The Gospel of John is noted for its unique details, many of which suggest an eyewitness account. These specificities range from personal knowledge of individuals, precise numerical details, unique events, and insight into private gatherings ([[Blomberg2016-wb]]). **Personal Knowledge of Individuals:** The author demonstrates a deep familiarity with individuals not widely mentioned in other Gospels. For instance, he mentions Nicodemus ([John 3:1-21](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.3.1-21), [John 7:50-51](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.7.50-51), [John 19:39-42](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.19.39-42)), Lazarus ([John 11:1-44](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.11.1-44), [John 12:1-2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.1-2),[John 9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.9)-11), and Malchus ([John 18:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.18.10)). He also uniquely identifies Judas Iscariot's father as Simon ([John 6:71](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.71), [John 12:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.4), [John 13:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.13.2), [13:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.13.26)). **Precise Numerical Details:** The narrative's credibility is enhanced by the author's precise use of numbers in various instances absent from other Gospels. For instance, he mentions six water pots at the Cana wedding ([John 2:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.2.6)), the temple's construction taking 46 years ([John 2:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.2.20)), the Samaritan woman's five husbands ([John 4:18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.18)), the paralytic's illness lasting 38 years ([John 5:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.5.5)), the disciples rowing 25 or 30 stadia before seeing Jesus walking on water ([John 6:19](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.19)), Lazarus being dead for four days ([John 11:17](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.11.17)), and Mary's perfume worth 300 denarii ([John 12:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.5)). The crucifixion narrative also includes the presence of four soldiers ([John 19:23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.19.23)), while the specific location where the disciples witnessed the resurrected Jesus is underlined by the mention of a distance of two hundred cubits from the shore ([John 21:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.21.8)). Finally, the post-resurrection account includes the count of one hundred fifty-three fish ([John 21:11](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.21.11)). **Vivid Descriptions and Chronological Details** The author of the Fourth Gospel vividly describes events unique to his Gospel, such as the feeding of the 5000 with barley loaves ([John 6:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.9)), accurate time indications, like Jesus' stay in Bethany six days before the Passover ([John 12:1](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.1)). the description of the fragrance that filled the house when Mary poured ointment on Jesus ([John 12:3](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.3)), the use of palm branches at Jesus' entry into Jerusalem ([John 12:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.13)), the arrival of Roman soldiers with officers of the priests to arrest Jesus ([John 18:3](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.18.3)), Peter warming himself by a charcoal fire ([John 18:18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.18.18)), and Jesus wearing a seamless tunic ([John 19:23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.19.23)). The specific placement of the facecloth in which Jesus was buried ([John 20:7](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.20.7)) further indicates a direct knowledge of the burial customs and intricate details surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and burial. > [!info]- The Burial Cloths > ![[The Burial Clothes Of Jesus]] **Private Moments:** The author presents scenes where only the twelve disciples were present: the calling of the disciples ([John 1:35-51](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.1.35-51)), the witnessing in Samaria ([John 4:27-42](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.27-42)), the feeding of the 5000 ([John 6:1-15](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.1-15)), and the visits to Jerusalem ([John 2:13-22](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.2.13-22), [5:1-47](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.5.1-47), [7:1-10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.7.1-10) ,[7:21](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.7.21), [11:55](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.11.55)-[12:1-50](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.12.1-50)). He also reports private dialogues and misunderstandings among the disciples ([John 4:31-34](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.31-34), [11:11-16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.11.11-16), [13:21-30](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.13.21-30), [16:16-19](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.16.16-19)), and he knows where Jesus withdrew from the crowds ([John 6:15](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.6.15), [7:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.7.10), [8:59](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.59), [10:39](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.10.39), [11:54](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.11.54)). The Gospel of John's credibility is enhanced by its unique details that hint at an eyewitness account. The author demonstrates intimate knowledge of individuals not commonly mentioned in other Gospels, like Nicodemus, Lazarus, Malchus, and Simon, Judas Iscariot's father. Precise numerical details, such as six water pots at Cana, the temple's construction taking 46 years, the Samaritan woman's five husbands, the disciples rowing 25 or 30 stadia, or the count of 153 fish, further bolster the narrative's authenticity. Vivid descriptions of unique events, such as the feeding of the 5000 with barley loaves, the fragrance from Mary's ointment, the use of palm branches at Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, or the specific placement of Jesus' burial facecloth, indicate an intimate knowledge of events surrounding Jesus. Finally, the author provides insight into private moments and dialogues among the disciples, as well as instances when Jesus withdrew from the crowds.