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John 3:16Nicodemus conversation
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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Interpretation

Jesus teaches a love that is embodied in concrete decisions. John 3:16: trace "god" and "loved". Align love in small choices no one sees—season power with mercy.

Context

John speaks here as gospel narrative writing, naming love. Placed in ch. 3, the nearby lines set its tone. The nearby sentences supply the texture.

Authorship & Historical Background

John was received under the name of John the Apostle. John is frequently described this way: Frequently associated with a Johannine community; markedly non‑synoptic.. Scholars commonly date John AD 90–100. John appears framed for Johannine circles.. The setting is the Nicodemus conversation (gospel narrative). Signs become windows into shared life with God. Johannine style and community setting feature in scholarly accounts.

More details
Traditional:John the Apostle
Modern scholarship:Johannine community; final redaction distinct from Synoptics.
Date:AD 90–100
Audience:Johannine circles.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
Preserved in Papyrus 66 (c. 200 CE) and Papyrus 75 (3rd century) with minimal variation. Some manuscripts have 'only begotten' (monogenes) while others might emphasize 'unique.' The word order varies slightly in some manuscripts but doesn't affect meaning. Over 5,000 Greek manuscripts contain this verse with 99.9% agreement. The Diatessaron and Old Latin confirm the text from the 2nd century.
Cross References2
  • Romans 5:8
    But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
    CuratedGod’s love demonstrated (Rom 5:8)
  • 1 John 4:9
    By this God's love was revealed in us, that God has sent his only born Son into the world that we might live through him.
    CuratedLove of God manifested (1 John 4:9)