John 3:20-21 is part of the Gospel of John in the New Testament, which is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. From an evangelical Christian perspective, John’s authorship of this Gospel is widely accepted, and he is often referred to as “the Beloved Disciple.”
Here are some key points about the Apostle John and his authorship from an evangelical viewpoint:
1. **Background**: John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. He was a fisherman by trade before being called by Jesus to become a disciple. He is known for his close relationship with Jesus, often described as the disciple whom Jesus loved.
2. **The Gospel of John**: The Gospel is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in its style, content, and theological emphasis. It contains unique accounts of events in Jesus’ life and profound theological insights about His divinity and humanity.
3. **Themes in John**: John’s writings emphasize the importance of belief in Jesus as the Son of God, the necessity of salvation, and the theme of light versus darkness. John 3:20-21 specifically addresses the idea that people may avoid the truth because they prefer their actions to remain hidden.
4. **Historical Context**: The Gospel is believed to have been written in the late first century, possibly between AD 90 and 100. This period was marked by the early church’s struggles with Gnosticism and other teachings that departed from the apostolic faith.
5. **John’s Later Life**: According to tradition, John lived a long life, eventually settling in Ephesus where he continued to lead and teach within the early Christian community. He is often associated with writing the Book of Revelation and the three epistles of John later in the New Testament.
6. **Theological Significance**: Evangelicals regard John’s writings, including 1 John 3:20-21, as foundational texts for understanding the nature of God, the person and work of Christ, and the call to live in the light of His truth.
In summary, from an evangelical perspective, the Apostle John is viewed as a key figure in early Christianity whose writings, including John 3:20-21, provide deep insight into the nature of belief, the character of God, and the moral imperatives of living as a follower of Christ.
