Why the Gospel of John is Called the Spiritual Gospel
Quick Summary
The Gospel of John is called the “spiritual Gospel” because it interprets the life of Jesus with theological depth and symbolic language. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity, eternal life, and the meaning of his signs, earning its reputation as the most reflective and spiritual of the four Gospels.
Introduction
Since the second century, the Gospel of John has been described as the “spiritual Gospel.” This label originates with Clement of Alexandria, who distinguished John’s account from the other three Gospels. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke offered more chronological and narrative-focused portraits, John aimed to convey the deeper meaning of Jesus’ life and words. His Gospel moves beyond simple reporting of events to explore their theological significance.
For modern readers, this distinction helps explain why John feels so different from the Synoptics. Where the others highlight parables, exorcisms, and short sayings, John features long discourses, symbolic actions, and bold confessions of Jesus’ identity. In this post, we will examine why John is called the spiritual Gospel, looking at its distinctive features, theological focus, and ongoing impact on Christian faith.
Historical Background
The phrase “spiritual Gospel” first appears in the writings of Clement of Alexandria (c. AD 200). According to Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History (Book VI, Chapter 14, Paragraph 7), Clement said that John, “last of all, composed a spiritual Gospel.” By this he meant that John’s aim was not merely historical record but theological interpretation. Raymond Brown explains that John reshapes traditions about Jesus to highlight their deeper meaning (John I–XII, Introduction).
This does not mean John is unhistorical, but that he selects and arranges material for theological purposes. D.A. Carson observes that John complements the Synoptics by presenting the same Jesus from a different angle—emphasizing his divine glory and the significance of his works (John, Introduction).
To me, this makes sense. John has had 30+ years to think theologically about the meaning of Christ among us. He has had plenty of time to think of themes of light and dark, make connections with his Jewish faith, and teach them time and again until they are thematically tight.
Distinctive Features of John
Several features distinguish John as the spiritual Gospel:
High Christology – From the opening declaration that “the Word was God” (John 1:1), John presents Jesus as divine. His “I Am” sayings (John 6:35; 8:12; 11:25; 15:1) echo God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14, pointing to his unity with the Father.
Symbolism and Dualism – John uses symbolic language—light and darkness, water and Spirit, bread and vine—to reveal theological truth. These contrasts press readers to respond to Jesus in faith.
Signs with Meaning – John structures his narrative around signs (miracles) that point beyond themselves. Turning water into wine (John 2) and raising Lazarus (John 11) are not just wonders but revelations of Jesus’ glory. Read about The Seven Signs in John
Extended Discourses – Instead of short parables, John records long conversations and discourses. Nicodemus (John 3), the Samaritan woman (John 4), and the Farewell Discourses (John 14–16) exemplify this reflective style.
Focus on Eternal Life – John presents eternal life as a present reality for believers (John 5:24; 17:3), not merely a future promise. This emphasis gives the Gospel its spiritual tone.
Theological Depth
Gail O’Day notes that John’s spirituality lies in its theological depth rather than mystical speculation (John, NIB, Introduction). John wants readers to see Jesus not only as teacher or prophet but as the eternal Word made flesh. His Gospel invites readers to move beyond surface appearances to grasp spiritual reality.
Craig Keener adds that John’s symbolic language draws the ordinary into the extraordinary: water, bread, and light become windows into God’s revelation (John, vol. 1, Introduction). For John, spirituality means perceiving divine truth in Jesus and abiding in him.
Impact on Christian Faith
The spiritual character of John has shaped Christian devotion for centuries. Passages like John 3:16, the Bread of Life discourse (John 6), and the vine and branches (John 15) have nourished prayer and preaching. The Gospel’s emphasis on abiding, believing, and knowing God resonates with spiritual formation and discipleship.
Andreas Köstenberger emphasizes that John’s spirituality is Christ-centered. It is not an inward journey detached from history but a call to encounter the incarnate Word (John, ch. 1). To read John spiritually is to be drawn into deeper relationship with Jesus.
Why It Matters Today
Calling John the spiritual Gospel reminds us that Christian faith is more than facts about Jesus—it is relationship with him. John’s Gospel invites us to see with new eyes, to recognize the signs of God’s presence, and to enter into eternal life now. It teaches that spirituality is not escape from the world but abiding in Christ in the midst of it.
See Also
FAQ Section
Who first called John the spiritual Gospel?
Clement of Alexandria in the late second century first described John as the spiritual Gospel, emphasizing its theological depth.
Does calling John the spiritual Gospel mean it is less historical?
Not necessarily. John includes historical material but arranges it with theological purpose, emphasizing meaning over chronology.
What makes John different from the Synoptic Gospels?
John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, uses symbolic language, highlights eternal life, and records extended discourses rather than short parables.
Sources / Further Reading
Raymond Brown, John I–XII (AYB), Introduction
D.A. Carson, John (PNTC), Introduction
Gail O’Day, John (NIB), Introduction
Craig Keener, John, vol. 1, Introduction
Andreas Köstenberger, John (BECNT), ch. 1
