John 20:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 20:31
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Chapter Context
John 20 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 20:31
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Analysis
John states his Gospel's purpose: 'But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God' (tauta de gegraptai hina pisteusete hoti Iesous estin ho Christos ho huios tou theou). The purpose clause hina pisteusete indicates John wrote to produce faith - that readers would believe (pisteuo) that Jesus is both the Messiah (ho Christos) and God's Son (ho huios tou theou). The dual identification is crucial: Jesus fulfills Jewish Messianic expectation and possesses divine sonship. The purpose continues: 'and that believing ye might have life through his name' (kai hina pisteuontes zoen echete en to onomati autou). Believing results in having (echete) life (zoen) in His name. This summarizes John's Gospel - presenting Jesus' identity and work to produce saving faith that grants eternal life. The verse provides hermeneutical key to reading John's carefully selected signs and discourses.
Historical Context
John's Gospel, written circa 90-100 AD, addresses both Jewish and Gentile readers. Against Jewish objections, John proves Jesus is Messiah through fulfilled prophecy and signs. Against Gnostic denials of Christ's humanity, John emphasizes incarnation (1:14, 19:34). Against imperial cult proclaiming Caesar as 'son of god,' John declares Jesus alone is God's Son. The purpose statement reveals John's evangelistic intent - the Gospel is missionary literature designed to convert readers. Church tradition holds that John wrote last of the four Gospels, supplementing synoptics with theological reflection. Early church used John's Gospel extensively in catechesis, teaching new converts Christ's identity. The verse became foundational to gospel literature more broadly - all Scripture is written to produce saving faith in Christ. Modern evangelical preaching often cites this verse explaining salvation's simplicity - believe in Jesus' identity and receive life.
Reflection
- How does John's stated purpose of producing faith shape how we should read and interpret his Gospel?
- Why does John emphasize believing Jesus is both the Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God - why both identities?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- References Jesus: 1 John 4:15, 5:20
- References Christ: 2 John 1:9
- Faith: John 3:18, 3:36, 6:40, 19:35, Acts 10:43, 1 John 5:1
- References God: John 20:28