Place of Writing

Although there is no definitive answer to where John wrote his gospel. Early church tradition points to Ephesus.

The early church father Irenaeus says "Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his resence at Ephesus in Asia." Irenaeus had personal contact with Polycarp, who knew John personally.

Others have suggested that the Gospel was written in Alexandria or somewhere in Egypt because an early manuscript has been found in Egypt. And others suggest a general region of Antioch.

The Gospel According to John, Leon Morris p. 54

Purpose of Writing

John tells us in so many words why he wrote: "these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (20:31). There seems to be no reason for ignoring this express statement. John says plainly that he is out to show Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. ... Not only does John tell us this in set terms, but close examination shows that this is, inf fact, what he has don. Again and again he brings before us evidence that Jesus is indeed the Christ. ...Moreover, John constantly lets us see the challenge posed by the message of Jesus. People divide in the presence of this message. Either they commit themselves to Christ in faith and so enter life of they refuse to commit themselves to Christ in faith and so enter life or they refuse to commit themselves and in so doing remain in darkness and a condition of lostness.

The Gospel According to John, Leon Morris p. 34

Date of writing

Conservatives and radicals alike generally hold that the Fourth Gospel is of comparatively late date. It is commonly held that it was written in the last decade of the first century, though some authors prefer a date in the early second century.

The Gospel According to John, Leon Morris p.25

A Gospel for All

Leon Morris begins his commentary with the comparison of John's gospel to a pool in which a child may wade and an elephant can swim. It is both simple and profound. It is for the veriest beginner in the faith and for the mature Christian.

The Gospel According to John, Leon Morris p. 3

21:30,31

John 21:30,31 Now there are many other signs, not written in this book, which Jesus did in the presence of his disciples; but these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that, believing, you may have life in his name.

We see John's purpose in these verses. That we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing we may have life in his name. Through out John we see witnesses and testimonies to who Jesus Christ is. We have the seven signs, the seven I Am's, Jesus testifying of himself, disciples and others testifying that He is son of God. All these things are written that we would believe in Jesus.

There is another component of this. When we believe we have life in his name. So there is a witness so that we would believe and life would be imparted to us.