Abstract
This volume is a collection of essays on selected key themes in Johannine Theology. Some have been the subject of much debate, in which Bauckham himself has participated. Through fresh approaches, new insights are brought to bear which will not disappoint even his seasoned readers. The volume is characterized by careful exegesis of the Johannine Gospel text, attention to methodology, well argued proposals and balanced conclusions.
The first chapter, an essay on Johannine ‘Individualism,’ reveals how frequently the Gospel portrays the individual’s relationship with Jesus. Sixty seven aphoristic sayings (most commonly in the third person singular: whoever believes in me …), the frequent use of the language of mutual indwelling (for which the author employs the terms ‘In-One-Anotherness’ or ‘Personal Coinherence’) and the series of dialogues Jesus has with individuals all contribute to this emphasis. In contrast, the second chapter, on ‘Divine and Human Community,’ examines the other pendant of this question—the place of the community, through an examination of the uses of the term ‘one’ in the Gospel, especially with reference to God and the world. The mutual indwelling of both the individual and the community with Jesus are a reflection of Jesus’ mutual indwelling with the Father.
The third chapter examines the theme of glory, through an analysis of the glory terminology in the Gospel and especially the scriptural allusions explored both in Hebrew and Greek. Attention is given to glory as manifest in the signs, the relationship of Father and Son (especially through the Cross and Resurrection) and in the disciples. The fourth chapter attempts a novel study of the cross and resurrection/exaltation of Jesus in relation to the four themes of love, life, glory and truth. These themes confirm the pervasive presence of the cross and its finality through the Gospel.
The fifth chapter returns to the question of the sacraments in John. There is a brief overview of the scholarly viewpoints, and the present consensus. The texts most commonly cited as sacramental are found to be primarily soteriological in focus. It is argued that this emphasis is simply consistent with the Gospel genre and doesn’t reflect any bias with respect to the sacraments. The sixth chapter treats of Johannine dualistic language. Following a summary of Bultmann’s theological approach and of those who look to the relationship with Qumran, Bauckham first emphasizes the scriptural basis for this language and then produces an inventory of the occurrences in the Gospel. A distinction is proposed between dualism, indicating the polarity of good and evil in whatever guise in Christian literature, and duality, reflecting two contrasting but not opposed realities. The distinction brings clarity to an often confused topic and allows for exploration of the soteriological importance of this language.
The seventh chapter, in contrast to the others, focuses on a section of the Gospel narrative (John 1:19–2:11). By careful analysis of the text and the scriptural allusions, the first and last weeks of the Gospel are fruitfully compared and contrasted. As the disciples are being recruited in the first week, already the passion week and therefore the whole project of salvation is repeatedly signalled. The eighth and final chapter on the relationship between the Johannine Jesus and the Synoptic Jesus views the Gospel of John as being inherently incomplete and presupposing the knowledge of a broader Jesus tradition: many of the missing elements (other signs, teaching, Galilean ministry) are supplied by the Synoptic tradition. These Johannine omissions are balanced by distinct emphases of particular elements of the Synoptic tradition (Paraclete, eternal life, Christological terms and titles, anguish in the face of death). This complementary approach to the rapport with the Synoptics yields a fresh reading of Jesus’ suffering in the flesh, by which he manifests his glory.
Readers of Bauckham will recognize a return to favourite themes, but there is in most instances further development of his thought. It will have been noticed at this stage that most of the essays in the collection are purposely paired for the purpose of comparison and contrast of related themes. This leads to some cross referencing between chapters but very little repetition. It is to be regretted that the discussion involves hardly any contemporary scholars outside the Anglo-American sphere. While at times too concise and presupposing a postgraduate readership, the essays contain clear exegesis and consequent theological insights. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this work is that repeatedly, the centrality of Jesus’ salvific mission is emphasized, especially where it has been at times overlooked, in the treatment of dualisms and sacraments.