Structure of book
John's Gospel can be divided into four main sections
1. Prologue (1:1-18)
2. The book of signs (1:19 - 12:50)
3. The book of passion and glory (13:1 - 20:31)
4. Epilogue (ch 21)
1. The Prologue
A hymn of the wonder and mystery of the incarnation, starting in heaven and moving to earth. The revelation of the Word to the world, and its response. For more about the prologue and Jesus being described as the Word (Logos) see the Prologue to John's Gospel page.
2. The Book of Signs
John structures his account of the ministry of Jesus around alternating miracles and discourses. Only seven of his many miracles are recorded in John's gospel, and these are called signs rather than miracles. These signs point beyond themselves to communicate truths about who Jesus is. The discourses or conversations following the signs explain their deeper meaning and significance in understanding who Jesus is. Normally following the discourse there is a response, either of faith by his disciples, or rejection by the Jewish leaders.
Another theme interwoven into the book of signs is the presence of Jesus at the Jewish feasts in Jerusalem. John's purpose here is to show that all that these Jewish feasts stand for is fulfilled in Jesus. Three separate Passovers are mentioned, as well as the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles), and the Feast of Dedication.
There are two distinct parts to the book of signs: his popular ministry to crowds (1:19 - 6:70), and the time of increasing conflict (ch 7-12). The turning point occurs at the end of chapter six, when many of his followers reject Jesus following his teaching about the bread of life and eating his flesh.
3. The Book of Glory
This is set exclusively in Jerusalem, and describes the events of the last week, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. Consistently through the gospel, Jesus speaks of his suffering and death as his glorification, the time when he would be lifted up on the cross and draw all men to himself (12:32-33). On arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus said, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified"(12:23). Before this, he repeatedly said, "My hour has not yet come" (eg: 2:4). When Judas left the last supper, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him" (13:31). In his great prayer, Jesus prayed, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you." (17:1). However glorification also implied resurrection, "Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed." (17:5).
The Book of Glory has a very carefully developed theology of the Holy Spirit, not found anywhere else in the New Testament. The teaching on the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraclete, is quite different from the teaching in Acts or Paul's letters. In this Jesus is preparing the disciples for their mission to the world after Jesus returns to the Father.
The book of Glory also divides into two sections: the first is the upper room discourse (ch 13-17), when he is preparing the disciples for his departure. The second is the passion narrative (ch 18-20), the trials, cross and resurrection, which is similar to the synoptic gospels, but with a particular focus on the trial before Pilate.
4. The Epilogue
John's gospel appears to finish twice, once at the end of chapter twenty, with the post-resurrection appearances, and again at the end of chapter twenty-one, which forms a kind of appendix to the whole book.
Many scholars question whether chapter twenty-one was in the original, as the gospel has already come to a climax and conclusion in chapter twenty. However, no manuscript exists without it. It was probably added by members of the Johannine School, rather than originally being written by John. It is not quite consistent with the appearances in chapter twenty, as the disciples do not recognise him. Also, there are differences in the vocabulary and style from the rest of the gospel.
It may have been added to correct misunderstandings over Jesus’s comments about the beloved disciple. People may have thought that Jesus said he would return before the death of John.
1:11-12 gives a summary of the gospel. "His own people did not accept him", describes the rejection by the Jews described in the Book of Signs. "To those who believed in his name", shows the focus on his disciples we see in the Upper Room Discourse.