Chapter 6

The Gospel of St. John, often referred to as the Book of John, is the fourth among the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. The Gospel of St. John is a narrative of the life of Jesus from His baptism to His resurrection and His revealing Himself in the midst of His disciples. Throughout the Gospel, there are various accounts of miracles as signs performed by Jesus, often followed by teachings emphasizing spiritual truths.

Authorship and composition:

It is widely believed to be written by John, the beloved apostle of Jesus, although the exact authorship remains a subject of debate. John presents events as an eyewitness (John 1:15). The Gospel of John is rich in theological and symbolic language, often using metaphors, imagery, and conveys spiritual truths about Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life for believers.

Theological themes in Johannine Gospel:

* Logos - The Gospel of John begins with a prologue that introduces Jesus as the "Word" (Logos) who was with God in the beginning and was God (John 1:1). This concept of the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity is central to John's theological emphasis.

* Christology - Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus openly presents himself as the divine Son of God, not hiding his identity as he does in the Gospel According to St. Mark. Thus, the author of John's Gospel does not merely narrate a series of events but singles out details that support an ordered theological interpretation of those events.

* Eternal life and salvation - Throughout the Gospel, belief in Jesus is emphasized as the key to receiving eternal life. John presents faith as essential for salvation and eternal fellowship with God.

* Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the divine agent who continues the work of Jesus after His departure, guiding, empowering, and unifying believers. This reflects the life of a Christian, guided by the Holy spirit which strengthens and unifies people.

LOGOS

Peculiarities of Johannine Gospel:

I am sayings - John's Gospel was written with the intention of presenting Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His deity and the significance of faith in Him for eternal life. It contains seven "I am" statements made by Jesus, illustrating His divine nature and mission.

Dualism – In John’s Gospel, human issues are being viewed wholistically in terms of dualism, represented by two sets of forces, one from above which is Christ and the other one opposed by this world. Sholars believe that John was influenced by Hellenism, Platonism, and Gnosticism to include dualism in his gospel. Examples for dualism are:

Light and Darkness (John 1:5): True light is not the light of literal day, but the state of having one’s existence illuminated through Christ, an illumination in and by which humans achieve a self-understanding, and guide all conduct with clarity and assurance. Darkness means a person’s self-arrogance and self-sovereignty against the True light. It is the turning away from the possibility of illuminating one’s existence.

ii.

Heaven and Earth (John 8:23): John's Gospel often presents Jesus as being sent by the Father from the heaven to the earth. John narrates a connection of descent and ascent of a Redeemer, and thereby assures a constant contact between the heaven and the earth (the world above and the world beneath).

iii.

Spirit and Flesh (John 3:5; 6:63): The Gospel of John frequently addresses the spiritual dimension, presenting the Spirit as transcendent and superior to the flesh. It signifies human passage from flesh, the lower order of existence to spirit the higher order of existence where a person can achieve eternal life. Flesh also refers to the ‘nothingness of a person’s whole existence’ whereas spirit refers to a mode of being where a person enjoys authentic existence.

iv.

Life and death (John 5:24): The dualism here is not static, but in continuity – ‘whoever believes in Christ passes from death to life.’ The one who believes is

transferred from the natural realm of life controlled by death to the diving realm

of life dominated by light and love.

Signs - The term ‘sign’ is derived from the Greek word semeion which means ‘signifying and indicating something beyond itself’; and it is believed that John’s Hellenistic influence made him to use the term ‘sign’ instead of ‘miracle’ as used by other Gospel writers. The Gospel of John highlights seven signs performed by Jesus, demonstrating His divine power and identity. These include turning water into wine, healing of a nobleman’s son, healing of a man at the sheep-gate pool, the walking on water, the feeding of five thousand, the healing of a man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus.

Difference between Johannine gospel and Synoptic gospels: The Gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they provide a synopsis or narrative account of Jesus’ life and ministry. The Gospel of John differs in style, content, and structure from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) presenting a more theological and reflective account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.