Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure of John's Gospel

a

NALECTA IBLICA 117

George Mlakuzhyil sj

Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure of John’s Gospel second enlarged Edition

roma 2011

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

Progetto grafico di copertina: Serena Aureli Impaginazione: Lisanti srl - Roma Š 2011 Gregorian & Biblical Press Piazza della Pilotta, 35 - 00187 Roma, Italy books@biblicum.com - www.gbpress.net 1987 First Edition 2011 Second Enlarged Edition

ISBN: 978-88-7653-117-0

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A.M.D.G.

Dedicated to the Society of Jesus for my 50 Golden Years (1960-2010)

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OUTLINE CONTENTS..........................................................................................

PRESENTATION (First Edition) ......................................................

PREFACE (First Edition) ....................................................................

PREFACE (Second Enlarged Edition) ..............................................

9 21 25 27

0. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 31 1. DIFFICULTIES AGAINST THE LITERARY UNITY AND STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL .................................... 35 1.1 Main Problems .............................................................................. 35 1.2 Proposed Solutions ........................................................................ 39 2. SURVEY OF THE STRUCTURES OF JOHN’S GOSPEL (1907-2007) ..........................................................................

2.1 Literary Structures..........................................................................

2.2 Symmetrical Structures ................................................................

2.3 Literary-Thematic Structures ......................................................

2.4 Revelatory Structures ....................................................................

2.5 Narrative Structures ......................................................................

2.6 Revelatory-Narrative Structures ..................................................

2.7 Journey-Structures..........................................................................

2.8 Dramatic Structures ......................................................................

51 52 83 150 165 186 197 206 222

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

3.1 Literary Criteria..............................................................................

3.2 Structural Schemes ........................................................................

3.3 Dramatic Devices ..........................................................................

279 280 315 332

4. LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.......................................................................... 349 4.1 Main Divisions of John’s Gospel .................................................. 351 4.2 Sections of JESUS’ SIGNS and JESUS’ HOUR ........................ 397

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CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL 4.3 Structure of the Sections ........................................................ 429 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 5.2 Christocentric Theological Sketch in the LiteraryDramatic Structure .................................................................. 578 ©. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 683 BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................... 689 INDEX OF AUTHORS ................................................................ 719

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CONTENTS PRESENTATION (First Edition)........................................................ 21 PREFACE (First Edition) .................................................................... 25 PREFACE (Second Enlarged Edition) ................................................ 27 0. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 31 1. DIFFICULTIES AGAINST THE LITERARY UNITY AND STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL ................................ 35 1.1 Main Problems ........................................................................

1.1.1 Interruptions and Inconsistencies in Sequence............................

1.1.2 Repetitions and/or Passages out of Context..............................

1.1.3 Differences in Greek Vocabulary and Style ................................

35 36 38 38

1.2 Proposed Solutions ................................................................

1.2.1 Theories of Accidental Displacements ......................................

1.2.2 Theories of Multiple Sources ..................................................

1.2.3 Theories of Multiple Editions/Redactions ................................

39 40 41 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 ..................................................................

2.1.1 Geographical-Chronological Structures (Bernard, Brodie) .......... a) Geographical-chronological structure (Bernard) ................................ b) Chronological-geographical structure (Brodie) ..................................

2.1.2 Chronological-Liturgical Structures (Mollat, Guilding, Goulder) .............................................................................. a) Chronological-liturgical structure (Mollat) ...................................... b) Chronological-liturgical structure (Guilding) .................................. c) Chronological-liturgical structure (Goulder) ....................................

2.1.3 Literary-Chronological Structure (Defourney) ..........................

2.1.4 Numerical-Symbolical Structure (Lohmeyer) ............................

2.1.5 Typological Structure (Sahlin) ................................................

52 53 53 54 60 60 63 65 68 69 72

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CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL Typological-Symbolical Structure (Mateos & Barreto) ................

Symbolical-Typological/Liturgical Structures (Boismard) ............

Symbolical-typological structure (Boismard) ....................................

Symbolical-liturgical structure (Boismard) ......................................

Comparison between the two structures ........................................

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

73 76 76 78 80 81

2.2 Symmetrical Structures ..........................................................

2.2.1 Chiastic Structure (Deeks)......................................................

2.2.2 Chiastic [Concentric] Structures (Gerhard & Ellis, Barnhart,Webster,Wyller) .................................................... a) Chiastic [concentric] structure (Gerhard & Ellis) .............................. b) Chiastic [concentric] mandala structure (Barnhart)............................ c) Chiastic [concentric] Christological structure (Webster) ...................... d) Chiastic [concentric] pedimental structure (Wyller)............................

2.2.3 Concentric Structures (Willemse, Kammerstätter, Rau, Ostenstad, Simoens, Staley) .................................................. a) Concentric structure (Willemse) .................................................. b) Symmetrical concentric structure (Kammerstätter) ............................ c) Rhythmical concentric structure (Rau).......................................... d) Triptych concentric structure (Ostenstad) ...................................... e) Fourfold concentric structure (Simoens) . ...................................... f) Rhetorical concentric journey-structure (Staley) ..............................

2.2.4 Chiastic-Concentric Typological Structure (Smith) ....................

2.2.5 Symmetrical Star-Like Structure (Gerhard) ............................

83 83

106 106 109 112 116 126 132 141 147

2.3 Literary-Thematic Structures ................................................

2.3.1 Bipartite Literary-Thematic Structure (Brown) ........................

2.3.2 Bipartite Literary-Thematic Structure (Léon-Dufour) ..............

2.3.3 Fourfold Literary-Thematic Structure (L’Eplattenier) ................

150 150 156 162

2.4 Revelatory Structures ............................................................

2.4.1 Revelatory Structure (Westcott) ..............................................

2.4.2 Revelatory Structure (van den Bussche) ..................................

2.4.3 Revelatory Structure (de la Potterie)..........................................

2.4.4 Revelatory Dramatic Structure (Caba) ......................................

2.4.5 Revelatory Response Structure (Gourgues) ................................

2.4.6 Revelatory Eclectic Structure (Segalla) ......................................

165 166 168 171 175 178 181

2.5 Narrative Structures ................................................................

2.5.1 Narrative-Discourse Structure (Dodd) ......................................

2.5.2 Bipartite Narrative Structure (Prete) ........................................

2.5.3 Tripartite Narrative Structure (Giblin) ....................................

186 186 189 192

2.1.6 2.1.7 a) b) c) 2.1.8

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88 88 92 96 101

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CONTENTS

2.6 Revelatory-Narrative Structures .............................................. 197 2.6.1 Fivefold Revelatory-Narrative Structure (Carson) ...................... 197 2.6.2 Sevenfold Revelatory-Narrative Structure (Pasquetto) .................. 203 2.7 Journey-Structures ..................................................................

2.7.1 Bipartite Journey-Structure (Rissi) ..........................................

2.7.2 Tripartite Esoteric Journey-Structure (Korting)..........................

2.7.3 Tripartite Biographical Journey-Structure (Segovia) ..................

206 206 209 216

2.8 Dramatic Structures ................................................................

2.8.1 Dramatic Structure (Hitchcock)................................................

2.8.2 Dramatic Narrative Structure (Stibbe) ......................................

2.8.3 Dramatic (Chronological-Geographical) Plot Structure (Tenney) ..............

2.8.4 Dramatic Episodic Structure (Culpepper) ..................................

2.8.5 Dramatic/Tragic Plot Structure (Brant) ....................................

2.8.6 Dramatic Revelatory Structure (Carter) ....................................

2.8.7 Dramatic Thematic Structure of Jn 11-12 (Burke) ......................

2.8.8 Dramatic/Tragedy-like Structure of Jn 18-19 (Verburg) ..............

222 223 228 234 237 242 260 263 272

3. MULTIPLE CRITERIA FOR THE STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 279 3.1 Literary Criteria ......................................................................

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

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

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

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

3.1.5 Geographical Indications........................................................

3.1.6 Literary-Chronological Indications .......................................... a) Meta tauta and meta touto ........................................................ b) Tê[i] epaurion and tê[i] hêmerâ[i] tê[i] tritê[i] ..................................

280 280 280 282 282 284 285 285 287 288 289 289 294 294 297 297 298 299 299 300

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CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL

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c) Other literary-chronological indications ..........................................

3.1.7 Liturgical Feasts ..................................................................

3.1.8 Transitions ..........................................................................

3.1.9 Bridge-Passages .................................................................... a) Bridge-verses ............................................................................ b) Bridge-pericope ........................................................................ c) Bridge-section ..........................................................................

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

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

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

300 301 301 303 304 305 306 306 306 307 308 309 309 311 311 312 312 313

3.2 Structural Schemes ..................................................................

3.2.1 Parallelism .......................................................................... a) Synonymous parallelism .............................................................. b) Antithetic parallelism .................................................................. c) Synthetic parallelism .................................................................. d) Staircase parallelism ................................................................

3.2.2 Chiasmus ............................................................................ a) Chiasmus in a sentence .............................................................. b) Chiasmus in a pericope .............................................................. c) Chiasmus in a section ................................................................

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

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

315 315 315 317 318 319 319 321 321 324 324 325 326 328 328 331

3.3 Dramatic Devices ....................................................................

3.3.1 Change of Scenes ..................................................................

3.3.2 Alternating Scenes ................................................................

3.3.3 Double-Stage Action..............................................................

3.3.4 Introduction of Dramatis Personae ........................................

3.3.5 Change of Dramatis Personae ................................................

332 333 334 334 334 335

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CONTENTS

3.3.6 Law of Stage Duality ............................................................

3.3.7 Vanishing Characters ............................................................

3.3.8 Diptych-Scenes ....................................................................

3.3.9 Triptych-Scenes ....................................................................

3.3.10Seven Scenes ........................................................................

3.3.11Sequence of Action-Dialogue-Discourse ..................................

3.3.12Dramatic Development ..........................................................

3.3.13Dramatic Pattern ..................................................................

336 338 338 340 341 341 343 343

4. LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL.................................................................... 349 4.1 Main Divisions of John’s Gospel ..............................................

4.1.1 Introduction and Conclusion .................................................. a) Conclusion .............................................................................. b) Introduction.............................................................................. i) Jn 1,1-2,12 as the general introduction.................................. ii) Main divisions of 1,1-2,12 .................................................. iii) Chiastic parallelism between 1,1-2,12 and 20,30-31 .............. iv) Comparison with other positions ........................................ v) Comparison with Greek tragedies ........................................

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

4.1.3 Part II: JESUS’ HOUR ........................................................ a) Delimitation of the second Part .................................................... i) End of the second Part........................................................ ii) Beginning of the second Part .............................................. b) Designation of Jn 11,1-20,29 as JESUS’ HOUR ..........................

Excursus on the “Hour” (hôra) in Jn ..........................................

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

351 351 352 362 363 365 367 369 374 375 375 378 381 381 382 382 387 389

4.2 Sections of JESUS’ SIGNS and JESUS’ HOUR ......................

4.2.1 First Section of JESUS’ SIGNS.............................................. a) Delimitation of the first Section .................................................... i)Beginning of the Section ...................................................... ii) End of the Section.............................................................. iii) Unity of the Section (Jn 2-4) .............................................. b) Title of Jn 2-4: “Jesus’ Initial Signs and Encounters (from Cana to Cana)” . ..............................................................

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

397 398 399 399 400 403

395

404 407

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CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL a) Delimitation of the second Section .................................................. i)Beginning of the Section ...................................................... ii) End of the Section.............................................................. iii) Unity of the Section (Jn 5-10) ............................................ b) Title of Jn 5-10: “Jesus’Works, Signs and Discussions (at Jewish Feasts)” ..................................................................

4.2.3 Third Section of JESUS’ SIGNS = First Section of “JESUS’ HOUR” (= the Bridge-Section) .............................. a) Delimitation of the Bridge-Section ................................................ b) Title of Jn 11-12: “the Climactic Sign and the Coming of JESUS’ HOUR (Bridge-Section)” ............................................

4.2.4 Second Section of JESUS’ HOUR .......................................... a) Delimitation of the second Section .................................................. b) Title of Jn 13-17:“Jesus’ Farewell of the Hour (at the Last Supper)”..................................................................

4.2.5 Third Section of JESUS’ HOUR ............................................ a) Delimitation of the third Section .................................................... i)Reasons for the unity of Jn 18-19 .......................................... ii) Reasons for the unity of Jn 18-20 ........................................ b) Title of Jn 18,1-20,29: “the Hour of Jesus’ Passion-Death-Resurrection” ....................................................

4.3 Structure of the Sections ........................................................

4.3.1 Structure of “Jesus’ Initial Signs and Encounters” (Jn 2-4) .......... a) Division of 2,1-4,54 into subsections .......................................... b) Parallelism between the subsections of 2,1-4,54 ................................ i) Parallelism between 2,1-12 and 4,43-54 .............................. ii) Parallelism between 2,13-25 and 4,1-42................................ iii) Parallelism between 2,23-3,21 and 3,22-4,3 ..........................

4.3.2 Structure of “Jesus’Works, Signs and Discussions”(Jn 5-10) .......... a) Division of 5,1-10,42 into subsections .......................................... b) Parallelism between the subsections of 5,1-10,42 .............................. i) Parallelism between 7,1-8,59 and 9,1-41 .............................. ii) Parallelism between 5,1-47 and 10,22-42 ............................. iii) Parallelism between 6,1-71 and 10,1-21................................

4.3.3 Structure of “the Climactic Sign and the Coming of Jesus’ Hour” (Jn 11-12)...................................................... a) Division of 11,1-12,50 into subsections ........................................ b) Parallelism between 11,1-54 and 11,55-12,50 ..............................

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

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407 407 408 411 413 415 415 415 417 417 419 420 420 421 423 424 429 430 430 435 435 437 439 441 441 454 454 456 459 461 461 464 468 468 478

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

4.3.5 Structure of “the Hour of Jesus’ Passion-Death-Resurrection” (Jn 18,1-20,29) .......................... a) Division of 18,1-20,29 into subsections.......................................... b) Parallelism between the subsections of 18,1-20,29 ............................ i)Parallelism between 18,28-19,16b and 19,16c-42 .................... ii) Parallelism between 18,1-27 and 20,1-29 ..............................

478 478 480 480 488 488 489

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) .......................... 492 b) 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 ..................................................................................

5.1.1 Christ/Messiah (Christos/Messias) ........................................

5.1.2 The Son of God, the Son, the Father, and the Son of Man .......... a) “The Son of God” (ho hyios tou theou) ........................................ b) “The Son” (ho hyios) ................................................................ c) “The Father” (ho patêr) ............................................................ d) “The Son of Man” (ho hyios tou anthrôpou) ..................................

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

5.1.4 Disciples (mathêtai) ..............................................................

5.1.5 Believing (pisteuein) ............................................................

5.1.6 (Eternal) Life (zôê aiônios) ....................................................

502 504 519 520 526 531 534 539 540 546 550 551 563 567

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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CHRISTOCENTRIC LITERARY-DRAMATIC STRUCTURE OF JOHN’S GOSPEL a) Jesus Christ, the enfleshed divine Word, the unique Son of God, the mediator of creation, revelation and regeneration (C*: 1,1-18) ............ 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).............................................. c) Jesus, the Messiah (A*: 2,1-12) ..................................................

5.2.1 The Universal Messiah (Jn 2-4) .......................................... a) Jesus, the Messiah and the giver/Lord of life (1A+: 2,1-12 & 1A’: 4,43-54)...................................................................... b) 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) ............ c) 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) ..................................................................

5.2.2 The Coworker/Son of God (Jn 5-10) ...................................... a) Jesus, the Christ, the coworker/Son of God (2B: 5,1-47 & 2B’:10,22-42) .................................................................. b) 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)...................... 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) ..............................

5.2.3 The Loving Life-Giver (Jn 11-12) .......................................... a) Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, the Lord, the resurrection and the Life, the loving life-giver (3C: 11,1-54) .................................. b) 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)..................................................

5.2.4 The Lover’s Last Testament (Jn 13-17) ................................ a) 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 Father at “the hour” (4C: 13,1-38 & 4C’: 17,1-26)................................ 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) .................................................................. c) Jesus the vine, and disciples the branches, the commandment of love, and the world’s hatred (4E: 15,1-16,4d) ..............................

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581 584 588 594 594 595

599 603 604 607

609 616 617 620 626

627 634 640

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5.2.5 The Paschal Mystery (18,1-20,29) .................................... a) “Jesus of Nazareth”, the sovereign and divine “I am”, the good shepherd, the courageous teacher, the prophetic protestor, the risen Lord, lover and brother, Lord and God, the giver of peace and the Holy Spirit (5C:18,1-27 & 5C’: 20,1-29).............................. 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 the Spirit (5D: 18,28-19,16b & 5D’: 19,16c-42) ..............................

5.2.6 The Caring Risen Lord (Jn 21) ..............................................

5.2.7 Rereading John’s Gospel (Jn 1-21) in the Light of Its Conclusion (20,30-31) and of Jesus’ Paschal Mystery ................ a) Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God and the life-giver (20,30-31) ................ b) New insights into John’s Gospel in the light of Jesus’ Paschal mystery ................................................................................

649

650 657 664 670 670 671

©. CONCLUSION .............................................................................. 683 BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................ 689 Acronyms ...................................................................................... 689 A. Reviews of CLSFG (First Edition) .......................................... 689 B. Bibliography of Bibliography on John’s Gospel .................... 690 C. Commentaries on John’s Gospel.............................................. 691 D. Survey of the Structures of John’s Gospel (1907-2007) .............. 697 E. Other Relevant Literature on John’s Gospel ..............................709 F. Other Books and Articles Consulted ...................................... 713 INDEX OF AUTHORS ...................................................................... 719

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PRESENTATION (FIRST EDITION)

The Christocentric orientation of John’s Gospel, which is explicitly affirmed by the Evangelist himself, evidently deserves to be studied from diverse points of view. The present study proposes the viewpoint of literary structure. A work of this type will surely stimulate lively interest and undoubtedly much discussion as well.

It goes without saying that the exegetes are far from unanimous in their attitude towards research on literary structure.

While some of them attribute great importance to it, others look at it with suspicion or become quite provoked. It is true that excesses have been committed which risk compromising the entire method. In this case, as in many others, wisdom suggests that one avoid unreasonable generalizations. The study of the literary structure is not a master key which would permit one to open all the doors and resolve all the exegetical problems. Nor is the method justified in examining any text whatsoever. Among living organisms one can distinguish the vertebrates from the invertebrates; in an analogous manner, there are structured texts and those devoid of organic structure. Certain authors apply their concern for composition to each detail, while others tolerate all the negligence which arises from improvisation. In the latter case one loses time searching for a structure which might facilitate the interpretation of the text.

In what category should John’s Gospel be placed? Only one who lacks all literary sense would include it in the group of texts which are improvised. Its meditative style, on the contrary, attests to its slow and painstaking elaboration.The trained reader would recognize at every moment the procedures of composition which are characteristic of the Biblical tradition. Therefore, a thorough study of its literary structure promises to be fruitful and in particular provide new insights into Johannine Christology. In effect, if the author of the Gospel has not been inconsistent in carrying 21

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out his project, the Christocentric orientation which he intended to give his work would appear in the structure itself. For this reason the subject of the present study is fully justified.

Yet that a certain research is well founded does not mean that it is easy. In the field of Johannine studies the bibliography to be affronted is at present immense, and this fact obliges the scholar to choose wisely from the multitude of opinions. Fr. George Mlakuzhyil was not sparing in his efforts. In his book one finds an extremely comprehensive treatment of the state of the question which is presented in a clear, orderly and sober fashion.

Most of all, however, one will discover the fruits of an intense personal research which avoids the most frequent defect of studies on structure, namely, the insufficiency of the criteria.The greatest merit of the present work in my opinion is precisely that of having had recourse to multiple types of indices with a view to discerning and establishing the structure. Quite often, in order to confirm their intuitions, scholars content themselves with one or other series of indices. Consequently their conclusions remain problematic due to an insufficient convergence of proofs. In contrast, the spectrum of criteria proposed in this work is considerably extensive. The spectrum divides itself into three categories: literary indices, dramatic techniques and structural schemes. To my knowledge, no study of structure has ever assembled such a large variety of criteria. It follows that the conclusions reached often attain a very high degree of probability, bordering on certainty.

One of the most interesting and convincing discoveries is that of “bridge-passages” which belong at once to two successive literary units and form the conclusion of the first and the introduction of the second. The recurrence of this technique, which was recommended by ancient authors, permits one to resolve many problems of composition which otherwise would remain inextricable. As a result of this discovery, the lively flexibility of the structure of the Johannine narrative is considerably enhanced and its dynamism unveiled.

At the same time, the literary structure reveals itself to be rich in Christological significance. In effect, the study of the structure 22

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PRESENTATION (FIRST EDITION)

permits one to assert that the intention of the Evangelist, explicitly expressed at the close of his book, has truly guided its composition from beginning to end: to arouse and nourish faith in Jesus who is “the Christ, the Son of God� and the giver of life.

From one Section to the other a powerful progression becomes evident in unfolding the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Because of the important results which it exposes as well as the discussions which it will generate, the present study will certainly contribute greatly to allowing the literary merits and the inexhaustible spiritual riches of the Johannine Gospel to be ever more appreciated.

May 30, 1987 Albert VANHOYE S. J. Rector, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome

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PREFACE (FIRST EDITION)

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

Adapting the comment of St. Gregory the Great on the nature of 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 and an elephant can swim. If one looks at the waves of Johannine literature in the last few decades, one has the sensation of standing before the surging sea. Diving into the sea in such a situation can be adventurous but also dangerous. But if one is watched over by a professional diver and surrounded by caring friends, the danger recedes and the adventure becomes thrilling. At the end of it all, one turns to the teacher and companions to express one’s gratitude for their guidance and support.

I am deeply grateful to Fr. Albert Vanhoye S.J., the Rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute, for his wise and patient direction and painstaking corrections of my research. Without his invaluable help and insightful suggestions this dissertation would never have come to a happy conclusion.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends and benefactors in Europe, U.S.A. and India (especially Frs. Gerald O’Collins S.J., Philip Rosato S.J., Giorgio Szaszkiewicz S.J., Arij Roest Crollius S.J., Theodor Mulder S.J., M. Francesconi S.J., Eugen Hillengass S.J., Ludwig Wiedenmann S.J., Josef Ubelmesser S.J., John Beez S.J., Fr. Abraham Puthumana S.J., Michael Amaladoss S.J., Noel D’Souza S.J., Patrick Meagher S.J., Fiorello Mascarenhas S.J., Joseph Kallarangatt S.J., Br. Michael Thannivelil S.J., Mgr. H. Michel, Fr. Georg Biesenbach, Srs. Julia Joseph and Elizabeth 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 the Provincials of Patna Frs. Joseph Knecht S.J., Zacharias Varikamakil S.J., Abraham Puthumana S.J., and John D’Mello S.J.) for their 25

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loving care, constant concern, generous support and unfailing encouragement.

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

Finally, I must thank in a very special way Rev. Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach S.J., the General of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit Mission Procurators in Nürnberg and Rome, BEA-Stiftung in Munich, the Institute of Missiology in Aachen, the parishes of St. Bernard and Christ the King and the archdiocese of Cologne for their generous financial assistance without which this book would 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 two decades after its publication and only rarely a volume in the “Analecta Biblica” has a second edition. So I was pleasantly surprised when the director of “Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico” requested me to prepare a new edition of The Christocentric Literary Structure of the Fourth Gospel (published in 1987).

I am very glad to have received many letters of great appreciation from readers of my doctoral work and a large number of very positive reviews from Johannine scholars all over the world.

The fact that students and scholars continue to consult the book is very encouraging to me. So I feel happy to have spent part of my sabbatical year in 2008 in examining the recent research on the structure of John’s Gospel and in preparing the manuscript in 2009 for the second edition in the light of the numerous reviews of the first edition and the books and articles on the literary and dramatic structures of John’s Gospel in the last twenty years (1987-2007).

I have learnt much from the valid criticism of the first edition by many scholars/reviewers. In the present volume, I have grown in my understanding of the Fourth Gospel’s structure by integrating their valuable suggestions and the insights from recent structures of John’s Gospel proposed by various Johannine scholars in the last two decades. These have been inserted in appropriate places in Chapter 2 (“Survey of the Structures of John’s Gospel”). New literary and dramatic criteria have been added in Chapter 3 (“Multiple Criteria for the Structure of John’s Gospel”). A modified “Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure of John’s Gospel” is presented in Chapter 4. The Christocentric theology that emerges from the Fourth Gospel’s literary-dramatic structure is sketched in Chapter 5. A select “Bibliography” 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” is added at the end of the volume. A new pullout (“Christocentric Literary-Dramatic Structure of John’s Gospel”) is inserted for easy reference.

There are many persons to whom I am very grateful for their encouragement and timely assistance in preparing and publishing this volume. My sincere thanks to Rev. Fr. Hector D’Souza S. J. (former Jesuit Provincial of South Asia) for granting me a sabbatical year (2007-8). My deep gratitude to PIB (Pontifical Biblical Institute) in Rome and JSTB (Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley) in USA for providing me all the facilities necessary for doing research, and I express my special thanks to the ever helpful librarians and library staff both at the Biblicum and at the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley, and my heartfelt thanks to the hospitable Jesuit communities at Biblicum and JSTB for making my stay there very pleasant, fruitful and memorable. My heart is filled with gratitude to Fr. Georg Biesenbach and the Archdiocese of Cologne in Germany, Fr. Albert DiUlio S. J. and the Jesuit Conference of USA for generously sponsoring my board and lodge in Rome and in Berkeley respectively. I sincerely thank Fr. José Maria Abrego S. J. (the Rector of the Biblicum), Fr. Pietro Bovati S. J. (the director of Analecta Biblica series) and Fr. Peter Brook S. J. (the former director of “Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico”) for their keen interest in publishing the second edition. I am indebted to Dr. Katia Paoletti (the present directress) and other staff members of “Editrice PIB” and the GB Press for printing and publishing the new edition in 2011.

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

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

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PREFACE (SECOND ENLARGED EDITION)

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

September 17, 2010 Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine

George MLAKUZHYIL S.J. Vidyajyoti, Delhi, India georgemlakuzhy@gmail.com

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