NT Survey I Gospel of John. Introduction Author: Doesn’t say! Author: Doesn’t say!

NT Survey INT Survey I

Gospel of JohnGospel of John

IntroductionIntroduction

AuthorAuthor: Doesn’t say!: Doesn’t say!

AuthorAuthor

Manuscripts have “According to Manuscripts have “According to John”John”

Polycarp (70-160 AD) was disciple of Polycarp (70-160 AD) was disciple of Apostle John; Irenaeus (130-200 AD) Apostle John; Irenaeus (130-200 AD) was disciple of Polycarp. Irenaeus was disciple of Polycarp. Irenaeus said the apostle John wrote this said the apostle John wrote this gospel.gospel.

Testimony of IrenaeusTestimony of Irenaeus““We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation,

than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later

period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it is unlawful to assert be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it is unlawful to assert

that they preached before they possessed “perfect knowledge,” that they preached before they possessed “perfect knowledge,” as some do even venture to say, boasting themselves as as some do even venture to say, boasting themselves as

improvers of the apostles. For, after our Lord rose from the dead, improvers of the apostles. For, after our Lord rose from the dead, [the apostles] were invested with power from on high when the [the apostles] were invested with power from on high when the

Holy Spirit came down [upon them], were filled from all [His gifts], Holy Spirit came down [upon them], were filled from all [His gifts], and had perfect knowledge: they departed to the ends of the and had perfect knowledge: they departed to the ends of the

earth, preaching the glad tidings of the good things [sent] from earth, preaching the glad tidings of the good things [sent] from God to us, and proclaiming the peace of heaven to men, who God to us, and proclaiming the peace of heaven to men, who

indeed do all equally and individually possess the Gospel of God. indeed do all equally and individually possess the Gospel of God. Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their

own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in

writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by

him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his

residence at Ephesus in Asia.” (residence at Ephesus in Asia.” (Against HeresiesAgainst Heresies 3.1.1) 3.1.1)

AuthorAuthor

Manuscripts have “According to John”Manuscripts have “According to John” Polycarp (70-160 AD) was disciple of Polycarp (70-160 AD) was disciple of

Apostle John; Irenaeus (130-200 AD) Apostle John; Irenaeus (130-200 AD) was disciple of Polycarp. Irenaeus said was disciple of Polycarp. Irenaeus said the apostle John wrote this gospel.the apostle John wrote this gospel.

Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD) attributed this gospel to the apostle attributed this gospel to the apostle John.John.

Testimony of Clement of Testimony of Clement of AlexandriaAlexandria

““Clement gives the tradition of the earliest presbyters, Clement gives the tradition of the earliest presbyters, as to the order of the Gospels, in the following manner: as to the order of the Gospels, in the following manner: The Gospels containing the genealogies, he says, were The Gospels containing the genealogies, he says, were

written first. The Gospel according to Mark had this written first. The Gospel according to Mark had this occasion. As Peter had preached the Word publicly at occasion. As Peter had preached the Word publicly at Rome, and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many Rome, and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many

who were present requested that Mark, who had who were present requested that Mark, who had followed him for a long time and remembered his followed him for a long time and remembered his

sayings, should write them out. And having composed sayings, should write them out. And having composed the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it. the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it.

When Peter learned of this, he neither directly forbade When Peter learned of this, he neither directly forbade nor encouraged it. But, last of all, John, perceiving that nor encouraged it. But, last of all, John, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, being urged by his friends, and inspired by the Spirit, being urged by his friends, and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospelcomposed a spiritual Gospel.” .” ((Ecclesiastical HistoryEcclesiastical History

6.14.5-7)6.14.5-7)

AuthorAuthor




““Disciple whom Jesus loved”Disciple whom Jesus loved”

““Disciple Whom Jesus Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”Loved”

The “disciple whom Jesus loved” is the The “disciple whom Jesus loved” is the person who wrote the book (21:20-24)person who wrote the book (21:20-24)

““Then Peter, turning around, Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following . . . This is the loved following . . . This is the disciple who testifies of these disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things.” things, and wrote these things.” (John 21:20, 24)(John 21:20, 24)

““Disciple Whom Jesus Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”Loved”

The “disciple whom Jesus loved” is the The “disciple whom Jesus loved” is the person who wrote the book (21:20-24)person who wrote the book (21:20-24)

This disciple is a significant character in This disciple is a significant character in the book (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).the book (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

The apostle John is mentioned The apostle John is mentioned throughout the Synoptics as a throughout the Synoptics as a significant character.significant character.

The apostle John is NEVER mentioned The apostle John is NEVER mentioned (by name, that is) in the fourth gospel.(by name, that is) in the fourth gospel.

AuthorAuthor




““Disciple whom Jesus loved”Disciple whom Jesus loved”

IntroductionIntroduction AuthorAuthor: Doesn’t say!: Doesn’t say!

IntroductionIntroduction AuthorAuthor: Doesn’t say! (But was the apostle : Doesn’t say! (But was the apostle

John)John)

IntroductionIntroduction

AuthorAuthor: Doesn’t say! (But was the apostle John): Doesn’t say! (But was the apostle John) DateDate: Doesn’t say! (Usually given as 80-95 AD): Doesn’t say! (Usually given as 80-95 AD) AudienceAudience: Doesn’t say! (But likely to Jews; : Doesn’t say! (But likely to Jews;

specifically, to Greek speaking ones [cf. 1:41, specifically, to Greek speaking ones [cf. 1:41, “Messiah” translated] in Ephesus).“Messiah” translated] in Ephesus).

CharacterCharacter: According to Clement of Alexandria, : According to Clement of Alexandria, a “spiritual” gospel.a “spiritual” gospel. ~90% of material in John unique!~90% of material in John unique! Long discourses about the Spirit, life, judgment, Long discourses about the Spirit, life, judgment,

resurrection, the person of Christ, etc…resurrection, the person of Christ, etc…

John’s Use of the OTJohn’s Use of the OT "It is my firm conviction that the place to "It is my firm conviction that the place to begin a reflection on the milieu of the Fourth begin a reflection on the milieu of the Fourth Gospel is with the Old Testament. But the test of Gospel is with the Old Testament. But the test of John’s pervading milieu is not to be measured in John’s pervading milieu is not to be measured in terms of direct quotation from the Old Testament terms of direct quotation from the Old Testament because John has fewer such quotations than the because John has fewer such quotations than the other Gospels. Yet this Gospel literally breathes other Gospels. Yet this Gospel literally breathes the influence of Israel’s textbook. While John the influence of Israel’s textbook. While John does not use the format of Matthew’s fulfillment does not use the format of Matthew’s fulfillment formulas, the entire organization of John is formulas, the entire organization of John is posited on the belief that Jesus encompasses posited on the belief that Jesus encompasses within his mission on earth the fulfillment or within his mission on earth the fulfillment or replacement of many of Israel’s primary replacement of many of Israel’s primary historical remembrances that have symbolized historical remembrances that have symbolized Israel’s understanding of being the people of Israel’s understanding of being the people of God."God."

(G. L. Borchert, (G. L. Borchert, John 1-11John 1-11, NAC), NAC)

John’s Use of the OTJohn’s Use of the OT John 12:37-41 But though He had performed

so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him; that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, "LORD, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?“ For this cause they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, "He has blinded their eyes, and He hardened their heart; lest they see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and be converted, and I heal them." These things Isaiah said, because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.

Is this the Isaiah John was Is this the Isaiah John was Thinking About?Thinking About?

John’s Use of the OTJohn’s Use of the OT John 1:1John 1:1 – “In the beginning…” – “In the beginning…” John 1:25John 1:25 – “Christ…Elijah…the Prophet?” – “Christ…Elijah…the Prophet?” John 1:51John 1:51 – “Angels...ascending/descending” – “Angels...ascending/descending” John 3:14John 3:14 – “As Moses lifted up the – “As Moses lifted up the

serpent…”serpent…” John 7:42John 7:42 – “Has not the Scripture said that – “Has not the Scripture said that

the Christ comes from the offspring of David, the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem…”and from Bethlehem…”

John 10:14John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd…” – “I am the good shepherd…” John 12:34John 12:34 – “We have heard out of the Law – “We have heard out of the Law

that the Christ is to remain forever”that the Christ is to remain forever” John 15:1John 15:1 – “I am the true vine…” – “I am the true vine…” John 21:25John 21:25 – “Many other things Jesus did, – “Many other things Jesus did,

which if they were written…”which if they were written…”

John’s Use of the OTJohn’s Use of the OT John 1:1John 1:1 – “In the beginning…” – “In the beginning…” John 1:25John 1:25 – “Christ…Elijah…the Prophet?” – “Christ…Elijah…the Prophet?” John 1:51John 1:51 – “Angels...ascending/descending” – “Angels...ascending/descending” John 3:14John 3:14 – “As Moses lifted up the – “As Moses lifted up the

serpent…”serpent…” John 7:42John 7:42 – “Has not the Scripture said that – “Has not the Scripture said that

the Christ comes from the offspring of David, the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem…”and from Bethlehem…”

John 10:14John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd…” – “I am the good shepherd…” John 12:34John 12:34 – “We have heard out of the Law – “We have heard out of the Law

that the Christ is to remain forever”that the Christ is to remain forever” John 15:1John 15:1 – “I am the true vine…” – “I am the true vine…” John 21:25John 21:25 – “Many other things Jesus – “Many other things Jesus

did, which if they were written…”did, which if they were written…”

Beginning and End ofBeginning and End ofJohn’s GospelJohn’s Gospel

John 1John 1 Jesus is GodJesus is God Jesus is not only God but also the promised Jesus is not only God but also the promised

MessiahMessiah John 21John 21

Jesus is the MessiahJesus is the Messiah Jesus is not only Messiah but also GodJesus is not only Messiah but also God

John 20:31John 20:31 – – “These have been written that you “These have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.and that believing you may have life in His name.

Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of God”God”

““Son of GodSon of God [was] an expression which for Jews [was] an expression which for Jews functioned in many ways, including, as here, rough functioned in many ways, including, as here, rough synonymity with ‘Christ’ or ‘Messiah’” (D. A. Carson, synonymity with ‘Christ’ or ‘Messiah’” (D. A. Carson, JohnJohn, 661), 661)

Better, “[T]he use of Better, “[T]he use of Son of GodSon of God to designate the to designate the Messiah ultimately depends on passages such as . . . 2 Messiah ultimately depends on passages such as . . . 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 2:7 (linking sonship and Davidic Samuel 7:14; Psalm 2:7 (linking sonship and Davidic royalty). . . . That appears to be how Nathanael used it royalty). . . . That appears to be how Nathanael used it [in 1:49], but readers of John’s Gospel will quickly learn [in 1:49], but readers of John’s Gospel will quickly learn that the categories ‘Son’ and ‘Son of God’ are used to that the categories ‘Son’ and ‘Son of God’ are used to depict the unique relation of oneness and intimacy depict the unique relation of oneness and intimacy between Jesus and his Father. Jesus’ sonship to God, between Jesus and his Father. Jesus’ sonship to God, however functionally described, involves a metaphysical, however functionally described, involves a metaphysical, not merely a messianic, relationship. Nathanael spoke not merely a messianic, relationship. Nathanael spoke better than he knew” (Carson, better than he knew” (Carson, JohnJohn, 162)., 162).

Jesus as “the Christ”Jesus as “the Christ”

John the Baptist is not “the Christ” (1:17, 20, 25; 3:28)John the Baptist is not “the Christ” (1:17, 20, 25; 3:28) “‘“‘We have found the Messiah’ (which translated means Christ)” We have found the Messiah’ (which translated means Christ)”

(1:41)(1:41) ““I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ)” . . . . I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ)” . . . .

“I who speak to you am He” (4:25-26)“I who speak to you am He” (4:25-26) ““The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they?” The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they?”

(7:26ff) . . . “This is the Christ” (7:41)(7:26ff) . . . “This is the Christ” (7:41) Jews excommunicated anyone claiming He was the Christ (9:22)Jews excommunicated anyone claiming He was the Christ (9:22) ““If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (10:24)If you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (10:24) ““I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (11:27)I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (11:27) The Law says the Christ is to remain forever (12:34)The Law says the Christ is to remain forever (12:34) ““There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they were There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they were

written in detail . . .” (21:25)written in detail . . .” (21:25)

Jesus as “the Son of God”Jesus as “the Son of God”

The Word was God (1:1)The Word was God (1:1) The Word created everything (1:3) and has life in Himself (1:4)The Word created everything (1:3) and has life in Himself (1:4) The “only begotten God” (1:18)The “only begotten God” (1:18) ““The Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him because . . . He The Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him because . . . He

. . . was . . . making Himself equal to God (5:18). . . was . . . making Himself equal to God (5:18) ““Before Abraham was born, I am” (8:58)Before Abraham was born, I am” (8:58) ““I am the good shepherd” (10:14; cf. Ezek 34:11)I am the good shepherd” (10:14; cf. Ezek 34:11) ““I and the Father are one” (10:30; cf. 10:33)I and the Father are one” (10:30; cf. 10:33) ““The glory I had with You before the world was” (17:5)The glory I had with You before the world was” (17:5) ““He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of

God” (19:7)God” (19:7) ““Thomas . . . said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!” (20:28)Thomas . . . said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!” (20:28) ““There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they

were written in detail . . .” (21:25)were written in detail . . .” (21:25)

Purpose Statement for JohnPurpose Statement for John

John was written that “you may John was written that “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (20:31)may have life in His name” (20:31)

Purpose Statement for JohnPurpose Statement for John “ “John wrote to establish and confirm the historical reality John wrote to establish and confirm the historical reality concerning the nature of the man ‘Jesus.’ While John constantly concerning the nature of the man ‘Jesus.’ While John constantly kept before his readers the fact of Jesus’ humanity, his purpose kept before his readers the fact of Jesus’ humanity, his purpose was to show that He was more than human, that in truth He ‘is the was to show that He was more than human, that in truth He ‘is the Christ, the Son of God.’ His historical account of Jesus was Christ, the Son of God.’ His historical account of Jesus was intentionally interpretative of His true nature. He portrays Jesus as intentionally interpretative of His true nature. He portrays Jesus as ‘the Christ,’ the Messiah, the personal fulfillment of the Old ‘the Christ,’ the Messiah, the personal fulfillment of the Old Testament Messianic promises. . . .This emphasis upon Jesus’ Testament Messianic promises. . . .This emphasis upon Jesus’ identity as Messiah establishes that the true fulfillment of the Old identity as Messiah establishes that the true fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the hopes of the Jewish people lie in Him.Testament promises and the hopes of the Jewish people lie in Him. This gospel, more strongly than the synoptics, stresses the This gospel, more strongly than the synoptics, stresses the uniqueness of the person of Jesus as ‘the Son of God.’ This uniqueness of the person of Jesus as ‘the Son of God.’ This revelation concerning His divine nature is embodied . . .revelation concerning His divine nature is embodied . . . This irrefutable evidence concerning Jesus’ Messiahship and This irrefutable evidence concerning Jesus’ Messiahship and deity in this gospel was recorded for the further purpose ‘that deity in this gospel was recorded for the further purpose ‘that believing ye may have life in his name.’”believing ye may have life in his name.’”

Hiebert, Hiebert, Introduction to the New TestamentIntroduction to the New Testament, 1:214-16, 1:214-16

StructureStructure

John 1:1-18 is the prologue to the John 1:1-18 is the prologue to the bookbook

John 21:1-25 is the epilogue of the John 21:1-25 is the epilogue of the bookbook

John 1:19 – 20:31 is the body of the John 1:19 – 20:31 is the body of the bookbook

Let’s look at 1:1-18 a bit more closelyLet’s look at 1:1-18 a bit more closely

StructureStructure

A The Word and God (1-2)A The Word and God (1-2) B What the Word brings (3-5)B What the Word brings (3-5) C The testimony of John (6-9)C The testimony of John (6-9) D Rejection and Reception of Word (10-D Rejection and Reception of Word (10-

13)13) C' The testimony of John (14-15)C' The testimony of John (14-15) B' What the Word brings (16-17)B' What the Word brings (16-17) A' The Word and God (18)A' The Word and God (18)

StructureStructure

A The Word and God (1-2)A The Word and God (1-2) B What the Word brings (3-5)B What the Word brings (3-5) C The testimony of John (6-9)C The testimony of John (6-9) D D Rejection and Reception of Word (10-Rejection and Reception of Word (10-

13)13) C' The testimony of John (14-15)C' The testimony of John (14-15) B' What the Word brings (16-17)B' What the Word brings (16-17) A' The Word and God (18)A' The Word and God (18)

““Roadmap” of John 1:10-13Roadmap” of John 1:10-13

Jesus came to His own (1:19-4:54)Jesus came to His own (1:19-4:54) His own did not receive Him (5:1-12:50)His own did not receive Him (5:1-12:50)

Culminates in resurrection of LazarusCulminates in resurrection of Lazarus Note the use of Isaiah 6 here!Note the use of Isaiah 6 here!

He gave life to those who did receive He gave life to those who did receive Him (13:1-20:30-31)Him (13:1-20:30-31) Death, Resurrection, Giving of Holy SpiritDeath, Resurrection, Giving of Holy Spirit Culminates in purpose statement (20:30-Culminates in purpose statement (20:30-

31)31)

Major Themes in JohnMajor Themes in John

Jesus, the ManJesus, the Man

Jesus the ManJesus the Man

In the Revised Version, we find that In the Revised Version, we find that Mark calls our Lord “Jesus” only Mark calls our Lord “Jesus” only thirteen times. Luke calls Him thirteen times. Luke calls Him “Jesus” eighty-eight times. Matthew “Jesus” eighty-eight times. Matthew calls Him “Jesus” one hundred and calls Him “Jesus” one hundred and fifty-one times. John calls Him fifty-one times. John calls Him “Jesus” two hundred and forty-“Jesus” two hundred and forty-seven times.”seven times.”

(Hiebert, (Hiebert, Introduction to NTIntroduction to NT, 215), 215)


Jesus, the ManJesus, the Man Jesus, the MessiahJesus, the Messiah Jesus, the Son of GodJesus, the Son of God ““Signs” (2:1-11; 4:46-54; 5:1-9; 6:1-Signs” (2:1-11; 4:46-54; 5:1-9; 6:1-

14, 16-21; 9:1-7; 11:17-44; 21:1-14)14, 16-21; 9:1-7; 11:17-44; 21:1-14) BelieveBelieve

Some didn’tSome didn’t Others didOthers did


John repeats many other concepts John repeats many other concepts over and over in his gospel (Life, over and over in his gospel (Life, Light, Truth, Glory, World, Hour, Jew Light, Truth, Glory, World, Hour, Jew [or Jewish], Remain, Witness, See)[or Jewish], Remain, Witness, See)

Next Week: Life of ChristNext Week: Life of Christ

Documents

NT Survey I Gospel of John. Introduction Author: Doesn’t say! Author: Doesn’t say!