Encountering Jesus: Character Studies in the Gospel of John, Second Edition / Edition 2

by Cornelis Bennema

Overview

Applying a comprehensive theory of character to the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema provides a fresh analysis of both the characters and their responses to Jesus. While the majority of scholars view most Johannine characters as flat, Bennema demonstrates that many are complex, developing, and round. Johns broad array of characters and their responses to Jesus correspond to people and their choices in real life in any culture and time. This book highlights how Johns Gospel seeks to challenge its readers, past and present, about where they stand in relation to Jesus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781451470062
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	09/15/2014
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 6.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Cornelis Bennema is senior lecturer in New Testament at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology ,UK, and Extraordinary Associate Professor, Unit for Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, South Africa. He is the author of The Power of Saving Wisdom,An Investigation of Spirit and Wisdom in Relation to the Soteriology of the Fourth Gospel (2002),A Theory of Character in New Testament Narrative (2014),Encountering Jesus: Character Studies in the Gospel of John,second edition (2014), and co-editor of The Spirit and Christ in the New Testament and Christian Theology (2012).

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition ix

1 Introduction 1

2 Jesus: The Life-Giving Revealer 43

3 John: Witness Par Excellence 61

4 The World: Enveloped in Darkness but Loved by God 75

5 "The Jews": Jesus' Opponents Par Excellence 87

6 Andrew and Philip: Finders of People 101

7 Simon Peter: A Shepherd in the Making 111

8 Nathanael: The Genuine Israelite 127

9 The Mother of Jesus: A Catalyst in His Ministry 135

10 Nicodemus: In the Twilight Zone 147

11 The Samaritan Woman: An Unexpected Bride 161

12 The Royal Official: His Word Is Enough for Me 175

13 The Invalid at the Pool: A Lame Response 185

14 The Crowd: A Faceless, Divided Mass 201

15 The Twelve: Slow but Sticky 213

16 Judas Iscariot: The Black Sheep of the Family 229

17 The Man Born Blind: Once I was Blind but Now I See 245

18 Martha: The Ideal Johannine Confessor 259

19 Mary of Bethany: At Jesus' Feet 267

20 Lazarus: The Dead Shall Hear His Voice 275

21 Thomas: Let Me See and Touch 287

22 The Beloved Disciple: The Unique Eyewitness 299

23 Pilate: Securing a Hollow Victory 317

24 Mary Magdalene: Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice 329

25 Joseph of Arimathea: Faith and Fear 339

26 Conclusion 347

Bibliography 373

Index of Modern Authors 407