I’m thrilled that you’ve decided to read this Gospel. The word Gospel means ‘good news’ and this book is certainly great news about the life and importance of Jesus Christ.
As you read this Gospel, you’ll notice that part of the text is in italics. I’ve used this for the explanations I’ve included to make the meaning more immediately understandable in this contemporary English version.
John’s Gospel has been read by millions of people through the centuries: it is probably among the most widely read books ever produced. Why? John tells us his purpose in writing this Gospel: ‘my aim has been to encourage you to believe in Jesus, indeed to keep on believing in him, that he is the Messiah, the Son of God. If you believe in Jesus in this way, you will have real and eternal life in him’ (chapter 20, verse 31). As you read this Gospel, I trust not only that you will become more informed about Jesus Christ but also that you will discover him for yourselves and find new life in him.
-- Martin Manser