The Gospel begins by introducing us to the Person of Christ, upon whom Christianity is founded. After presenting a number of His great personal glories (vss. 1-14), the Apostle speaks of three things that mark the Christian dispensation, all of which have resulted from Christ becoming incarnate, redemption being accomplished, and the coming of the Holy Spirit:
• Men are now able to know and contemplate the glory of the only-begotten Son of God (vs. 14).
• God’s disposition toward men in grace is now being made known by the gospel. "The Law," which was given by Moses, has now been superseded by "grace and truth," which has come by Jesus Christ (vss. 15-17).
• There has now been a full declaration of God as the Father (vs. 18).
The Apostle John then notes certain incidents that took place during the days of John the Baptist’s ministry that indicate a change of dispensations was coming. His baptism signified that since the old order of things in Judaism had been corrupted, there needed to be a moral dissociation from it on the part of those who had faith through the baptism of repentance. If the nation submitted to this baptism and brought forth fruits of repentance, it would not be set aside by God (vss. 19-28). It is significant that John took up a position “beyond Jordan” to do his baptising. This indicates a moral separation from the state of things at Jewish center in Jerusalem.
John the Baptist is then seen introducing his disciples (who were devotees of the past dispensation waiting for the promises of the kingdom as presented by the Old Testament Prophets) to the Lord Jesus as "the Lamb of God" and "the Son of God," whom they followed thereafter (vss. 29-34). These titles of the Lord coincide with the revelation of His Person in the present dispensation. Being in the current of the mind of God, John was happy to pass off his disciples to the Lord (vss. 35-37). This exchange is significant, and points to the transition to the new order in Christianity that was coming.
The Apostle John then shows that Christ Himself would be the new gathering Center and meeting place in the new order. His presence would be known, not in the temple in Jerusalem, but in a humble dwelling place where believers would gather around Him (vss. 38-42).