Authorship, Structure, & Style
Explore the evidence for Johannine authorship, John's relationship to the Synoptic Gospels, and the literary structure built around seven miraculous signs.
Bible Study
The Gospel of John
Encounter the Word made flesh with Dr. John Bergsma in an eight-episode journey through the signs, sacraments, and saving mystery revealed in John's Gospel.
About the Study
Come face to face with Christ
The Gospel of John brings readers face to face with the Word made flesh and proclaims the Good News of salvation history through a rich tapestry of themes, signs, and stories.
In this course, Dr. John Bergsma explores the Gospel's sacramental connections and shows how Jesus' miracles point to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Participants will encounter Christ as the Divine Bridegroom who gives His life for His Bride, the Church, and as the Resurrection and the Life.
Eight Episodes
The journey through John's Gospel
Each episode follows the Gospel's unfolding revelation of Jesus and its connections to Catholic faith and sacramental life.
Seven Signs, Seven Sacraments
Discover how John's signs point toward the sacraments, and consider the Gospel's themes of new creation, the new Adam, Mary as the new Eve, and Christ the Bridegroom.
Jesus Christ, Divine Bridegroom
Journey through John 3-5: Nicodemus, John the Baptist, the Samaritan woman, and healings that illuminate Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation.
For the Life of the World
Study the feeding of the five thousand and the Bread of Life discourse, along with the Gospel's images of living water, light, temple, and the Good Shepherd.
The Resurrection & the Life
Walk through the raising of Lazarus, Martha's confession of faith, the anointing at Bethany, and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passion Week.
New Priesthood & New Covenant
Enter the Last Supper discourse in John 13-17, including the washing of feet, Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, and His High Priestly Prayer.
The Cross: Marriage Bed of the Messiah
Consider John's Passion account through the themes of Christ the true High Priest and Divine Bridegroom, whose pierced side pours forth blood and water.
The Resurrection: My Lord and My God!
Follow the burial of Jesus, the empty tomb, and the Resurrection appearances that culminate in Thomas's confession and Peter's call to shepherd the Church.
Study Scripture in community
The course is designed for shared study as well as personal reflection. Gathering with others creates an opportunity to pray, listen, ask questions, and recognize how the Lord is working in one another's lives.
Each episode includes an overview, space for notes, review and reflection questions, a practical challenge, and a preview of what comes next.
Your Teacher
Dr. John Bergsma
Dr. John Bergsma is Vice President for Biblical Theology and Mission Effectiveness at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught Scripture since 2004.
A former Protestant pastor, he holds a doctorate in Biblical Studies from the University of Notre Dame and has written extensively on Scripture and the Catholic faith.