The The Gospel of Gospel of

JOhnJOhnThe Word Became Flesh

Differences from the Synoptics

Open about his identity (John 5:17–32)

Profound speech instead of parables

Eternal life instead of Kingdom of God

Signs instead of Miracles

Judea instead of Galilee

Different Order

Cleansing of the Temple at beginning of ministry (2:13–22)

Crucifixion

John 19:14, 31- Day of Preparation

Does he die on the day before Passover or on the day after Passover?

“Day of Preparation” could mean “day of preparation for the Sabbath” during the week of Passover.

Relationship with the Relationship with the

SynopticsSynoptics•Supplemental

•Reinterpretation

•Displacement

•No knowledge

Colbert and Ehrman

•Colbert and Ehrman

Why are the Gospels Different?•Vast material; evangelists make

choices (John 21:25)•Writing for specific communities•Stories circulated in units; order will

differ•Omission is not falsehood•More agreement than disagreement

Background

Who: Beloved Disciple, John Son of Zebedee

Where: Ephesus

When: 60–100

To Whom: Mixed Audience

Purpose

Evangelism (John 20:31) and Anti-Gnosticism

theology of the Word/Logos

John 1:1–5. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Logos

Hellenistic Philosophy

Heraclitus (535–475 BC) - “All things happen in accordance with the Word, which always existed.”

Stoics

Jewish Articulation - With God/Aspect of God

John’s Twist - John 1:14

John 2On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”“Woman,why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had

drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.