Gospel of John Flashcards
What is the approximate date of the Gospel of John?
The Gospel of John is thought to have been written around 90–95 CE.
What do we know about the authorship of the Gospel of John?
The Gospel of John is anonymous. In the second century, it was attributed to John, the son of Zebedee, but John 21:2 references “the sons of Zebedee” in the third person, raising questions about authorship.
How does the Gospel of John authenticate its testimony?
John 19:35 and 21:24 emphasize eyewitness testimony, claiming the truth of the writer’s account. However, some scholars suggest this could be a literary device.
How does the Gospel of John relate to the Synoptic Gospels?
John shares some stories with the Synoptics (e.g., the entry into Jerusalem, feeding the multitude, crucifixion) but differs significantly in Jesus’ words and preaching. John focuses on Jesus’ identity as one sent from God rather than proclaiming the kingdom of God.
What shift does Bultmann identify in the traditions about Jesus?
Rudolf Bultmann noted a shift from Jesus proclaiming the kingdom of God (as in the Synoptics) to proclaiming his own identity as the one sent from God (as in John).
Give examples of “I am” sayings in the Gospel of John.
- “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
- “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
- “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
How does the prologue in John relate to Jewish Wisdom traditions?
The prologue aligns with Jewish Wisdom traditions by portraying the Word (Jesus) as a divine agent in creation, similar to Wisdom in Proverbs 8 and the Wisdom of Solomon, but unique in becoming flesh.
How is Wisdom described in Proverbs 8?
Wisdom is depicted as a divine female figure created at the beginning of God’s work, acting as a “master craftsman” through whom God creates heaven and earth.
How is “the Word” described in John 1:1–3?
“The Word” was with God and was God. All things were created through “the Word,” establishing its role in creation.
How does John 8:58 reflect Jesus’ divine nature?
Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” aligning himself with the divine name “I am” from the Old Testament.
What was the social context in which John’s Gospel was written?
The Gospel of John was likely written for a community of Jesus-following Jews who had been expelled from synagogues, reflecting tensions and disputes within Judaism.
What does John say about expulsion from the synagogue?
Passages like John 9:22 and 11:42 mention fear of expulsion from the synagogue for confessing Jesus as the Messiah.
Why does John include harsh language about “the Jews”?
The rhetoric reflects the pain of expulsion from the synagogue and is part of an inner-Jewish dispute. It should not be interpreted as anti-Semitic.
How does the NRSV’s translation of Ioudaioi as “Jews” affect interpretation?
Translating Ioudaioi as “Jews” can imply religious conflict between Jews and Christians, while “Judeans” emphasizes regional or ethnic context, avoiding misinterpretation.
What seems to be the primary purpose of John’s Gospel?
The Gospel aims to present theological reflection on Jesus’ identity, emphasizing his divine nature and role as the Word made flesh.
