7:37)
Chapter 8: Jesus forgives a woman caught in adultery. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (8:7)
Chapter 9: Jesus heals a man born blind. "I am the light of the world." (9:5)
Chapter 10: Jesus teaches about being the Good Shepherd. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (10:14)
Chapter 11: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (11:25)
Chapter 12: Jesus is anointed by Mary. "Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this." (12:7)
Chapter 13: Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet." (13:14)
Chapter 14: Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit. "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." (14:16)
Chapter 15: Jesus teaches about bearing fruit. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." (15:5)
Chapter 16: Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit’s work in the world. "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." (16:13)
Chapter 17: Jesus prays for his disciples. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (17:17)
Chapter 18: Jesus is arrested and brought before Pilate. "My kingdom is not of this world." (18:36)
Chapter 19: Jesus is crucified and buried. "It is finished." (19:30)
Chapter 20: Jesus is resurrected and appears to his disciples. "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." (20:21)
Chapter 21: Jesus appears to his disciples again and reinstates Peter. "Feed my sheep." (21:17)
Reading the entire book of John can take several hours, but even reading a few verses each day can bring one closer to the divine. So, take a few minutes each day to read John and discover the many ways in which Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God.