The Gospel of John was written around 90-100 CE, much later than the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) which were written 40-60 years after Jesus's death. John reflects later theological development rather than preserving historical events exactly as they occurred. The book has a clear theological agenda - to present Jesus as divine - which shapes how it tells its stories.

This isn't to discount John's spiritual significance, but we need to read it as theology rather than strict history. The earliest Gospel (Mark) and the letters of Paul show no awareness of these dramatic claims to pre-existence and equality with God. Sound historical method prioritizes earlier sources closer to the events.

Just as Genesis isn't a science textbook, John isn't a historical biography. It's a profound theological reflection on the meaning of Jesus, written by a community processing their experiences decades after his death.