Meaning: The quote you've provided is attributed to Simon Greenleaf, a 19th-century lawyer and professor at Harvard University who is known for his work in legal studies and evidence law. The quote refers to the Gospel of John, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. In this quote, Greenleaf is highlighting the scholarly debate surrounding the dating of the Gospel of John and the general consensus that it was written after the other three gospels.

The Gospel of John is traditionally ascribed to John the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. It is distinct from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in its content, style, and theological emphasis. One of the key points of debate among scholars is the dating of the Gospel of John, which Greenleaf alludes to in the quote.

The dating of the Gospel of John is a matter of considerable scholarly discussion and debate. As Greenleaf mentioned, there is disagreement among experts regarding the time of its composition. The range of proposed dates for the writing of the Gospel of John varies widely, with some scholars suggesting an early date around 68 AD and others proposing a later date around 98 AD.

Those who advocate for an earlier date often point to evidence within the text of the gospel itself, as well as historical and theological considerations. They argue that an earlier date would align with the timeframe of the events described in the gospel and would support the idea that the author had firsthand knowledge of Jesus' ministry.

On the other hand, scholars who propose a later date for the Gospel of John present their own set of arguments based on textual analysis, historical context, and evidence from early Christian writings. They suggest that the gospel reflects a more developed theological understanding and may have been written at a time when the Christian community was facing specific challenges and controversies.

Despite the differences in opinion, there is a general consensus among scholars that the Gospel of John was the last of the four canonical gospels to be written. This conclusion is based on various factors, including the content and style of the gospel, as well as external evidence from early Christian writings and historical sources.

In addition to the dating of the gospel, scholars also examine its authorship, purpose, and intended audience. These inquiries are crucial for understanding the text within its historical and literary context and for interpreting its significance for Christian theology and practice.

Overall, the quote from Simon Greenleaf underscores the ongoing scholarly inquiry into the origins and dating of the Gospel of John. The debate surrounding its composition reflects the complexities of studying ancient texts and the diverse perspectives within biblical scholarship. By acknowledging the disagreements among scholars, Greenleaf's quote encourages a thoughtful and critical approach to the study of the New Testament and the historical context of early Christianity.