John 1John 1

Introduction to JohnHow to Study (and teach

or preach) Chapter 1 - Inductively

Gospel of JohnGospel of John

2:1 12:50 13:1 20:311:1-18 21:1-25

Book of

Signs

Book of

Glory

Epilogue

Intro

1:19-1:51

Prologue

Narrative

Intro

Introduction

1:1-18 (51?) What Precisely Does it Introduce

John 1John 1

1:19-28 1:43-51 2:1-111:1-18

Prologue

Narrative IntroductionInitial Recognition Scenes

The Witness of John

The Witness of the Spirit

1:29-34

The First Disciples

1:35-42

Andrew and

Peter

The First Sign

Philip and Nathanael

John 1John 1

How to study the Intro to John’s Gospel There are several equally valid ways to

approach this passage:1. Chronologically (make careful note of

temporal markers in the passage)

2. Character Study and their actions (make careful note of the people and their roles and actions)witness testify

3. Geographically investigate the locations mentioned.

John 1John 1

Observation: There are several equally valid ways to

approach this passage:1. Chronologically (make careful note of

temporal markers in the passage)• 1:29, the next day• 1:35, the next day• 1:39, it was the 10th hour (4pm)• 1:43, the next day• 2:1, on the third day

John 1John 1

1:19-28 1:43-51 2:1-111:1-18

Prologue

Initial Recognition Scenes

The Witness of John

The Witness of the Spirit

1:29-34

The First Disciples

1:35-42

Andrew and

Peter

The First Sign

Philip and Nathanael

1st Day

2nd Day3rd Day

4th Day

5th Day

7th Day

(Re)Creation

Creation 1:3-5

John 1John 1

Hermeneutical (Text-Driven) Questions:

• What is the meaning of this introductory material?

• If I read it chronologically, what are the themes that it introduces?

• Where does it start? Where does it end? • If this is indeed an introduction, how does it

focus my understanding of the rest of the book?

• What are the implications?

John 1John 1

Observation: There are several equally valid ways to

approach this passage:2. Character Study and their actions (make

careful note of the people and their roles and actions)• John (and his testimony, sent from God

1:6)• Priests and Levites (sent from the Jews

of Jerusalem)• Jesus (not even named until 1:17, this

only second time)• Spirit (and implied Father, “sending

one”)• Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael

John 1John 1

Hermeneutical (Text-Driven) Question:

• What is the meaning of each character?• What is the meaning/significance of the

order of their presentation and the manner in which they are introduced?

• What is the meaning of significance of their role in the passage?

• If this is indeed an introduction, how is this role(s) shaped and elaborated upon in the rest of the book?

• What are the implications of these observations?

John 1John 1

How to study the Intro to John’s Gospel There are several equally valid ways to

approach this passage:

3. Geographically investigate the locations mentioned. • Jesus: Came from the Father, and

Nazareth• John: Sent from God, a voice calling in

desert, baptizing on “Other side of Jordan.”

• Priests and Levites: Sent from Jews in Jerusalem

• Spirit: Come down from Heaven, remain on Jesus

John 1John 1

How to study the Intro to John’s Gospel There are several equally valid ways to approach

this passage:

3. Geographically investigate the locations mentioned. • Philip, Andrew, Peter (from Bethsaida)• Note the numerous subtle location markers

in the passage• Priests want to “take message of John’s

identity back to the ones who set them” (1:22)

• Among you stands one you do not know.” (1:26)

John 1John 1

How to study the Intro to John’s Gospel There are several equally valid ways to approach this

passage:

3. Geographically investigate the locations mentioned. • Note the numerous subtle location markers in

the passage• Jesus coming towards them (1:29)• Man comes after me has surpassed me

because he was before me (1:30)• Jesus passing by, Disciples followed. (1:37)• Where are you staying/remaining? (1:38)• Come and you will see (1:39, 46)• Jesus leaves for Galilee (1:43)

John 1John 1

How to study the Intro to John’s Gospel There are several equally valid ways to

approach this passage:

3. Geographically investigate the locations mentioned. • Note the numerous subtle location

markers in the passage• Philip under a fig tree (1:48)• Angels ascending and descending on

the “Son of Man.” (1:51)

John 1John 1

Hermeneutical (Text-Driven) Question:

• What is the meaning of each location?• What is the meaning of the change of

location?• What is the meaning of the horizontal

references vs. the vertical location markers?

• If this is indeed an introduction, how are the location references shaped and elaborated upon in the rest of the book?

• What are the implications of these observations?