Gospel of John A bible study

1. Gospel of JohnA bible study Quarter 1Session 1

2. Session 1 Outline • Introduction • Course Outline • Assumptions • Basic Hermeneutics (How to Interpret Scripture) • Introduction to the Gospel of John

3. Course Outline

4. Bible Study Assumptions • The Bible is the Word of God • Human authors (see Heb. 1:1) • Human language, Human context • God inspired (see 2 Tim. 3:16) – Verbal inspiration • Preservation of God’s Word • God is always Truthful and Trustworthy • Taken on faith • Based on experience • We have the ability to interpret the Bible ourselves • Don’t need special people to interpret • God is speaking to all of us, not just some (Deut. 29:29) • But… There is only one correct interpretation: God’s

5. Basic Hermeneutics • Four Basic Rules for Interpretation • In priority order • I. Interpret using the Literal meaning • In other words, “If the plain sense makes good sense, then seek no other sense.” • Take into account the type of writing it is • Don’t be too wooden in your literalness • II. Keep within the context • Don’t take verse or phrase out of context • Interpret from broader to narrower

6. Basic Hermeneutics • III. The Bible interprets the Bible • Similar to keeping in the context, but even broader • First reference • Later passages can explain older passages • Remember: there are no real contradictions • IV. The larger (external) context • Historical context • The author, the cultural context, etc. • Should only be supplemental

7. Introduction to Gospel of John • Author – John the Apostle • One of the first two disciples called • With Jesus at mount of transfiguration • John within his own gospel story • Probably youngest disciple • Only apostle not martyred • Date – around 85 AD

8. Introduction to Gospel of John • Relation to other Gospels • All cover the work of Christ • Others concentrate on His activities and teaching • John concentrates on proving His Deity, and on Salvation through belief in Him, and on His person • “Genealogies” • Things (and themes) to look for • Various proofs of who Jesus really is • Jesus’ “I am” and “Verily, verily” statements • Jesus’ discourses and personal explanations

9. Assignment for Next Week • Read John Chapter 1

10. Any Questions?

11. Contact • My email address: • John.Nozzi@WesternComputer.com • Use subject: Gospel of John