John Flashcards
Why is John 8:1–11 is almost certainly a secondary addition to the gospel? (3 reasons)
(1) This passage does not appear in the earliest manuscripts of John.
(2a) it appears first as an appendix to Luke, before settling into its
canonical place in John 8.
(2b) its content in many ways fits better in Luke than John.
Where did John 8:1-11 first appear?
as an appendix to Luke’s Gospel
What are the five major competing hypothesis of Johannine authorship?
(1) originally anonymous (2) originally pseudonymous (3) John, son of Zebedee [apostle] (4) John the Elder (5) another (unknown) person named John
Zebedean Authorship
Sometimes used to describe the theory that the gospel was written by John, son of Zebedee.
What is the earliest (fragmentary) manuscript of John’s gospel?
Found in P66 amount the papyri.
Explain the arguments for: The Gospel of John was written by John, Son of Zebedee []*
(1) JEWISH - the author is almost certainly Jewish, and familiar with Judea and Jerusalem –> This points towards someone who lived for at least some time in the Land of Israel. (2) MURATORIAN CANON - identifies the author (Johannine Evangelist) as a disciple of the Lord –> the only member of the twelve who goes by John is John, son of Zebedee
(3) BELOVED DISCIPLE- The intimacy between Jesus and the Beloved Disciple at the Last Supper is most fitting
for someone in Jesus’ most inner circle (i.e., Peter [poor candidate], James [died in 41-42], and John) (4) The sons of Zebedee are among those who meet Jesus in John 21, and the text makes
clear that the Beloved Disciple is among that group.
explain arguments for: The Gospel of John was Written by John the Elder
(1) PAPIAS RECORDS - There is good reason to doubt that the author was John, son of Zebedee
- Nonetheless, the gospel explicitly states that the author was a disciple of the historical Jesus.
- From PAPIAS, we learn that Jesus had at least two followers named “John.”
- two lists of disciples: one only Twelve apostles, and another (John is listed on both, in the latter called “the elder”)
- * As this man is the only other disciple of the earthly Jesus known to have been named “John,” he is the best candidate to have written the gospel.
(2) INTRO OF 2JOHN AND 3JOHN- The author of 2 and 3 John introduces himself simply as “The Elder.” & * 2 and 3 John were likely also written by John the Evangelist
explain the arguments for: The Gospel of John was Written by Another, Probably Unknown Person Named John
- the case for zebedeean authorship isn’t great 2. neither is it for the Elder 3. but recognize the evidence that the author was named John is too
strong to dispute 4. also recognize that “John” was a common name in the Land of Israel at this time
What is the majority position of where John was written?
Ephesus
What are 3 minority positions about John’s provenance (where it was written)?
(1) ALEXANDRIA (2) JUDEA (3) We don’t know!
arguments: John’s Gospel was Written in Alexandria
- There are significant similarities in thought and expression between John’s Gospel and
the writings of the Jewish philosopher, Philo of Alexandria - As such, John’s Gospel was likely written in Alexandria
(This used to be a very popular position. Not so much anymore)
why do majority of NT scholars say John was written in Ephesus?
(1a) SECOND CENTURY WRITINGS - in the second century, Christian writers indicate that John’s Gospel was written
in Ephesus
(1b) NO OTHER LOCATIONS - our ancient literature never gives another location for its composition.
arguments: John’s Gospel was Written in Judea
- Various aspects of John’s Gospel that link its author to Judea, and even more specifically Jerusalem.
- These suggest that it was written in Judea
arguments: We Don’t Know Where John’s Gospel Was Written
- would affirm most if not all of the critiques given above regarding various
specific locations, e.g., [Alexandria –> Philo’s writings circulated beyond Alexandria] [
Whats the majority opinion of when John was written?
70-100
What’s the minority opinion of when John was written?
30-70
Why do majority of scholars date john 70-100CE? [2 primary reasons]
- it is generally assumed that John knows
the destruction of the temple in 70. If so, then it must [predate? post-] this event. 2. until recently it was assumed that P66 dated sometime between 125 and 150. If so,
then John’s Gospel must predate this. The general assumption was that it would take at
some time for John’s Gospel to circulate, so scholars were generally wary to date it much
later than ca. 100.
why does a minority of scholars date John 30-70 CE? [2 primary reasons]
- (as with other gospels) John’s Gospel contains nothing that couldn’t have
been known by ca. 30. This includes the prophecies regarding the destruction of the temple. 2. POOL AT THE SHEEP GATE - , John 5:2 reads that “Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there /is/ a pool, called
in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which /has/ five porticoes” … we know the pools and the porticoes were destroyed in 70
