John 13:34-35 is a passage from the New Testament where Jesus gives a new commandment to His disciples, telling them to love one another as He has loved them. The verses state:
> “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV)
From an evangelical Christian perspective, the author of this passage is traditionally believed to be the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. This belief is grounded in early church tradition as well as internal evidence found within the Gospel itself.
### Reasons for Believing John as the Author:
1. **Apostolic Authority**: John was one of the closest disciples of Jesus and part of His inner circle, which included Peter and James. His proximity to Jesus would have provided a unique perspective on Jesus’ teachings and actions.
2. **Style and Themes**: The Gospel of John has a distinctive style and theological emphasis compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It focuses heavily on the themes of love, light, and truth, which aligns with the message of John 13:34-35.
3. **Early Church Testimony**: Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria, directly attributed the Gospel to John, lending credibility to the tradition.
4. **Personal Reference**: John often refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), suggesting a close relationship with Jesus, enhancing the relevance and authority of his writing.
### Theological Emphasis:
From an evangelical perspective, the commandment to love one another is vital for the life of the church and is seen as a hallmark of true discipleship. Evangelicals view this as a call to embody Christ’s love in both individual and community contexts. The emphasis on love as the distinguishing mark of discipleship underscores the relational aspect of faith and the importance of living out the Gospel in interactions with others.
### Conclusion:
In summary, John 13:34-35 is viewed as a foundational passage for understanding the essence of Christian love and community, with John the Apostle being recognized as the likely author due to his close relationship with Jesus and his authoritative voice in the early church. Evangelicals uphold this passage as a commanding and transformative directive that shapes Christian living today.
