Structural Outlines of the Fourth Gospel
by Rev. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.


[The Woman Caught in Adultery: 7:53--8:11]
[full NAB text] [see related art]

Notes:

  1. This episode was not originally in John's Gospel, since it is not found in the best and oldest manuscripts of John.
  2. It is included in other places in some ancient biblical manuscripts (e.g., after Luke 21:38 or 24:53; or after John 7:36 or 21:25).
  3. It was later inserted here, probably to illustrate the themes of John 8:15-16 (others judge by appearances; but Jesus does not condemn)
  4. John 8:12-20 makes good sense following right after 7:45-52. A connection between Galilee and "light" may also be based on Isa 9:1-2.
  5. Much of this story's vocabulary and theology are not typically Johannine, but closer to the Synoptics; for example:
    the Mount of Olives, scribes, elders, adultery, "stood [her] in the midst," etc., are not found elsewhere in John, but often in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Memorable Features:

  1. The woman alone is caught and accused of adultery (vv. 3-4); but where is the man with whom she was found? Lev 20:10 and Deut 22:22 require both be put to death.
  2. The "scribes and Pharisees" ask Jesus for his opinion, trying to "test" him, or trap him, and accuse him of going against the Law of Moses (vv. 5-6a).
  3. Jesus writes on the ground (vv. 6b, 8), leading to much speculation: was he just doodling? or what words did he write? each person's sins? some biblical quotations?
  4. Jesus then challenges the accusers, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (v. 7)
  5. They all leave, one by one, beginning with the elders, until Jesus is left alone with the woman. (v. 9)
  6. Then Jesus dismisses the woman with a gentle admonishment: "Has no one condemned you?"... "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." (vv. 10b, 11b; cf. 5:14)


Note: Most scholars agree that John 8:12-59 is a continuation of the dialogues begun in John 7:1-52, thus also take place at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Jesus, the Light of the World (8:12-30)
[full NAB text]
[see related art]

A: Jesus Disputes with some Pharisees, about himself and the Father (vv. 12-20)

 
B: Jesus Disputes with some Jewish Autho
rities, bringing some to Believe in Him (vv. 21-30)


Jesus and Abraham (8:31-59)

[full NAB text] [see related art]

Note: Most of this section is intentionally left in outline form, so that you can do your own analysis, similar to what you see above.

 

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