Book of John — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 21 · Written by: John (apostle) · Approximate date: c. AD 85–95 · Theme: Jesus the Son of God

Summary of the Book of John

John's deeply theological Gospel uses seven miraculous signs and seven 'I am' sayings to reveal Jesus as the Son of God and the Word of Jehovah, written so that readers would believe and have everlasting life through his name.

The book of John is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 21 chapters. It was written by John (apostle) approximately c. AD 85–95. The central theme running throughout John is jesus the son of god — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in John

  • John 1:1
  • John 3:16
  • John 14:6
  • John 20:31

Notable Passages in John

John 1:1

The NWT's rendering 'the Word was a god' distinguishes Jesus as a mighty divine being while preserving Jehovah's unique identity as the only true God — a key Trinitarian discussion point.

John 3:16

Jehovah's sending of his Son so that 'everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life' encapsulates the love and redemptive plan at the heart of the good news.

John 14:6

Jesus' declaration 'I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me' establishes his unique role as the mediator of access to Jehovah.

Study Questions for John

As you read the book of John, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How does John 1:1 and 1:14 describe Jesus as the Word (Logos), and what does the Greek grammar of John 1:1 reveal about Jesus' nature in relation to Jehovah?
  2. What does Jesus' statement 'the Father is greater than I am' (John 14:28) and related passages teach about the relationship between Jehovah and Jesus?
  3. How do the seven 'I am' sayings (the bread, light, shepherd, resurrection, way, vine, door) reveal Jesus' role as the channel of Jehovah's blessings?
  4. What does Jesus' prayer in John 17 — including the request that his disciples 'may be one just as we are one' — teach about unity in the congregation?
  5. How does Jesus' teaching about the holy spirit as 'helper' (paraclete) in John 14–16 describe the role of Jehovah's spirit in guiding and strengthening his people?

How to Study John with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 21 chapters of John in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading John as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include John

The book of John is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Gospels in 30 Days — Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in a focused 30-day sprint. (30 days, 89 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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