Who is traditionally believed to have authored the Gospel of John?

The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to John, who is one of the twelve apostles and is often identified as the "beloved disciple" mentioned in the text. This attribution is supported by early church tradition and writings from church fathers who recognized John as the author. The unique style, theological depth, and distinctive content of the Gospel of John, particularly its focus on the divinity of Christ and the concept of eternal life through belief in Him, reflect the perspectives and experiences of someone closely connected to Jesus.

John's authorship is further bolstered by the intimate knowledge of the events described in the Gospel, which suggests firsthand experience. In contrast, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, often referred to as the Synoptic Gospels, have distinct focuses and are believed to have different sources and audiences, making their narratives and theological emphases differ from that of John's writing.