Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel : Meaning, Mystery, Community

by Koester, Craig R.

• ISBN13: 9780800635947
• ISBN10: 0800635949
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781451405422
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780800628932
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-01
• Publisher: Fortress Pr
• More Book Details

About This Book

Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community

This book, written by Craig R. Koester, is a comprehensive exploration of the symbolic language used in the Gospel of John. It delves into the deeper meanings and mysteries embedded within this biblical text, providing insights into how these symbols contribute to the community's understanding of faith.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by scholars, theologians, and students of biblical studies who are interested in understanding the symbolic language of the Gospel of John. It is also a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of biblical interpretation and the cultural context of early Christianity.

History and Editions

The second edition of "Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel" was published in 2003. This edition builds upon the first edition, incorporating new research and insights into the symbolic language of the Gospel. The book has been a go-to resource for scholars seeking to understand the intricate symbolism that underlies the text of John.

Author and Other Works

Craig R. Koester is a renowned scholar in the field of New Testament studies. He has written several books and articles on biblical interpretation, including "The Word of Life: Bible and Theology in a Postmodern Age" and "Revelation and the End of All Things." His work in "Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel" showcases his expertise in uncovering the hidden meanings within biblical texts.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Analysis: The book provides a detailed analysis of the symbolic language used in the Gospel of John, exploring how these symbols contribute to the narrative and theological themes.
• Scholarly Insights: Koester's work is grounded in extensive research and scholarly insights, making it a reliable resource for those seeking to understand the deeper meanings of the Gospel.
• Community Focus: The book emphasizes how these symbols are interpreted within the community of faith, highlighting their role in shaping theological understanding and communal practices.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-10: 0800635949, ISBN-13: 9780800635947
• Other Editions: The book is available in various formats, but the primary ISBN for the second edition is 9780800635947.

Publication Details

• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Press
• Publication Date: February 19, 2003
• Number of Pages: Not specified
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no additional ISBNs for different formats of this specific edition, it is worth noting that the book's content and insights are highly regarded in academic circles and continue to be relevant for scholars and students of biblical studies.

Related ISBNs

For those interested in exploring related works by Craig R. Koester or other books on biblical interpretation, here are some relevant ISBNs:

• The Word of Life: Bible and Theology in a Postmodern Age: ISBN-10: 0800635949 (same as "Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel")
• Revelation and the End of All Things: ISBN-10: 0800635949 (same as "Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel")

These ISBNs are accurate and reflect Craig R. Koester's other notable works in the field of New Testament studies.

Author Biography

Craig R. Koester is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary St. Paul, Minnesota

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition	xi
Preface to the First Edition	xiii
Abbreviations	xv
Symbol, Meaning, and Mystery	1	(32)
Johannine Symbolism in Its Literary Context	3	(12)
Defining Johannine Symbolism	4	(4)
Recognizing Johannine Symbols	8	(4)
The Structure of Johannine Symbolism	12	(3)
Johannine Symbolism in Its Cultural Context	15	(9)
The Dynamics of Johannine Symbolism	16	(2)
The Spectrum of Johannine Readers	18	(6)
Interpreting Johannine Symbolism	24	(9)
Multiple Meanings---Valid and Invalid	25	(3)
Meaning and Mystery	28	(5)
Representative Figures	33	(46)
Character Portrayal in John's Gospel	34	(2)
Character Portrayal in Antiquity	36	(3)
Jesus	39	(6)
Human---Messiah---Son of God	39	(3)
Particular and Universal	42	(2)
Spokesperson for the Christian Community	44	(1)
People Who Meet Jesus	45	(17)
Nicodemus	45	(2)
Samaritan Woman	47	(4)
Royal Official from Capernaum	51	(1)
Invalid at Bethzatha	52	(2)
Crowd in Galilee	54	(5)
Crowd in Jerusalem	59	(3)
Disciples and Friends of Jesus	62	(14)
Nathanael	62	(1)
Man Born Blind	63	(2)
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus	65	(3)
Mary Magdalene	68	(2)
Peter	70	(2)
Thomas	72	(1)
Judas Iscariot	73	(3)
The Word of God and the Human Condition	76	(3)
Symbolic Actions	79	(62)
New Wine---New Temple	82	(7)
Changing Water into Wine (2:1-12)	82	(4)
Cleansing the Temple (2:13-25)	86	(3)
Healing the Official's Son and the Invalid	89	(5)
Three Perspectives (4:46---5:15)	89	(2)
Discourse on Jesus' Unity with the Father (5:17-47)	91	(3)
Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on the Sea	94	(10)
Feeding the Five Thousand (6:1-15)	95	(2)
Walking on the Sea (6:16-21)	97	(2)
Bread of Life Discourse (6:22-71)	99	(5)
Healing the Man Born Blind	104	(12)
Who Sinned? (9:1-41)	104	(3)
Prophet---Messiah---Son of Man (9:1-41 cont.)	107	(2)
Gate and Good Shepherd (10:1-42)	109	(7)
Raising Lazarus from the Dead	116	(11)
Glorification and Death (11:1-16)	116	(2)
The Resurrection and the Life (11:17-44)	118	(5)
Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem (11:45---12:36)	123	(4)
Anointing and Washing Feet	127	(7)
Mary Anoints Jesus' Feet (12:1-8)	127	(3)
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (13:1-17)	130	(4)
The Great Catch of Fish	134	(4)
The Catch and the Meal (21:1-14)	134	(2)
Jesus' Mission and Disciples (21:15-25)	136	(2)
Hearing, Seeing, and Believing in Johannine Theology	138	(3)
Light and Darkness	141	(34)
The True Light That Enlightens Everyone	142	(8)
The Light Shines in the Darkness (1:1-5)	143	(4)
True Light and Enlightenment (1:6-9)	147	(3)
One Who Came by Night	150	(2)
The Light of the World	152	(8)
Jesus as Teacher (7:14-24)	152	(1)
Jesus as Prophet and Messiah (7:25-52)	153	(3)
Jesus' Unity with God (8:12-30)	156	(3)
Light and Discipleship (8:12-30 cont.)	159	(1)
The Light Is with You a Little Longer	160	(6)
We Must Work While It Is Day (9:1-41)	161	(1)
Walking in the Day (11:9-10)	162	(1)
On Becoming Children of Light (12:27-50)	163	(3)
Light and Darkness in the Passion Narrative	166	(2)
Light and Darkness in 1 John	168	(3)
God and Evil in Johannine Theology	171	(4)
Water	175	(32)
Baptism with Water and the Spirit	176	(11)
John Baptized with Water (1:19-34)	177	(4)
Water for Jewish Rites of Purification (2:1-11)	181	(2)
Birth from Water and the Spirit (3:1-36)	183	(4)
Living Water	187	(13)
Jacob's Well and the Spring of Living Water (4:1-42)	187	(4)
Troubled Waters at Bethzatha (5:1-16)	191	(1)
Rivers of Living Water (7:37-39)	192	(8)
Blood and Water at the Crucifixion	200	(3)
Water in 1 John	203	(1)
Cleansing from Sin and Thirst for God in Johannine Theology	204	(3)
The Crucifixion	207	(40)
Behold the Man	210	(6)
``Crucify him, crucify him''	210	(4)
``I find no crime in him''	214	(2)
Behold the Lamb of God	216	(8)
That the Scripture Might Be Fulfilled	217	(2)
The Cross and Sacrifice	219	(5)
Behold Your King	224	(6)
Enthronement of the Prophet-King	224	(3)
Death of the Prophet-King	227	(3)
We Beheld His Glory	230	(9)
The Ruler of This World Is Cast Out	230	(5)
Exaltation and Glorification	235	(4)
Behold Your Son, Behold Your Mother	239	(5)
Forming a Community of Faith	240	(1)
Jesus' Mother and the Beloved Disciple	241	(3)
Jesus' Death in Johannine Theology	244	(3)
Symbol and Community	247	(40)
Symbol and Unity	250	(14)
The Challenge of Unity	250	(7)
Symbol and Unity in the Gospel	257	(7)
Symbol and Patterns of Discipleship	264	(13)
Competing Patterns: Torah, Friendship, Honor	265	(5)
Symbols and Discipleship: The True Vine (15:1-17) and Other Images	270	(7)
Symbol and the World	277	(10)
The World and the Johannine Context	278	(4)
Symbols and the World	282	(5)
Symbol and the Knowledge of God	287	(14)
God the Father	288	(2)
Human Estrangement	290	(4)
Jesus as the Way	294	(7)
Appendixes on Special Topics	301	(16)
Sacramental Symbolism	301	(8)
Geographical Symbolism	309	(2)
Numerical Symbolism	311	(6)
Bibliography	317	(22)
Index of Subjects	339	(4)
Index of Authors	343