Gospel of JohnThis essay will show the contrasts in opinions on the Gospel of John regarding authorship, dates, and the relationship between the Gospel of John and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Some comparisons of thought will also be presented, regarding the composition and the living environment. Most of the information we have today describing the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ is contained in the four Gospels. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John differs in many key areas from the Synoptics, and I will address a few different lines of thought. The two main texts that I will use for comparison will be taken from;1. "An Introduction to the New Testament" pages 362—379 entitled "The Gospel According to John" by Raymond .E. Brown.2. "John, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament" pages 1—18 entitled "Introduction to the Gospel of John" by Andreas. J. Kostenberger. Authorship. Raymond E. Brown argues that John may not have been responsible for all, or parts, of the Gospel of John available to us today. He begins by stating that over the last two centuries the "majority of scholars has moved to the position that John was not written by an eyewitness." He also wrote, "Consequently the present Gospel is thought to involve the work of two hands, an evangelist who composed the body of the Gospel and an editor who later made additions." Brown goes on to make a series of statements, some his own reflections, others quoting other scholars, which give further indication of his personal opinion and approach to the question of authorship. For example, "...a typ... ... middle of the paper... would not be an exaggeration."Conclusion:I find it difficult to decide in some of these questions which way to "lean" as the issues involved are complex and often obscured by the mists of almost two millennia. I find some comfort in Kostenberger's attitude "....without excessive dogmatism on all sides." Even with Brown I am inclined to agree, in the absence of irrefutable evidence, that it is wise to take a middle position.Bibliography:Brown, R.E. Introduction to the New Testament (Doubleday.NY 1996)Hill, JR Bible Study Commentary, John. (Ark Publishing, London 1981) Kostenberger, A. J. John, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. (Baker Bookhouse Co.2004) Knoch, A. E. Concordant Commentary on the New Testament. (Concordant publishing Concern.1968) Tasker, RVG The Gospel according to St. John. (Tyndale Press. 1966)