Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community, Second Edition
Craig Koester's respected study uses the symbolic language of
the Gospel of John as a focus to explore "the Gospel's literary
dimensions, social and historical context, and theological import."
This edition is fully revised and updated and includes a number of
new sections on such topics as Judas and the knowledge of God. Fresh
treatments are given on a number of issues, including the Gospel's
Christology. This new edition offers both new insights and proven
worth for students and scholars alike.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9780800635947
- eBook ISBN 9781451405422
- Dimensions 6 x 10
- Pages 368
- Publication Date February 19, 2003
Endorsements
"John's use of symbols is an essential key to understanding the Gospel . . . Craig Koester's book is an admirable and important contribution in the extent of its coverage, the quality of its judgment, and the appreciation both of the scholarly and religious implications of the Fourth Gospel's symbolism. A first-rate book well worthy of our attention."
— Raymond E. Brown
"I have been enriched by Koester's detailed scholarship and beautifully written text."
— Francis J. Moloney, S.D.B., Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"The present fresh and welcome survey deserves to become a leading marker in Johannine studies for all present and future students of this symbolic, but also incarnational, Gospel."
— Stephen S. Smalley, Theology
— Raymond E. Brown
"I have been enriched by Koester's detailed scholarship and beautifully written text."
— Francis J. Moloney, S.D.B., Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"The present fresh and welcome survey deserves to become a leading marker in Johannine studies for all present and future students of this symbolic, but also incarnational, Gospel."
— Stephen S. Smalley, Theology
Table of Contents
-
Preface to the Second Edition
- Symbol, Meaning, and Mystery
Johannine Symbolism in Its Literary Context
Johannine Symbolism in Its Cultural Context
Interpreting Johannine Symbolism
- Representative Figures
Character Portrayal in John's Gospel
Character Portrayal in Antiquity
Jesus
People Who Meet Jesus
Disciples and Friends of Jesus
The World of God and the Human Conditions
- Symbolic Actions
New Wine — New Temple
Healing the Official's Son and the Invalid
Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on the Sea
Healing the Man Born Blind
Raising Lazarus from the Dead
Anointing and Washing Feet
The Great Catch of Fish
Hearing, Seeing, and Believing in Johannine Theology
- Light and Darkness
The True Light That Enlightens Everyone
One Who Came by Night
The Light of the World
The Light Is with You a Little Longer
Light and Darkness in the Passion Narrative
Light and Darkness in 1 John
God and Evil in Johannine Theology
- Water
Baptism with Water and the Spirit
Living Water
Blood and Water at the Crucifixion
Water in 1 John
Cleansing from Sin and Thirst for God in Johannine Theology
- The Crucifixion
Behold the Man
Behold the Lamb of God
Behold Your King
We Beheld His Glory
Behold Your Son, Behold Your Mother
Jesus' Death in Johannine Theology
- Symbol and Community
Symbol and Unity
Symbol and Patterns of Discipleship
Symbol and the World
- Symbol and the Knowledge of God
God the Father
Human Estrangement
Jesus as the Way
Appendixes on Special Topics
Sacramental Symbolism
Geographical Symbolism
Numerical Symbolism
Bibliography
Index of Subjects
Index of Authors
Preface to the First Edition
Abbreviations