This course provides an examination of the background to and interpretation of the Gospel of John. Students will learn to read critically the exegetical works of several major contemporary Scripture scholars. Students will also be guided to engage three major approaches to the text: synchronic, diachronic and existential.

The course is designed to help students develop their skills in the exegesis of select passages from the Gospel of John. In relation to exegesis (finding the meaning), the emphasis in this course is on Christology (‘the Johannine Portrait of Jesus’), the theology of discipleship and the way Johannine theology informs ecclesiology. (Please note that a study of the Book of Revelation is offered as an elective periodically at OST and will not be part of this course.)