The Gospel of John, where John 3:16 is found, was written between 70-100 AD. It is believed to be the last of the four canonical gospels to be written. The author of the Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.

John’s Gospel is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in both style and content. It contains unique stories, teachings, and perspectives on Jesus’ ministry, focusing more on spiritual themes and theological reflections. The Gospel of John places a strong emphasis on the divinity of Jesus and the significance of faith in Him for salvation.

John 3:16 is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, which takes place early in Jesus’ ministry. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night seeking to understand His teachings, and Jesus uses this opportunity to explain the concept of being “born again” and the necessity of belief in Him for eternal life.

The verse encapsulates the central message of Christianity – God’s love for humanity demonstrated through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It represents the heart of the Christian faith, emphasizing the universal offer of salvation to all who believe in Jesus.

Overall, John 3:16 was written in the context of the first century AD, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, to convey the message of God’s love and the way to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.