In the evangelical Christian tradition, the passage John 10:28-30 is attributed to the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. This passage is part of the Gospel of John, which is thought to have been written by John around the late first century AD, possibly between 85 and 95 AD.
### Key Points about the Author:
1. **Identity**: The Apostle John is often referred to as the “Beloved Disciple” in the New Testament. He is traditionally regarded as the son of Zebedee and the brother of James.
2. **Witness to Jesus**: As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John had firsthand experience of Jesus’ ministry, teachings, miracles, and interactions with people. This close relationship likely informed his writing style and theological insights.
3. **Theological Emphasis**: The Gospel of John emphasizes the divinity of Christ and presents deep theological ideas about the nature of Jesus as the Son of God. Themes of love, eternal life, and the relationship between believers and Jesus are prevalent throughout the text.
4. **Purpose of Writing**: John states his purpose for writing in John 20:31, where he says that he wrote the signs (miracles) and teachings of Jesus so that readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in His name.
5. **Context of John 10:28-30**: In this passage, Jesus speaks of His role as the Good Shepherd and reaffirms the security of His followers. He states that no one can snatch them out of His hand, emphasizing His divine authority and the unity of the Father and the Son.
### Evangelical Interpretation:
Evangelicals often view this passage as a powerful affirmation of eternal security for believers – the idea that once one has received eternal life through faith in Christ, it cannot be lost. The relationship between Jesus and the Father is a core element of their faith, as indicated by Jesus’ declaration that He and the Father are one in verse 30.
Overall, John’s authorship of this passage is significant for evangelicals as it underscores the core beliefs of Christ’s divine nature and His protecting relationship with believers.