Character Studies in the Fourth Gospel: Narrative Approaches to Seventy Figures in John

Description

This volume represents the most thorough study of characters and characterization in the Fourth Gospel heretofore published. Building on several different narrative approaches, the contributors assembled here offer sixty-two essays related to characters and group characters in John. Among these are detailed studies presenting fresh perspectives on characters who play a major role in the Gospel (e.g., Peter, Mary Magdalene, etc.), as well as original studies of characters who have never been the focus of narrative analysis before, characters often glossed over in commentaries as insignificant (e.g., the boy with the loaves and fish, the parents of the man born blind, etc.). Clearly, characters in John stand in the shadow of the protagonist―Jesus. In this volume, however, they step fully into the light. Thus illuminated, it becomes clear how complex and nuanced many of them are. Cover Table of Contents Foreword Steven A. Hunt, D. Francois Tolmie, and Ruben Zimmermann: An Introduction to Character and Characterization in John and Related New Testament Literature 1. Theoretical Approaches to Character and Characterization: A Brief Overview 2. Approaches to Character and Characterization in Biblical Studies 3. Studies on Character and Characterization in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts 3.1 The Four Gospels and Acts 3.2 The Gospel of Mark 3.3 The Gospel of Matthew 3.4 The Gospel of Luke and Luke-Acts 4. Character and Characterization in the Gospel of John 4.1 Early and General Studies 4.2 Gender Studies 4.3 Special Focus Studies Steven A. Hunt, D. Francois Tolmie, and Ruben Zimmermann: Table on the Characters in the Fourth Gospel Catrin H. Williams: John (the Baptist): The Witness on the Threshold The “Telling” of the Witness and his Testimony (1:6–8, 15) John’s Testimony Over Three Days (1:19–28, 29–34, 35–42) The Last Testimony of John (3:22–30[31–36]) The Narrative Dwindling and Departure of John (5:33–36; 10:40–42) The Character of John (the Baptist) Christopher W. Skinner: The World: Promise and Unfulfilled Hope Introduction The World in the Prologue Jesus and the World The World Hates Jesus and His Followers (7:1–7; 15:18–21; 17:14–15) The World Follows Jesus in Ignorance (12:19) The World Rejects the Spirit of Truth (14:15–17) The World Rejoices at Jesus’ Departure (16:20) The World Does Not Know the Father (17:25) Conclusion Ruben Zimmermann: “The Jews”: Unreliable Figures or Unreliable Narration? A First Approach: “The Jews” in John – Complex and Difficult Material History of Research and Methodological Approach “The Jews” as Characters? Synchronic Approaches to οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι in John Methodological Presuppositions Oἱ Ἰουδαῖοι in the Fourth Gospel – A Descriptive Approach and Analysis of Texts Telling About “the Jews” (in General) Telling About and Showing “the Jews” as a Concretely Acting Character “The Jews” as a Character in John – A Systematic Approach Character Inventory: Where Do “the Jews” Appear? Character Constellation: Identity and Interaction of “the Jews” Character and Actions: What Do “the Jews” Do? Character Traits: Neutral, Negative, and Positive Characterization? Character Conception: “The Jews” as a Complex and Open Character Conclusions: “The Jews” and Unreliable Narration Sherri Brown: The Priests and Levites: Identity and Politics in the Search for a Messiah Who Are You and Who Aren’t You? Testimony and the Question of Identity The Narrative Force of the Priests and Levites in the Gospel of John Uta Poplutz: The Pharisees: A House Divided The Problem: Vague Characterization of the Pharisees Theory: Narrative Analysis of Group Characters Analysis: The Pharisees in the Gospel of John The Pharisees as a Powerful Religious Authority The Pharisees as a Consistent Group Character Conclusion Gary T. Manning, Jr: The Disciples of John (the Baptist): Hearers of John, Followers of Jesus A Study in Contrasts Character Depth The Role of Anonymity Rhetorical Strategy Derek Tovey: An Anonymous Disciple: A Type of Discipleship C. de Boer: Andrew: The First Link in the Chain Martinus Andrew in 1:35–42 Andrew in 1:43–51 Andrew in 6:1–14 Andrew in 12:20–26 Summary and Conclusion Michael Labahn: Simon Peter: An Ambiguous Character and His Narrative Career Peter and the Complexities of Becoming a Spokesman and a Shepherd of Jesus’ Flock – Introductory Remarks Peter in Jesus’ Public Life The Rock Identified Peter, the Steady Confessor Peter and the Passion – Strong Words and Severe Failure Too Quick to the Point: Peter’s Misunderstanding in the Johannine Foot-Washing Episode (John 13:6–10) Only a Secondary Spokesman: Peter and the Beloved Disciple (John 13:21–30) Greatest Loyalty and Greatest Misunderstanding Misguided Courage (John 18:10–11) Losing his Courage: Peter as Threefold Denier (John 18:15–27) After Easter – What? Still a Leader in Need of Understanding (John 20:2–10, 19–23) No More a Sinner, but a True Shepherd (John 21:1–14, 15–19) Still Second Place: A Final Note on Peter and the Beloved Disciple (21:20–23) Summary Paul N. Anderson: Philip: A Connective Figure in Polyvalent Perspective Characterological Analysis and a Polyvalent Reading of the Johannine Text Literary Issues Historical Issues Theological Issues Revelation and Rhetoric The Characterization of Philip in John – the Surface Level of the Text Literary Levels Historical Levels Theological Levels Philip’s Presentation in the Synoptics, Acts, and Eusebius – A Familiar Figure The Synoptics Acts 1 Acts 6 Acts 8 Acts 21 Eusebius and Characterological Receptions of Philip in Asia Minor The Characterization of Philip in John – Revelation and Rhetoric in Dialogical Context Comprehension and Incomprehension The Connective Function of Philip for the Johannine Audiences – Characterization in Received Contexts Dialogism, Identification, and Meaning Conclusion Steven A. Hunt: Nathanael: Under the Fig Tree on the Fourth Day Introduction Nathanael – The Questions of Identity and Historicity Nathanael – Basic Characterization The Johannine Cosmological Setting and Nathanael’s Entrance on the Fourth Day Nathanael, from Cana, a Follower of the Baptist and Gift of God Calling Nathanael (and Andrew, Simon, and Philip) Latent Possibilities: Nazareth, the Branch, and Nathanael Under the Fig Tree Mary L. Coloe: The Mother of Jesus: A Woman Possessed Characterization and Theology The Wedding at Cana The Hour Woman and Mother The Mother of Jesus: Her Characterization Susan E. Hylen: The Disciples: The “Now” and “Not Yet” of Belief in Jesus Assessing the Character of the Disciples What the Disciples Do The Disciples’ Speech What the Narrator Says What Jesus Says The Environment Comparison with Other Characters Evaluating the Evidence for the Disciples’ Character Mary L. Coloe: The Servants / Steward at Cana: The “Whispering Wizard’s” Wine-Bearers Setting The Steward and the Sign of Cana Edward W. Klink III: The Bridegroom at Cana: Ignorance is Bliss Joel Nolette and Steven A. Hunt: The Brothers of Jesus: All in the Family? Conclusion Mark A. Matson: The Animal Sellers /The Money Changers in the Temple: Driven Out – But Why? R. Alan Culpepper: Nicodemus: The Travail of New Birth John 3:1–12: Nicodemus’s Encounter with Jesus John 7:50–52: Nicodemus’s Response to the Pharisees John 19:38–42: Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Mark Appold: “A Jew”: A Search for the Identity and Role of an Anonymous Judean Harold W. Attridge: The Samaritan Woman: A Woman Transformed John 4 as a Script 1. Setting 2. Initial Question 3. Living Water? 4. Is There a Hubby? 5. Where Does Real Worship Happen? 6. Aftermath: Disciples and Townspeople 7. Jesus and the Disciples 8. The Townsfolk Arrive Concluding Reflections Steven A. Hunt: The Men of the Samaritan Woman: Six of Sychar Peter Phillips: The Samaritans of Sychar: A Responsive Chorus Conclusion Andy M. Reimer: The Galileans: Interpretive Possibilities and the Limits of Narrative Critical Approaches Galilee and the Galileans in the Johannine Narrative Interpretive Possibilities Further Textual Indeterminacy Methodological Indeterminacy Two Distinct Possibilities Peter J. Judge: The Royal Official: Not so Officious Gilbert Van Belle and Steven A. Hunt: The Son of the Royal Official: Incarnating the Life Giving Power of Jesus’ Word Introduction Context of John 4:46–54 Structure and Plot of John 4:46–54 Some Particular Johannine Characteristics of John 4:46–54 The Characterization of the Official’s Son The Royal Official’s Son and the Life-Giving Power of Jesus’ Word The Royal Official’s Son, the Revelation of the Father, and the Proclamation of the Gospel Peter J. Judge: The Slaves of the Royal Official: Servants of the Word D. Francois Tolmie: The Ill and the Sick: Those Who Were Healed and Those Who Were Not J. Ramsey Michaels: The Invalid at the Pool: The Man Who Merely Got Well The Sick Man The Sabbath Question The Second Encounter Cornelis Bennema: The Crowd: A Faceless, Divided Mass Identity and Role of the Crowd A Galilean Crowd of Common People in John 6 A Jerusalem Crowd of Common People in John 7 A Jerusalem Crowd of Particular Religious Partisans in John 12 Character Analysis of the Crowd Character Complexity Character Development Inner Life Characterization and Evaluation of the Crowd Dieter T. Roth: The Boy with Loaves and Fish: Picnic, Plot, and Pattern Cornelis Bennema: Judas (the Betrayer): The Black Sheep of the Family Identity and Role of Judas Character Analysis of Judas Method Character Complexity Character Development Inner Life Characterization and Evaluation of Judas Susanne Luther: The Authorities: Indeterminate Complex Identities The Johannine “Authorities” in their Literary Context Traits of Character and Techniques of Characterization Theological Implications Cornelis Bennema: The Chief Priests: Masterminds of Jesus’ Death Identity and Role of the Chief Priests Character Analysis of the Chief Priests Character Complexity Character Development Inner Life Characterization and Evaluation of the Chief Priests Gary T. Manning, Jr: The Temple Police: Double Agents Scene 1: Failed Arrest (John 7:32, 45–49) Scene 2: Successful Arrest (John 18:1–13) Scene 3: Interrogation (John 18:18–25) Scene 4: Crucify! (John 18:28–31, 19:6) Conclusions Sherri Brown: The Greeks: Jesus’ Hour and the Weight of the World Setting the Scene: John 12 The Characters: John 12:20–36 The Narrative Force of the Greeks in the Gospel of John Chris Keith: The Scribes and the Elders: Mirror Characterization of Jesus and His Opponents in the Pericope Adulterae The Scribes, Moses, an Adulteress, and Jesus The Purpose of Grapho-Literate Opponents – A Grapho-Literate Jesus Conclusion Peter Phillips: The Adulterous Woman: Nameless, Partnerless, Defenseless Dave L. Mathewson: The Devil: Murderer, Liar, and Defeated Foe Discourse Analysis and Characterization The Proceeding Genesis of a Character: Diabolos and Satanas in the Making The Devil as the Ruler of the World Andy M. Reimer: The Man Born Blind: True Disciple of Jesus Johannine Themes and Narrative Techniques The Blind Man Provokes a Dispute The Miracle Scene Development through Dialogue and Dispute The Final Scene Creating a Round Character with Parallel and Contrast Characters Conclusion Matthew D. Montonini: The Neighbors of the Man Born Blind: A Question of Identity Introduction Setting the Stage: Jesus, the Disciples, and the Blind Man (9:1–7) The Absence of Jesus and the Nosy Neighbors (9:8–13) Character Matters: Evaluating the Neighbors Michael Labahn: The Parents of the Man Born Blind: The Reason for Fear without True Reason Staying Anonymous Refusing Answers Self-Definition in Terms of Ignorance Under Pressure On Pragmatics Summary Ruben Zimmermann: The Believers Across the Jordan: On Location with Jesus The “Many Believers” – Within the Gospel Context Semantics of Space and Character Analysis in John 10:39–42 Constellation of Characters: The Believers, Jesus and John the Baptist The Christ-belief of the “Many” and of the Readers Marianne Meye Thompson: Lazarus: “Behold a Man Raised Up by Christ!” Previous Studies of Lazarus The Characterization of Lazarus Death, Life, and the Character of Lazarus Susan Miller: Mary (of Bethany): The Anointer of the Suffering Messiah Introduction The Meeting of Jesus with Martha and Mary The Portrayal of Mary as a Prophetic Figure The Theological Implications of the Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany Conclusion Gail R. O’Day: Martha: Seeing the Glory of God Martha as … Martha as Humble Interlocutor Martha as Model of Appropriate Grief Martha as Example of Emotion Hindering Faith Martha as … Rhetoric as Roadmap to Character Study The Rhetorical Building Blocks of Martha as Character Narrator’s Comments about Martha Martha’s Actions Martha’s Speech Martha and the Revelation of Jesus’ Glory Thomas Popp: Thomas: Question Marks and Exclamation Marks Thomas as Character: Varying Portrayals The Composition of the Thomas Texts The Staging of Thomas’ Journey First Appearance (11:16) Contextual Framework (11:1–44) The Constellation of Characters The Decided One Second Appearance (14:5) Contextual Framework (13:31–14:31) The Constellation of Characters The Questioning One Third Appearance (20:24–29) Contextual Framework (20:1–31) Constellation of Characters The Believing One Fourth Reference (21:2) Looking Back: Thomas – A Character that Could be Transformed Wider Perspective: The Parallels and History of Reception Adele Reinhartz: Caiaphas and Annas: The Villains of the Piece? James L. Resseguie: The Beloved Disciple: The Ideal Point of View The Supper (13:23–26) The Courtyard (18:15–18) The Cross (19:26–27, 35) The Tomb (20:2–10) The Sea (21:7, 20–23) The Ending (21:20–23, 24) and The Beginning (1:35–40) Conclusion Catrin H. Williams: Judas (not Iscariot): What’s in a Name? Steven A. Hunt: The Roman Soldiers at Jesus’ Arrest: “You Are Dust, and to Dust You Shall Return” Introduction – In the Beginning Arresting Jesus Narrative Context The Cohort’s Characterization – In Action and Speech (18:3–13) The Cohort’s Lanterns, Torches, and Weapons (18:3) The Cohort’s Leadership The Size of the Cohort The Cohort’s Reinforcements? The Cohort’s Mission – “Jesus, the Nazorean” The Cohort’s Impotence, Unbelief and (implicit) Obedience! The Arrest and Fruitful Echoes of the Cosmogony in Genesis Christopher W. Skinner: Malchus: Cutting Up in the Garden Setting the Stage John 18:1–11 Conclusion Helen K. Bond: People in the Courtyard: Escalating Darkness Narrative Links Setting The “Other Disciple” and the Portress Servants and Officers Malchus’ Kinsman Final Remarks D. Francois Tolmie: Pontius Pilate: Failing in More Ways Than One Research on the Characterization of Pilate in the Fourth Gospel The Characterization of Pilate in the Fourth Gospel Scene One: John 18:28–32 Scene Two: John 18:33–38a Scene Three: John 18:38b–40 Scene Four: John 19:1–3 Scene Five: John 19:4–8 Scene Six: John 19:9–11 Scene Seven: John 19:12–16a Aftermath Conclusion David L. Mathewson: Barabbas: A Foil for Jesus, the Jewish Leadership, and Pilate Michael Labahn: The Soldiers Who Crucify: Fulfilling Scripture The Soldiers (στρατιῶται): Their Function and Presence in the Story The Soldiers under the Cross and Their Deeds in Relation to the Crucified Jesus Intertextuality and “Character Building” Summary Chelsea N. Revell and Steven A. Hunt: The Co-Crucified Men: Shadows by His Cross Introduction “And with him two others …” “… one on each side …” “The soldiers came and broke the legs …” Detour: The Co-Crucified Men and the Implied Author Conclusion D. Francois Tolmie: The Women by the Cross: Creating Contrasts Issues That Normally Receive Attention in John 19:25 The Women by the Cross From a Narrative Perspective Jaime Clark-Soles: Mary Magdalene: Beginning at the End Who is She? A Brief Background on Mary Magdalene Narrator and Narratee Time Setting Focalization Detailed Analysis Jesus Gets Laid: 19:41–42 Magdalene Takes Center Stage: Vss. 1–2 Intercharacterization Mary’s Angelophany: Vss. 11–13 The Turning Point: Mary’s Christophany (vss. 14–17) Jesus’ Angel – Mary Magdalene’s Big Announcement: V. 18 Conclusion: Magdalene – What a Character Jean Zumstein: The Mother of Jesus and the Beloved Disciple: How a New Family is Established Under the Cross Constellation of Characters The familia Dei under the Cross Hermeneutical Conclusion William John Lyons: Joseph of Arimathea: One of “the Jews,” But with a Fearful Secret! Joseph of Arimathea in the Fourth Gospel The Implied Audience and Narrative Criticism Bennema’s Joseph of Arimathea and Its Audience Bennema’s Joseph of Arimathea – A Critique Joseph of Arimathea and the Implied Audience of the Gospel of John Joseph of Arimathea and the Implied Audience of the Gospels of John and Mark Conclusion Jan van der Watt: The Angels: Marking the Divine Presence Christos Karakolis: The Sons of Zebedee and Two Other Disciples: Two Pairs of Puzzling Acquaintances in the Johannine Dénouement The “Sons of Zebedee” “Two Others of His Disciples” Conclusion List of Contributors Index of References Old Testament (including LXX) New Testament Jewish Literature Greco-Roman Literature Early Christian Literature Index of Modern Authors Index of Subjects