The Gospel of John is conventionally dated to 90–120 CE. Ancient tradition maintained that John was 85 years old when his gospel was written in 96 CE (which, according to tradition, was also the year of his death). The 96 CE date makes sense, considering the author’s antagonism toward the expulsion of Christians from the synagogues, which happened around the same time. The top date for authorship (120 CE) is based on the earliest evidence of the gospel of John in manuscript fragments and patristic quotes.
The Gospel of John is conventionally dated to 90–120 CE. Ancient tradition maintained that John was 85 years old when his gospel was written in 96 CE (which, according to tradition, was also the year of his death). The 96 CE date makes sense, considering the author’s antagonism toward the expulsion of Christians from the synagogues, which happened around the same time. The top date for authorship (120 CE) is based on the earliest evidence of the gospel of John in manuscript fragments and patristic quotes.