BNT 324: The Gospel of John

Cincinnati Christian University Brian D. Johnson

Early Spring 2012 (cell) 309-531-2520

3 undergraduate credits

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A survey of the background and distinct theological perspective of the Gospel of John followed by exegesis of selected texts.

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this this course, you should be able to:

1) Understand introductory issues regarding the Gospel of John, including authorship, date, relationship to the Synoptic Gospels, and relationship to other Johannine literature

2) Understand the central message of the Gospel of John and its particular theological contributions

3) Understand the contemporary state of scholarship on the Gospel of John

4) Gain skill in interpreting the Gospel of John by learning about particular issues for the interpretation of this gospel and by exegeting passages of the Gospel of John

5) Appreciate the usefulness of the teachings of the Gospel of John for the Church and for his or her life

The following assignments will facilitate the student in achieving these objectives.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

Course Texts:

Robert T. Fortna, and Tom Thatcher, eds. Jesus in Johannine Tradition. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2001.

Andreas Köstenberger. John. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004.

Written Assignments:

1) Class lecture and discussion is the primary learning experience in this course. A portion of the student’s final grade will therefore be based on attendance.

2) Take home final consisting of short-answer and essay questions. This will be handed out in class and will be Due January 20th.

3) Complete the attached reading report. Report must be completed and delivered to the instructor in order to receive credit for this assignment.Due January 27th.

4) After completing the above reading assignment, write a 4-5 page, doubled-spaced paper reflecting on the Gospel of John’s introductory issues. Be sure to reflect on at least the following issues: a) the authorship and dating of the Gospel of John, b) the Gospel of John’s relationship to the Synoptic Gospels, and c) the usefulness of John’s Gospel for historical study. Be sure to use appropriate citations to show your interaction with the assigned readings and class lectures.Due February 3rd.

5) Complete a 10-12 page, double-spaced exegetical paper on a passage of the Gospel of John. Choose a pericope from the Gospel of John to research and write a verse-by-verse exegesis of this passage.Include pertinent material on background, context, syntax, etc. Use Köstenberger’s commentary and other recent commentaries to aid with this research.Due February 17th.

6) Produce a 3-4 page, double-spaced popular exposition based upon the material gleaned from the above exegesis paper. This exposition can be in any form (ie. lesson, sermon, popular level article, devotion, etc.), but will be judged on: a) how well it draws from the material in the exegetical paper, and b) how well it communicates to its intended audience.Due February 24th.

Grading:

Attendance/Participation 10%

Take Home Final 20%

Completion of Reading Report 10%

Reading Reflection Paper 15%

Exegetical paper 25%

Popular Exposition 20%

ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICIES

Because of the nature of this week-long class, the student should be present at every session. If there is any reason the student must be absent, he or she should discuss this with the professor before missing class. If the student is going to miss an entire day of lectures then he or she should make arrangements to take this class at a later time.

Be sure the ringer of your cell phone is off while you are in class. Do not answer a call in class—in case of an emergency, step out of the class to take a call and then return quietly. Texting, instant messaging, and web surfing should be kept to a minimum. If you persistently abuse this policy you will be warned by the instructor, and if you continue in this behavior, you will be asked to leave the class. Do not play games in class! If you are caught playing a game you will be asked to leave the class, and risk dismissal from the course. If you consistently sleep in class, you risk dismissal from the course. Violations of any part of this policy can result in a warning, a grade demotion, failure of this class, and/or referral to the Dean’s Office for further action.

All late work will be received with penalty; the degree of penalty will depend on the extent to which the assignment is overdue. The Instructor reserves the right to suspend penalties when work is late due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Note that “circumstances beyond the student’s control” include illness, family emergency, and unexpected work responsibilities. Expected work responsibilities, expected visits to friends and family, known due dates for other college assignments, and special recreational opportunities are within the student’s control. Special arrangements should be made with the Instructor as soon as possible if expected work responsibilities will conflict with attendance or the due dates of the assignments indicated above.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Students who require academic accommodations due to any documented physical,

psychological, or learning disability should request assistance from the Academic Support Director, Marie Reeves, within the first two weeks of class. The Academic Support Office is located in the lower level of the Worship and Ministry Building (room 153). You may also contact the office by phone (244-8420).

COURSE PLAN

Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday
8:00-9:45 / Samaritan Woman and
Israel’s Teacher
(John 3-4) / Issues of Testimony and Identity
(John 8) / Comfort for the Disciples
(John 14) / The Crucifixion
(John 19)
10:00-12:00 / The Johannine Question/
Thesis Statement
“The Exegesis of God” (John 1:1-18) / Two Signs
(John 5-6) / Jesus’ Identity and Israel’s Leaders
(John 9-10) / Vine and Branches
(John 15) / The Empty Tomb
and Resurrection Appearances
(John 20-21)
12:00-1:00 / Lunch / Lunch / Lunch / Lunch / Last ½ hr. of class.
1:00-3:00 / Jesus’ Glory
(John 1:19-2:11) / The Nexus
(John 7) / Lazarus and Heightening Tension
(John 11-12) / Jesus’ Departure and Prayer
(John 16-17)
3:15-5:00 / Temple Incident
(John 2:12-25) / Foot Washing
(John 13) / Arrest and Trial of Jesus
(John 18)

Reading Chart:

Use the following table to chart your reading for this class. Please remember that completion of this reading chart comprises 10% of your grade. All readings are fromJesus in Johannine Tradition, the class textbook.

Text/Article: / Pages: / Percent Complete / Date Completed
“Introduction” / 1-9
“The Messiah Who Has Come into the World” / 15-24
“The Gospel of John: Reading Incarnate Words” / 25-34
“Situating John’s Gospel in History” / 35-46
“What Can a Postmodern Approach. . .” / 47-57
“The Eyewitness of History” / 59-70
“Historical Reliability of John” / 71-82
“Knowledge of Palestine in the Fourth Gospel” / 83-90
“Legend of the Beloved Disciple” / 91-99
“The Audience of the Fourth Gospel” / 101-111
“The Kingdom of God” / 125-134
“The Temple Incident” / 145-153
“John and Mark” / 175-188
“The Signs Gospel in Context” / 191-197
“The Gospel of John in its Oral-Written. . .” / 239-252
“The Origin of the ‘Amen, Amen’ Sayings. . .” / 253-262
“The Riddles of Jesus. . .” / 263-277
“‘I Am’ or ‘I Am He’” / 343-352
“Conclusion” / 353-358

I promise that I have accurately reflected my reading in the chart above.

Signed:______

Date:______

Name (printed): ______

Due January 27th