The Gospel of John was composed in the late first century, probably in Ephesus or Alexandria, presenting a highly theological account of Jesus' life and teachings. John's Gospel opens with a poetic prologue identifying Jesus as the divine Logos, drawing on Jewish wisdom traditions and Greek philosophy. This Gospel became foundational for Christian Christology and mysticism.

John's prologue is among the most influential passages in Christian poetry, inspiring hymns from the early church to the present. Its fusion of Hebrew prophecy and Greek philosophy created a theological language that shaped the poetry of Dante, Milton, and the English metaphysical poets.