The Gospel of John

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The Gospel of John
A very unique Gospel!
90 of John is without parallel in the
Synoptic Gospels!
In the beginning was the Word . . .
2
Date and Structure of John

• Probably written between 90100 CE
• See ch. 9 -- expulsion from synagogue
• Manuscript fragments dated to 125-150CE
• Prologue (ch. 1)
• Book of signs (chs. 211)
• Book of glory (chs. 1220)
• Epilogue (ch. 21)

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Authorship of John

• Anonymous Gospel
• Attributed to John (the disciple brother of
  James) since the late 2nd century
• But attribution is late (after 180 CE)
• Few scholars think the disciple is the author

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In John, there is no

• --birth story or baptism
• --temptation in the desert by the devil
• --major secrecy about Jesus identity
• --exorcism or parable
• --reinterpretation of Torah (cf. Matthew)
• --transfiguration
• --last supper is not a passover meal
• --agony in Gethsemane or on cross

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Unique to John

• --Water into wine (ch. 2)
• --Lame man by the pool healed (ch. 5)
• --Sight restored to man born blind (ch. 9)
• --Lazarus raised (ch. 11)
• --Conversations with
• --Nicodemus (ch. 3)
• --Samaritan woman (ch. 4)
• --certain interactions with opponents (chs. 5,
  8)
• -- disciples (chs. 1317)

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Major Themes in John

• Jesus as the divine Logos embodied
• Rearranges Synoptic chronology
• The Jews
• I am
• Paraclete (the Advocate e.g., ch. 14)
• Competition with Peter? (e.g., 204-5)
• Crucifixion as glorification
• The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved