christocentric literary-dramatic structure of john's gospel

aNALECTAIBLICA117

roma 2011

GeorGe Mlakuzhyil sj

ChristocentricLiterary-Dramatic

Structureof John’s Gospel

second enlarged edition

Progetto grafico di copertina: Serena aureli

Impaginazione: Lisanti srl - roma

© 2011 Gregorian & Biblical PressPiazza della Pilotta, 35 - 00187 roma, [email protected] - www.gbpress.net

1987 First Edition2011 Second Enlarged Edition

ISBN: 978-88-7653-117-0

Vidimus et approbamus ad normam Statutorum Pontificia Universitas GregorianaRomae, die 29 mensis Ianuarii anni 1987Prof. Albert Vanhoye, S.J.Prof. Gerald O’Collins, S.J.

A.M.D.G.Dedicated to

the Society of Jesusfor my 50 Golden Years

(1960-2010)

Ab_117_Mlakuzhyil_01_01_50def:Layout 1 15-02-2011 11:46 Pagina 5

OUTLINE

CONTENTS.......................................................................................... 9PRESENTATION (First Edition) ...................................................... 21PREFACE (First Edition) .................................................................... 25PREFACE (Second Enlarged Edition) .............................................. 27

0. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 31

1. DIFFICULTIES AGAINST THE LITERARY UNITY AND STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL .................................... 351.1 Main Problems .............................................................................. 351.2 Proposed Solutions ........................................................................ 39

2. SURVEY OF THE STRUCTURES OF JOHN’S GOSPEL (1907-2007) .......................................................................... 512.1 Literary Structures.......................................................................... 522.2 Symmetrical Structures ................................................................ 832.3 Literary-Thematic Structures ...................................................... 1502.4 Revelatory Structures .................................................................... 1652.5 Narrative Structures ...................................................................... 1862.6 Revelatory-Narrative Structures .................................................. 1972.7 Journey-Structures.......................................................................... 2062.8 Dramatic Structures ...................................................................... 222

3. MULTIPLE CRITERIA FOR THE STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL .......................................................................... 2793.1 Literary Criteria.............................................................................. 2803.2 Structural Schemes ........................................................................ 3153.3 Dramatic Devices .......................................................................... 332

4. LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL .......................................................................... 3494.1 Main Divisions of John’s Gospel .................................................. 3514.2 Sections of JESUS’ SIGNS and JESUS’ HOUR ........................ 397

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4.3 Structure of the Sections ........................................................ 4294© Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure

of John’s Gospel ...................................................................... 498

5. CHRISTOCENTRIC THEOLOGY IN THE LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 5015.1 Major Theological Themes in the Literary-Dramatic

Structure .................................................................................. 5025.2 Christocentric Theological Sketch in the Literary-

Dramatic Structure .................................................................. 578

©. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 683

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................... 689

INDEX OF AUTHORS ................................................................ 719

CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL


CONTENTS

PRESENTATION (First Edition)........................................................ 21PREFACE (First Edition) .................................................................... 25PREFACE (Second Enlarged Edition) ................................................ 27

0. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 31

1. DIFFICULTIES AGAINST THE LITERARY UNITY AND STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL ................................ 35

1.1 Main Problems ........................................................................ 351.1.1 Interruptions and Inconsistencies in Sequence............................ 361.1.2 Repetitions and/or Passages out of Context.............................. 381.1.3 Differences in Greek Vocabulary and Style ................................ 38

1.2 Proposed Solutions ................................................................ 391.2.1 Theories of Accidental Displacements ...................................... 401.2.2 Theories of Multiple Sources .................................................. 411.2.3 Theories of Multiple Editions/Redactions ................................ 44

Excursus: .................................................................................... 47(1) Aporia at Jn 1, 43 and Its Solution ............................................ 47(2) Aporia at Jn 1, 51 and Its Solution ............................................ 49

2. SURVEY OF THE STRUCTURES OF JOHN’S GOSPEL (1907-2007) .................................................................... 51

2.1 Literary Structures .................................................................. 522.1.1 Geographical-Chronological Structures (Bernard, Brodie) .......... 53

a) Geographical-chronological structure (Bernard) ................................ 53 b) Chronological-geographical structure (Brodie) .................................. 54

2.1.2 Chronological-Liturgical Structures (Mollat, Guilding, Goulder) .............................................................................. 60

a) Chronological-liturgical structure (Mollat) ...................................... 60b) Chronological-liturgical structure (Guilding) .................................. 63c) Chronological-liturgical structure (Goulder) .................................... 65

2.1.3 Literary-Chronological Structure (Defourney) .......................... 682.1.4 Numerical-Symbolical Structure (Lohmeyer) ............................ 692.1.5 Typological Structure (Sahlin) ................................................ 72

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2.1.6 Typological-Symbolical Structure (Mateos & Barreto) ................ 732.1.7 Symbolical-Typological/Liturgical Structures (Boismard) ............ 76

a) Symbolical-typological structure (Boismard) .................................... 76b) Symbolical-liturgical structure (Boismard) ...................................... 78c) Comparison between the two structures ........................................ 80

2.1.8 Liturgical-Symbolical-Sign Structure (Puigdollers) .................... 81

2.2 Symmetrical Structures .......................................................... 832.2.1 Chiastic Structure (Deeks)...................................................... 832.2.2 Chiastic [Concentric] Structures (Gerhard & Ellis,

Barnhart, Webster, Wyller) .................................................... 88a) Chiastic [concentric] structure (Gerhard & Ellis) .............................. 88b) Chiastic [concentric] mandala structure (Barnhart)............................ 92c) Chiastic [concentric] Christological structure (Webster) ...................... 96d) Chiastic [concentric] pedimental structure (Wyller)............................ 101

2.2.3 Concentric Structures (Willemse, Kammerstätter, Rau, Ostenstad, Simoens, Staley) .................................................. 106

a) Concentric structure (Willemse) .................................................. 106b) Symmetrical concentric structure (Kammerstätter) ............................ 109c) Rhythmical concentric structure (Rau).......................................... 112d) Triptych concentric structure (Ostenstad) ...................................... 116e) Fourfold concentric structure (Simoens) . ...................................... 126f) Rhetorical concentric journey-structure (Staley) .............................. 132

2.2.4 Chiastic-Concentric Typological Structure (Smith) .................... 1412.2.5 Symmetrical Star-Like Structure (Gerhard) ............................ 147

2.3 Literary-Thematic Structures ................................................ 1502.3.1 Bipartite Literary-Thematic Structure (Brown) ........................ 1502.3.2 Bipartite Literary-Thematic Structure (Léon-Dufour) .............. 1562.3.3 Fourfold Literary-Thematic Structure (L’Eplattenier) ................ 162

2.4 Revelatory Structures ............................................................ 1652.4.1 Revelatory Structure (Westcott) .............................................. 1662.4.2 Revelatory Structure (van den Bussche) .................................. 1682.4.3 Revelatory Structure (de la Potterie).......................................... 1712.4.4 Revelatory Dramatic Structure (Caba) ...................................... 1752.4.5 Revelatory Response Structure (Gourgues) ................................ 1782.4.6 Revelatory Eclectic Structure (Segalla) ...................................... 181

2.5 Narrative Structures ................................................................ 1862.5.1 Narrative-Discourse Structure (Dodd) ...................................... 1862.5.2 Bipartite Narrative Structure (Prete) ........................................ 1892.5.3 Tripartite Narrative Structure (Giblin) .................................... 192

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2.6 Revelatory-Narrative Structures .............................................. 1972.6.1 Fivefold Revelatory-Narrative Structure (Carson) ...................... 1972.6.2 Sevenfold Revelatory-Narrative Structure (Pasquetto) .................. 203

2.7 Journey-Structures .................................................................. 2062.7.1 Bipartite Journey-Structure (Rissi) .......................................... 2062.7.2 Tripartite Esoteric Journey-Structure (Korting).......................... 2092.7.3 Tripartite Biographical Journey-Structure (Segovia) .................. 216

2.8 Dramatic Structures ................................................................ 2222.8.1 Dramatic Structure (Hitchcock)................................................ 2232.8.2 Dramatic Narrative Structure (Stibbe) ...................................... 2282.8.3 Dramatic (Chronological-Geographical) Plot Structure (Tenney) .............. 2342.8.4 Dramatic Episodic Structure (Culpepper) .................................. 2372.8.5 Dramatic/Tragic Plot Structure (Brant) .................................... 2422.8.6 Dramatic Revelatory Structure (Carter) .................................... 2602.8.7 Dramatic Thematic Structure of Jn 11-12 (Burke) ...................... 2632.8.8 Dramatic/Tragedy-like Structure of Jn 18-19 (Verburg) .............. 272

3. MULTIPLE CRITERIA FOR THE STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 279

3.1 Literary Criteria ...................................................................... 2803.1.1 Conclusions.......................................................................... 280

a) Jn 20,30-31 ............................................................................ 280b) Jn 21,24-25 ............................................................................ 282c) Jn 12,37-43 ............................................................................ 282d) Other conclusions ...................................................................... 284

3.1.2 Introductions ........................................................................ 285a) Introduction to the Gospel as a whole (Jn 1,1-2,12) .......................... 285b) Introductions to episodes and/or pericopes ........................................ 287

3.1.3 Inclusions ............................................................................ 288a) Inclusions for the Gospel as a whole .............................................. 289b) Inclusions for the divisions and subdivisions ...................................... 289

3.1.4 Characteristic Vocabulary........................................................ 294a) Vocabulary of 1,35-51 .............................................................. 294b) Vocabulary of 2,1-11 ................................................................ 297c) Comparison of the vocabulary of 1,35-51 and 2,1-11 ...................... 297

3.1.5 Geographical Indications........................................................ 2983.1.6 Literary-Chronological Indications .......................................... 299

a) Meta tauta and meta touto ........................................................ 299b) Tê[i] epaurion and tê[i] hêmerâ[i] tê[i] tritê[i] .................................. 300

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CONTENTS


c) Other literary-chronological indications .......................................... 3003.1.7 Liturgical Feasts .................................................................. 3013.1.8 Transitions .......................................................................... 3013.1.9 Bridge-Passages .................................................................... 303

a) Bridge-verses ............................................................................ 304b) Bridge-pericope ........................................................................ 305c) Bridge-section .......................................................................... 306

3.1.10 Hook-Words ...................................................................... 306a) Hook-words in 1,1-18 .............................................................. 306b) Hook-words in 1,35-51 ............................................................ 307c) Other hook-words .................................................................... 308

3.1.11 Techniques of Repetition ........................................................ 309a) Repetition of key-terms/expressions................................................ 309b) Repetition of the amên amên formula.............................................. 311c) Repetition of egô eimi sayings ...................................................... 311d) Repetition of similar discourses ...................................................... 312e) Repetition of the same type-scene .................................................. 312

3.1.12 Change of Literary ‘Genres’ .................................................. 313

3.2 Structural Schemes .................................................................. 3153.2.1 Parallelism .......................................................................... 315

a) Synonymous parallelism .............................................................. 315b) Antithetic parallelism .................................................................. 317c) Synthetic parallelism .................................................................. 318d) Staircase parallelism ................................................................ 319

3.2.2 Chiasmus ............................................................................ 319a) Chiasmus in a sentence .............................................................. 321b) Chiasmus in a pericope .............................................................. 321c) Chiasmus in a section ................................................................ 324

3.2.3 Concentric Structure .............................................................. 324a) Concentric structure in a single sentence .......................................... 325b) Concentric structure in a pericope .................................................. 326

3.2.4 Spiral Structure .................................................................... 328a) Spiral structure in a pericope ........................................................ 328b) Spiral structure in two neighbouring pericopes .................................... 331

3.3 Dramatic Devices .................................................................... 3323.3.1 Change of Scenes .................................................................. 3333.3.2 Alternating Scenes ................................................................ 3343.3.3 Double-Stage Action.............................................................. 3343.3.4 Introduction of Dramatis Personae ........................................ 3343.3.5 Change of Dramatis Personae ................................................ 335

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3.3.6 Law of Stage Duality ............................................................ 3363.3.7 Vanishing Characters ............................................................ 3383.3.8 Diptych-Scenes .................................................................... 3383.3.9 Triptych-Scenes .................................................................... 3403.3.10Seven Scenes ........................................................................ 3413.3.11Sequence of Action-Dialogue-Discourse .................................. 3413.3.12Dramatic Development .......................................................... 3433.3.13Dramatic Pattern .................................................................. 343

4. LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 349

4.1 Main Divisions of John’s Gospel .............................................. 3514.1.1 Introduction and Conclusion .................................................. 351

a) Conclusion .............................................................................. 352b) Introduction.............................................................................. 362

i) Jn 1,1-2,12 as the general introduction.................................. 363ii) Main divisions of 1,1-2,12 .................................................. 365iii) Chiastic parallelism between 1,1-2,12 and 20,30-31 .............. 367iv) Comparison with other positions ........................................ 369v) Comparison with Greek tragedies ........................................ 374

4.1.2 Part I: JESUS’ SIGNS ........................................................ 375a) Delimitation of the first Part ........................................................ 375b) Designation of Jn 2,1-12,50 as JESUS’ SIGNS ............................ 378

4.1.3 Part II: JESUS’ HOUR ........................................................ 381a) Delimitation of the second Part .................................................... 381

i) End of the second Part........................................................ 382ii) Beginning of the second Part .............................................. 382

b) Designation of Jn 11,1-20,29 as JESUS’ HOUR .......................... 387Excursus on the “Hour” (hôra) in Jn .......................................... 389

4.1.4 Epilogue (Jn 21,1-23) and Second (Editorial) Conclusion (Jn 21,24-25) ...................................................................... 395

4.2 Sections of JESUS’ SIGNS and JESUS’ HOUR ...................... 3974.2.1 First Section of JESUS’ SIGNS.............................................. 398

a) Delimitation of the first Section .................................................... 399i)Beginning of the Section ...................................................... 399ii) End of the Section.............................................................. 400iii) Unity of the Section (Jn 2-4) .............................................. 403

b) Title of Jn 2-4: “Jesus’ Initial Signs and Encounters (from Cana to Cana)” . .............................................................. 404

4.2.2 Second Section of JESUS’ SIGNS .......................................... 407

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CONTENTS


a) Delimitation of the second Section .................................................. 407i)Beginning of the Section ...................................................... 407ii) End of the Section.............................................................. 408iii) Unity of the Section (Jn 5-10) ............................................ 411

b) Title of Jn 5-10: “Jesus’ Works, Signs and Discussions (at Jewish Feasts)” .................................................................. 413

4.2.3 Third Section of JESUS’ SIGNS = First Section of “JESUS’ HOUR” (= the Bridge-Section) .............................. 415

a) Delimitation of the Bridge-Section ................................................ 415b) Title of Jn 11-12: “the Climactic Sign and the Coming

of JESUS’ HOUR (Bridge-Section)” ............................................ 4154.2.4 Second Section of JESUS’ HOUR .......................................... 417

a) Delimitation of the second Section .................................................. 417b) Title of Jn 13-17: “Jesus’ Farewell of the Hour

(at the Last Supper)”.................................................................. 4194.2.5 Third Section of JESUS’ HOUR ............................................ 420

a) Delimitation of the third Section .................................................... 420i)Reasons for the unity of Jn 18-19 .......................................... 421ii) Reasons for the unity of Jn 18-20 ........................................ 423

b) Title of Jn 18,1-20,29: “the Hour of Jesus’ Passion-Death-Resurrection” .................................................... 424

4.3 Structure of the Sections ........................................................ 4294.3.1 Structure of “Jesus’ Initial Signs and Encounters” (Jn 2-4) .......... 430

a) Division of 2,1-4,54 into subsections .......................................... 430b) Parallelism between the subsections of 2,1-4,54 ................................ 435

i) Parallelism between 2,1-12 and 4,43-54 .............................. 435ii) Parallelism between 2,13-25 and 4,1-42................................ 437iii) Parallelism between 2,23-3,21 and 3,22-4,3 .......................... 439

4.3.2 Structure of “Jesus’ Works, Signs and Discussions”(Jn 5-10) .......... 441a) Division of 5,1-10,42 into subsections .......................................... 441b) Parallelism between the subsections of 5,1-10,42 .............................. 454

i) Parallelism between 7,1-8,59 and 9,1-41 .............................. 454ii) Parallelism between 5,1-47 and 10,22-42 ............................. 456iii) Parallelism between 6,1-71 and 10,1-21................................ 459

4.3.3 Structure of “the Climactic Sign and the Coming of Jesus’ Hour” (Jn 11-12) ...................................................... 461

a) Division of 11,1-12,50 into subsections ........................................ 461b) Parallelism between 11,1-54 and 11,55-12,50 .............................. 464

4.3.4 Structure of “Jesus’ Farewell of the Hour” (Jn 13-17) ................ 468a) Division of 13,1-17,26 into subsections ........................................ 468b) Parallelism between the subsections of 13,1-17,26 ............................ 478

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i) Parallelism between 13,31-14,31 and 16,4e-33 ........................ 478ii) Parallelism between 13,1-38 and 17,1-26 ................................ 478

4.3.5 Structure of “the Hour of Jesus’ Passion-Death-Resurrection” (Jn 18,1-20,29) .......................... 480

a) Division of 18,1-20,29 into subsections.......................................... 480b) Parallelism between the subsections of 18,1-20,29 ............................ 488

i)Parallelism between 18,28-19,16b and 19,16c-42 .................... 488ii) Parallelism between 18,1-27 and 20,1-29 .............................. 489

4.3.6 Structure of the “Epilogue” ( Jn 21,1-23) and “Second (Editorial) Conclusion” (Jn 21,24-25) .............................................. 492

a) Division and structure of the “Epilogue” (21,1-23) .......................... 492b) Division and structure of the “Second (Editorial) Conclusion”

(21,24-25) .......................................................................... 494

4© Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure of John’s Gospel ............................................................................ 498

5. CHRISTOCENTRIC THEOLOGY IN THE LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 501

5.1 Major Theological Themes in the Literary-Dramatic Structure .................................................................................. 502

5.1.1 Christ/Messiah (Christos/Messias) ........................................ 5045.1.2 The Son of God, the Son, the Father, and the Son of Man .......... 519

a) “The Son of God” (ho hyios tou theou) ........................................ 520b) “The Son” (ho hyios) ................................................................ 526c) “The Father” (ho patêr) ............................................................ 531d) “The Son of Man” (ho hyios tou anthrôpou) .................................. 534

5.1.3 “Signs” and “Works” .......................................................... 539a) “Sign” (sêmeion) .................................................................... 540b) “Work”/”works”/”to work” (ergon/erga/ergazesthai)........................ 546c) Comparison between “signs” and “works” ...................................... 550

5.1.4 Disciples (mathêtai) .............................................................. 5515.1.5 Believing (pisteuein) ............................................................ 5635.1.6 (Eternal) Life (zôê aiônios) .................................................... 567

5.2 Christocentric Theological Sketch in the Literary-Dramatic Structure ...................................... 578

5.2.0 The Life-Giving Word/Son of God and the Messiah (1,1-2,12) ............................................................................ 580

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CONTENTS


a) Jesus Christ, the enfleshed divine Word, the unique Son of God, the mediator of creation, revelation and regeneration (C*: 1,1-18) ............ 581

b) Jesus, the hidden/manifested Messiah, the eschatological prophet, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the King of Israel and the Son of Man (B*: 1,19-51).............................................. 584

c) Jesus, the Messiah (A*: 2,1-12) .................................................. 5885.2.1 The Universal Messiah (Jn 2-4) .......................................... 594a) Jesus, the Messiah and the giver/Lord of life (1A+: 2,1-12

& 1A’: 4,43-54) ...................................................................... 594b) Jesus, the prophet, the Messiah, the Son of God, the temple/sanctuary

of God, the Saviour of the world (1B: 2,13-25 & 1B’: 4,1-42) ............ 595c) Jesus, the teacher of birth from above, the Messianic bride-groom,

the Son of Man to be lifted up, the unique Son of God, the mediator of eternal life and the Holy Spirit (1C: 2,23-3,21 & 1C’: 3,22-4,3) .................................................................. 599

5.2.2 The Coworker/Son of God (Jn 5-10) ...................................... 603a) Jesus, the Christ, the coworker/Son of God (2B: 5,1-47

& 2B’:10,22-42) .................................................................. 604b) Jesus, the prophet-King, “I am”, the Son of Man, the Son of God,

the bread of life, the Holy One of God, the door of the sheep, the life-giving shepherd (2C: 6,1-71 & 2C’: 10,1-21)...................... 607

c) Jesus, the teacher, the prophet, the Messiah, the Son of Man, the coworker/Son of God, the source of living water, the light of the world, the liberating truth, the divine “I am”, the giver of sight and the judge (2D: 7,1-8,59 & 2 D’: 9,1-41) .............................. 609

5.2.3 The Loving Life-Giver (Jn 11-12) .......................................... 616a) Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, the Lord, the resurrection and

the Life, the loving life-giver (3C: 11,1-54) .................................. 617b) Jesus, the anointed Messiah-King of Israel and the Son of Man

about to be lifted up and glorified by the Father, but rejected by “the Jews” (3C’: 11,55-12,50).................................................. 620

5.2.4 The Lover’s Last Testament (Jn 13-17) ................................ 626a) Jesus, the exemplar of loving service, the Son of Man, the Son

of God, the revealer of the Father, the mediator of divine life and love, about to be betrayed by Judas but glorified by the Fatherat “the hour” (4C: 13,1-38 & 4C’: 17,1-26)................................ 627

b) The departure and return of Jesus, the path to the Father and the mediator of the Spirit of truth (4D: 13,31-14,31& 4D’:16,4e-33) .................................................................. 634

c) Jesus the vine, and disciples the branches, the commandment of love, and the world’s hatred (4E: 15,1-16,4d) .............................. 640

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5.2.5 The Paschal Mystery (18,1-20,29) .................................... 649a) “Jesus of Nazareth”, the sovereign and divine “I am”, the good

shepherd, the courageous teacher, the prophetic protestor, the risenLord, lover and brother, Lord and God, the giver of peace and the Holy Spirit (5C:18,1-27 & 5C’: 20,1-29).............................. 650

b) Jesus, the man, the Son of God, the King of the Jews, crucified and glorified, the fulfilment of the Scriptures, and the giver of theSpirit (5D: 18,28-19,16b & 5D’: 19,16c-42) .............................. 657

5.2.6 The Caring Risen Lord (Jn 21) .............................................. 6645.2.7 Rereading John’s Gospel (Jn 1-21) in the Light of Its

Conclusion (20,30-31) and of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery ................ 670a) Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God and the life-giver (20,30-31) ................ 670b) New insights into John’s Gospel in the light of Jesus’ Paschal

mystery ................................................................................ 671

©. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 683

BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................ 689Acronyms ...................................................................................... 689A. Reviews of CLSFG (First Edition) .......................................... 689B. Bibliography of Bibliography on John’s Gospel .................... 690C. Commentaries on John’s Gospel.............................................. 691D. Survey of the Structures of John’s Gospel (1907-2007) .............. 697E. Other Relevant Literature on John’s Gospel ..............................709F. Other Books and Articles Consulted ...................................... 713

INDEX OF AUTHORS ...................................................................... 719

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CONTENTS


1


PRESENTATION(FIRST EDITION)

The Christocentric orientation of John’s Gospel, which is ex-plicitly affirmed by the Evangelist himself, evidently deserves tobe studied from diverse points of view. The present study pro-poses the viewpoint of literary structure. A work of this type willsurely stimulate lively interest and undoubtedly much discussionas well.

It goes without saying that the exegetes are far from unani-mous in their attitude towards research on literary structure.While some of them attribute great importance to it, others lookat it with suspicion or become quite provoked. It is true that ex-cesses have been committed which risk compromising the entiremethod. In this case, as in many others, wisdom suggests that oneavoid unreasonable generalizations. The study of the literarystructure is not a master key which would permit one to open allthe doors and resolve all the exegetical problems. Nor is themethod justified in examining any text what soever. Among livingorganisms one can distinguish the vertebrates from the inverte-brates; in an analogous manner, there are structured texts andthose devoid of organic structure. Certain authors apply theirconcern for composition to each detail, while others tolerate allthe negligence which arises from impro visation. In the latter caseone loses time searching for a structure which might facilitatethe interpretation of the text.

In what category should John’s Gospel be placed? Only onewho lacks all literary sense would include it in the group of textswhich are improvised. Its meditative style, on the contrary, atteststo its slow and painstaking elaboration. The trained reader wouldrecognize at every moment the procedures of composition whichare characteristic of the Biblical tradition. Therefore, a thoroughstudy of its literary structure promises to be fruitful and in par-ticular provide new insights into Johannine Christology. In effect,if the author of the Gospel has not been inconsistent in carrying

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out his project, the Christocentric orientation which he intendedto give his work would appear in the structure itself. For this rea-son the subject of the present study is fully justified.

Yet that a certain research is well founded does not mean thatit is easy. In the field of Johannine studies the bibliography to beaffronted is at present immense, and this fact obliges the scholarto choose wisely from the multitude of opinions. Fr. GeorgeMlakuzhyil was not sparing in his efforts. In his book one findsan extremely comprehensive treatment of the state of the ques-tion which is presented in a clear, orderly and sober fashion.

Most of all, however, one will discover the fruits of an intensepersonal research which avoids the most frequent defect of studieson structure, namely, the insufficiency of the criteria. The greatestmerit of the present work in my opinion is precisely that of hav-ing had recourse to multiple types of indices with a view to dis-cerning and establishing the structure. Quite often, in order toconfirm their intuitions, scholars content themselves with oneor other series of indices. Consequently their conclusions remainproblematic due to an insufficient convergence of proofs. In con-trast, the spectrum of criteria proposed in this work is consider-ably extensive. The spectrum divides itself into three categories:literary indices, dramatic techniques and structural schemes. Tomy knowledge, no study of structure has ever assembled such alarge variety of criteria. It follows that the conclusions reachedoften attain a very high degree of probability, bordering on cer-tainty.

One of the most interesting and convincing discoveries is thatof “bridge-passages” which belong at once to two successive lit-erary units and form the conclusion of the first and the introduc-tion of the second. The recurrence of this technique, which wasrecommended by ancient authors, permits one to resolve manyproblems of composition which otherwise would remain inex-tricable. As a result of this discovery, the lively flexibility of thestructure of the Johannine narrative is considerably enhanced andits dynamism unveiled.

At the same time, the literary structure reveals itself to be richin Christological significance. In effect, the study of the structure

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permits one to assert that the intention of the Evangelist, explic-itly expressed at the close of his book, has truly guided its com-position from beginning to end: to arouse and nourish faith inJesus who is “the Christ, the Son of God” and the giver of life.From one Section to the other a powerful progression becomesevident in unfolding the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Because of the important results which it exposes as well asthe discussions which it will generate, the present study will cer-tainly contribute greatly to allowing the literary merits and theinexhaustible spiritual riches of the Johannine Gospel to be evermore appreciated.

May 30, 1987

Albert VANHOYE S. J.Rector, Pontifical

Biblical Institute, Rome

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PRESENTATION (FIRST EDITION)


PREFACE(FIRST EDITION)

This is a doctoral dissertation defended and awarded distinction(summa cum laude) in the Pontifical Gregorian University on 29thJanuary 1987.

Adapting the comment of St. Gregory the Great on the natureof the Sacred Scriptures in general to that of the Gospel of John,the latter may be likened to a lake in which a child can wade andan elephant can swim. If one looks at the waves of Johannine lit-erature in the last few decades, one has the sensation of standingbefore the surging sea. Diving into the sea in such a situation canbe adventurous but also dangerous. But if one is watched overby a professional diver and surrounded by caring friends, the dan-ger recedes and the adventure becomes thrilling. At the end of itall, one turns to the teacher and companions to express one’sgratitude for their guidance and support.

I am deeply grateful to Fr. Albert Vanhoye S.J., the Rector ofthe Pontifical Biblical Institute, for his wise and patient directionand painstaking corrections of my research. Without his invalu-able help and insightful suggestions this dissertation would neverhave come to a happy conclusion.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends and bene-factors in Europe, U.S.A. and India (especially Frs. GeraldO’Collins S.J., Philip Rosato S.J., Giorgio Szaszkiewicz S.J., ArijRoest Crollius S.J., Theodor Mulder S.J., M. Francesconi S.J.,Eugen Hillengass S.J., Ludwig Wiedenmann S.J., Josef UbelmesserS.J., John Beez S.J., Fr. Abraham Puthumana S.J., Michael Amala-doss S.J., Noel D’Souza S.J., Patrick Meagher S.J., Fiorello Mas-carenhas S.J., Joseph Kallarangatt S.J., Br. Michael Thannivelil S.J.,Mgr. H. Michel, Fr. Georg Biesenbach, Srs. Julia Joseph and Eliza-beth Michael, Mr. and Mrs. Gaetano Toccafondi, Mr. and Mrs.Marcello Brizi) who have been of great help to me in various ways.

I am greatly indebted to my Superiors (particularly theProvincials of Patna Frs. Joseph Knecht S.J., Zacharias VarikamakilS.J., Abraham Puthumana S.J., and John D’Mello S.J.) for their

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loving care, constant concern, generous support and unfailing en-couragement.

My sincere thanks are due to Fr. Luis Alonso Schökel S.J. foraccepting this study for publication in the Analecta Biblica seriesand to Fr. Pasquale Puca S.J. and the employees (especially Mr.Antonio Caporossi) in the Tipografia Poliglotta Gregoriana forprinting it well.

Finally, I must thank in a very special way Rev. Fr. Peter-HansKolvenbach S.J., the General of the Society of Jesus, the JesuitMission Procurators in Nürnberg and Rome, BEA-Stiftung inMunich, the Institute of Missiology in Aachen, the parishes of St.Bernard and Christ the King and the archdiocese of Cologne fortheir generous financial assistance without which this bookwould not have seen the light of day.

May 31, 1987

George MLAKUZHYIL S.J.Vidyajyoti, Delhi, India

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PREFACE(SECOND ENLARGED EDITION)

It is seldom that a doctoral thesis is in demand even twodecades after its publication and only rarely a volume in the“Analecta Biblica” has a second edition. So I was pleasantly sur-prised when the director of “Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico”requested me to prepare a new edition of The Christocentric LiteraryStructure of the Fourth Gospel (published in 1987).

I am very glad to have received many letters of great appreci-ation from readers of my doctoral work and a large number ofvery positive reviews from Johannine scholars all over the world.The fact that students and scholars continue to consult the bookis very encouraging to me. So I feel happy to have spent part ofmy sabbatical year in 2008 in examining the recent research onthe structure of John’s Gospel and in preparing the manuscript in2009 for the second edition in the light of the numerous reviewsof the first edition and the books and articles on the literary anddramatic structures of John’s Gospel in the last twenty years(1987-2007).

I have learnt much from the valid criticism of the first edi-tion by many scholars/reviewers. In the present volume, I havegrown in my understanding of the Fourth Gospel’s structureby integrating their valuable suggestions and the insights fromrecent structures of John’s Gospel proposed by various Johan-nine scholars in the last two decades. These have been insertedin appropriate places in Chapter 2 (“Survey of the Structures ofJohn’s Gospel”). New literary and dramatic criteria have beenadded in Chapter 3 (“Multiple Criteria for the Structure ofJohn’s Gospel”). A modified “Christocentric Literary-DramaticStructure of John’s Gospel” is presented in Chapter 4. TheChristocentric theology that emerges from the Fourth Gospel’s lit-erary-dramatic structure is sketched in Chapter 5. A select “Bib-liography” contains a list of the main “Reviews of CLSFG(First Edition)” and especially “Survey of the Structures of

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John’s Gospel (1907-2007)”. An updated “Index of Authors” isadded at the end of the volume. A new pullout (“ChristocentricLiterary-Dramatic Structure of John’s Gospel”) is inserted for easyreference.

There are many persons to whom I am very grateful for theirencouragement and timely assistance in preparing and publish-ing this volume. My sincere thanks to Rev. Fr. Hector D’SouzaS. J. (former Jesuit Provincial of South Asia) for granting me asabbatical year (2007-8). My deep gratitude to PIB (PontificalBiblical Institute) in Rome and JSTB (Jesuit School of Theol-ogy at Berkeley) in USA for providing me all the facilities nec-essary for doing research, and I express my special thanks to theever helpful librarians and library staff both at the Biblicum andat the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, and my heartfeltthanks to the hospitable Jesuit communities at Biblicum andJSTB for making my stay there very pleasant, fruitful and mem-orable. My heart is filled with gratitude to Fr. Georg Biesen-bach and the Archdiocese of Cologne in Germany, Fr. AlbertDiUlio S. J. and the Jesuit Conference of USA for generouslysponsoring my board and lodge in Rome and in Berkeley re-spectively. I sincerely thank Fr. José Maria Abrego S. J. (the Rec-tor of the Biblicum), Fr. Pietro Bovati S. J. (the director ofAnalecta Biblica series) and Fr. Peter Brook S. J. (the former di-rector of “Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico”) for their keeninterest in publishing the second edition. I am indebted to Dr.Katia Paoletti (the present directress) and other staff membersof “Editrice PIB” and the GB Press for printing and publishingthe new edition in 2011.

I hope that this second enlarged edition would help the readers(especially students and scholars) of John’s Gospel to appreciateits artistic beauty (literary-dramatic design), to understand itsunique Christocentric theology and spirituality ever more fully andto deepen their faith in Jesus the Christ, the Son of God and theLife-Giver.

The more one studies and prays over John’s Gospel, the moreone is drawn to the human-divine person of Jesus Christ and

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his loving and life-giving mission. May this volume be a help toevery reader to have such a faith-experience! Then my labourof love would be amply rewarded! With this burning hope inmy heart and a fervent prayer on my lips, I present it to God forhis blessing and to the readers for their perusal.

September 17, 2010Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine

George MLAKUZHYIL S.J.Vidyajyoti, Delhi, [email protected]

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PREFACE (SECOND ENLARGED EDITION)


christocentric literary-dramatic structure of john's gospel

Documents

literary structures

structures of johns

dramatic structures

revelatory structures

literarythematic structures

symmetrical structures

main divisions of johns

literary criteria