EVIDENCE FROM JOHN'S GOSPEL

Most reference Bibles estimate that the Gospel of John was written somewhere between A.D. 80-95.  I am not aware of the reasons for their belief it was penned that late in John's life; perhaps it is because John wrote the Book of Revelation in the A.D. 90's.  I do not know.  However, I would suggest that it was finished before A.D. 70, as John makes no mention of the destruction of the Jewish Temple.  In fact, John mentions the Temple in seven chapters (2:14, 15, 19, 20, 21; 5:14; 7:14, 28; 8:2, 20, 59; 10:23; 11:56; and 18:20).  In the last of these, had the Temple already been destroyed, you would think he might have mentioned it; he wrote, "Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing."

Another reason I believe it was written at an earlier date, is the fact that John is still appealing to the Jews.  The Apostle Paul wrote that the Jews needed a sign in order to believe (1 Cor. 1:22).  John presents seven signs or miracles prior to His Crucifixion, and one following His Resurrection:

John 2:1-11 - Turning water into wine - v. 11 "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him."

John 4:46-54 - Healing the nobleman's son - v. 54 "This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee."

John 5:1-47 - Healing the blind man - v. 36 "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me."

John 6:1-14 - Feeding the five thousand - v. 14 "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."

John 6:15-21 - Walking on the sea - v. 19 "So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid."

John 9:1-41 - Healing of the Blind Man - v. 38 "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him."

John 11:1-45 - Raising Lazarus from the dead - v. 45 "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him."

John 21:1-14 - Appearing following His Resurrection - v. 14 "This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead."

Regardless, John wrote his Gospel that all might believe in Jesus (20:30-31)!