Reading Jesus Writing

2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Aichele
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
John's Gospel

AbstractThis essay explores the problematic story of the "woman taken in adultery" (John 7:53-8:11) in relation to logocentric structures that define the Gospel of John. Jesus's two acts of writing on the ground, unique to this story, point to texts that we cannot read and which are therefore unable to signify. I suggest that Jesus's earthy texts do eventually appear in John's Gospel, where they reassure the reader that the Gospel has after all succeeded sufficiently in its task of signifying the incarnation of the pre-existent Word, even as they announce the inherent finitude and incompleteness of any text.

The Reception of the Gospel of John in the Long Recension of Ignatius’s Letters

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 496-520
Author(s):  
Jonathon Lookadoo
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Fourth Century ◽  
Reception History ◽  
Christian Identity ◽  
John's Gospel

The reception of Pauline and Johannine writings in the three centuries after their composition is of interest to NT researchers, and Ignatius of Antioch’s letters have rightly been taken into consideration when studying NT reception history. This article aims to fill a lacuna in reception historical studies of Ignatius’s epistles by exploring the role of John’s gospel in the fourth-century long recension. The long recension employs John when discussing Christology, Trinity, unity, Jewish-Christian identity, resurrection and for polemical purposes. This article thus contributes to ongoing reception historical studies of the NT within Ignatian literature, examines how the Gospel of John was employed by a fourth-century author and explores ways in which John is utilized to expand, update and modify the Ignatian middle recension.

scholarly journals Honour and shame as key concepts in Chrysostom’s exegesis of the Gospel of John

2003 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.F. Stander
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Social Values ◽  
Core Values ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
The Bible ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mediterranean World ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
John's Gospel

Recently, studies have illustrated that honour and shame were core values in the Mediterranean world in general and in the Bible too. These studies usually resort to classical sources to support the claims being made. Modern scholars, who take the historical-critical approach seriously, have come to realize the importance of reading the Bible according to its appropriate cultural context, which of necessity includes an appreciation of honour and shame as social core values. However, the article shows that patristic sources have been neglected by many scholars who study the social values of the ancient world. This article illustrates the importance of these values for patristic authors. John Chrysostom’s homilies on the Gospel of John are used as an example to prove how he employed values such as honour and shame as exegetical keys to unlock the meaning of John’s gospel.

0323: A Forgotten 4th or 5th Century Greek Fragment of the Gospel of John in the Syrus Sinaiticus

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-319
Author(s):  
Christophe Guignard
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
John's Gospel

That the famous Syrus Sinaiticus contains not only the Old Syriac Gospels, but also other palimpsest leaves, among them four leaves of a Greek codex of John’s Gospel, is not a secret. Nevertheless, for 120 years, this Greek fragment, though probably contemporary with the great uncials, was not registered in any list of nt manuscripts and, as a result, completely neglected. The main aim of these pages is to recall its existence and to gather the information that is available at present.

scholarly journals Die Semeia [tekens] in die Evangelie volgens Johannes

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Udo Schnelle
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Synoptic Gospels ◽  
Source Theory ◽  
John's Gospel ◽  
Miracle Narratives

Die semeia in die Evangelie van Johannes word eerstens geanaliseer in verhouding tot soortgelyke wonderverhale, veral in die sinoptiese evangelies en ten tweede in verhouding tot die breër Johannese narratief. Duidelike ooreenkomste met sommige van die sinoptiese wonderverhale word bespreek. Dit lei tot die bevraagtekening van die sogenaamde ‘semeia-bron’-teorie. Opvolgend op hierdie diskussie word Johannes se eie interpretasie van die wonders nagegaan. Daar word veral aan die vervlegting van die wonderverhale met die teologie van Johannes aandag gegee, veral ten opsigte van die verhouding tussen die Vader en die Seun, geloof, die menslikheid van Jesus en die lyding van Jesus.The Semeia in the Gospel according to John. The semeia in the Gospel of John are analysed, first in relation to other similar miracle narratives, especially in the synoptic gospels, and secondly in perspective of the broader narrative of John’s Gospel. Clear links with some of the synoptic miracle narratives are discussed, questioning the ‘semeia source’ theory. This discussion is followed by a consideration of John’s own interpretation of the miracles, exploring the interwovenness of the miracle stories with the theology of John, especially regarding the relation between the Father and the Son, the humanness of Jesus, the passion of Jesus and faith.

Aphorisms of Jesus in John: An Illustrative Look at John 4.35

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 207-229
Author(s):  
Linda McKinnish Bridges
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Synoptic Gospels ◽  
Literary Genre ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Full Expression ◽  
Jesus Seminar ◽  
The World ◽  
John's Gospel ◽  
And Function ◽  
Sayings Of Jesus

AbstractThis literary genre, the aphorism, finds full expression in the Gospel of John. Vestiges of the world of orality, these 'gems of illumination' invite intense reflection and response as they illuminate not only the literary landscape of the Gospel but also provide a lens for viewing the Jesus tradition in the Gospel of John. My work is indebted to the research of J.D. Crossan, author of In Fragments who has written the definitive work on the aphorisms of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels. More explorative work, however, is needed for the aphorisms of Jesus with particular focus on John's Gospel. Although the aphorisms of Jesus in John were omitted in the database of authentic sayings of Jesus compiled by the members of the Jesus Seminar, might these lapidary gems be placed on the table once more for exploration? While I am confident that the Johannine aphorisms lead us through the narrative landscape of the Gospel and even reveal distinctive aspects of the community, is it possible that they might also provide at least a brief glimpse of Jesus? Using the agrarian aphorism of Jn 4.35 as a showcase illustration, this article proposes to identify the form and function of the Johannine aphorism; to investigate the authenticity of the saying in Jn 4.34-35 using established criteria of authenticity; and to suggest the often-overlooked criterion of orality is a most useful tool for continued exploration.

Engaging scripture: incarnation and the Gospel of John

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-160
Author(s):  
Angus Paddison
Keyword(s):  
Subject Matter ◽  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Fourth Gospel ◽  
Christian Tradition ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
John's Gospel

This article presents a theological engagement with the Christ of the Gospel of John. Christology has two basic responsibilities. First, all Christology is required to demonstrate that it is rooted in scriptural reading. Second, consistent attentiveness needs to be paid to the dynamic relationship between Christ's person and work. The nature of these two responsibilities is elucidated by exploring some recent christological contributions. The remainder of the essay engages with the encounter at the centre of the Fourth Gospel: that in the Word made flesh the eternal love between the Father and the Son is unfolded into the time of this world. Jesus' life and ministry is the decisive meeting of time and eternity. Counsel is then offered for how John's Gospel may faithfully be read in line with this subject matter. Important objections to ‘Logos’ Christologies, and Johannine Christology in particular, are introduced. This article then proceeds to argue for the realistic meeting of all that is human and all that is divine in the person of Jesus who lives a life of loving obedience to the Father. Throughout, this article maintains a conversation with the Fourth Gospel, the ontological implications of this text, and those voices from within Christian tradition that can help us in the reading of John.

“When the Son of Man is Lifted Up”: The Redemptive Power of the Crucifixion in the Gospel of John

Horizons ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Romanowsky
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Textual Analysis ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Crucial Aspect ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Spiritual Meaning ◽  
Son Of Man ◽  
The Cross ◽  
John's Gospel

AbstractSome scripture scholars argue for an interpretation of Johannine soteriology as primarily one of revelation which questions the redemptive centrality of the historical crucifixion. Others insist on the primacy of historical event in the Johannine narrative—“The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14)—and the spiritual meaning of this event, which is at once concrete in its historicity and universal in its meaning as symbol. The historical event of the crucifixion as an object of Johannine theological reflection is indeed central in his soteriology, but only insofar as he reflects upon its transcendent meaning. The three “lifting up sayings” in John's gospel offer us a window into this crucial aspect of his soteriology. In this essay, the author's textual analysis of each saying provides us with ample evidence for the redemptive centrality of the historical crucifixion; but it also will make clear that the “lifting up of the Son of Man” in his “hour” on the cross is at the same time his exaltation and glorification, when he returns to the Father whence he came.

Faith, Eternal Life, and the Spirit in the Gospel of John

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin H. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Second Temple ◽  
Eternal Life ◽  
Second Temple Judaism ◽  
Farewell Discourse ◽  
John's Gospel

John’s understanding of faith, eternal life, and the Spirit lies at the centre of scholarly debates about the ways in which the Gospel sets out its views about the means to and effects of salvation. The vocabulary employed by John to express its core soteriological concepts is no longer investigated in complete isolation from more narrative-centred approaches to the text. With regard to the possible origin(s) of its language of faith and eternal life, scholars continue to interpret the relevant vocabulary in terms of John’s indebtedness to Second Temple Judaism and Synoptic tradition, although increasing focus is placed on the relational and ethical overtones, in addition to the individualistic and theological/christological connotations, of John’s realized-eschatological appropriation of the concepts in question. The Spirit in John’s Gospel, particularly the function of the Spirit-Paraclete in the Farewell Discourse, is investigated against a much broader tradition-historical and exegetical canvass.

Sin in the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles

2020 ◽  
pp. 87-107
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Siker
Keyword(s):  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
The World ◽  
Yom Kippur ◽  
John's Gospel ◽  
The Sacrifice

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is the lamb of God whose sacrificial death will provide the ultimate forgiveness of sin. John equates sin with the failure of people to believe that Jesus is God’s son and messiah sent to save the world. By identifying Jesus as the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, John’s Gospel conflates the meaning of Passover (celebrating freedom from slavery with the sacrifice of the paschal lamb) with the meaning of Yom Kippur (celebrating freedom from sin with the ritual of the scape goat who bares away sin). The story of the healing of the man born blind (John 9) also makes it clear that the religious leaders who oppose Jesus are spiritually blind and remain in their sins. By contrast, the man born blind not only recovers his physical sight, but has gained salvific spiritual sight through his growing recognition of Jesus as God’s son.

scholarly journals Rudolf Bultmann: Sy mees invloedryke bydrae in die 20ste eeu: ‘Urchristentum’, ‘Jesus’, ‘Johannes’-kommentaar?

2011 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andries G. Van Aarde
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Gospel Of John ◽  
Current Phase ◽  
Theological Interpretation ◽  
Historical Discourse ◽  
Rudolf Bultmann ◽  
Theological Discourse ◽  
The New Testament ◽  
Hellenistic World ◽  
John's Gospel

Rudolf Bultmann: His most influential contribution in the 20th century: ‘Urchristentum’, ‘Jesus’, ‘Commentary on John’s gospel’? This article pays tribute to Rudolf Bultmann as a scholar of faith who fulfilled the most influential role in the interpretation of Jesus and the New Testament during the twentieth century. In the article Bultmann’s leading publications are discussed against the background of the question of which one has been the most significant. Three important publications are identified, namely his book on the socio-cultural environment of the earliest followers of Jesus in first-century Semitic-Hellenistic world, his book on the historical Jesus, and his commentary on the Gospel of John. Various criteria are applied to value the significance of these three publications. They are Bultmann’s understanding of what the scientific nature of the theological discourse principally would entail; how modern-day believers could adhere to an ancient mythological discourse; the way in which today a historical discourse could existentially been engaged with and why Jesus of Nazareth would be regarded as theologically significant. Both the depth of Bultmann’s understanding of the substance of the theological discourse found in John’s gospel and the quality of Bultmann’s historical-critical analysis of John’s gospel lead to the finding that this commentary should be considered to be not only the most significant for the twentieth century but beyond that time even into the current phase of biblical and theological interpretation.

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