RT Article
T1 A possible understanding by the implied reader, of some of the 'coming-going-being sent' pronouncements, in the Johannine Farewell discourses
JF Neotestamentica
VO 25
IS 2
SP 289
OP 310
A1 Lemmer, H. R.
LA English
PB NTWSA
YR 1991
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1826574646
AB Given the possibility that the implied readers of the farewell discourse found themselves in a crisis situation, these pronouncements contain some pragmatic function. We have to accept the existence of a complexity of layers and strata in John, which is virtually impossible to pare off layer by layer. It is feasible to postulate a set of 'implied readers', for whom the Gospel, as it exists now, would have had a certain significance. Although the coming-going-being sent pronouncements are tied up with the plot that is being developed around the protagonist, the implied author intends it to say something to the implied readers by means of these very pronouncements. From a narrative point of view the prolific number of occurrences bears this out. Among others the implied author is exhorting those who remain in the fold, through the narrator; not to depart from the fold as Judas did; that would be tantamount to betrayal. This discourse follows in the wake of the last supper, which functions on two levels: We have both the 'table-talk' during the enactment of the Passover (possibly) meal, as well as during the celebration of Holy Communion by the community of the implied readers, with reference to that first 'last supper' by Jesus. Dramatic elements play an important role in the events prior to, and during the discourse. In this 'table-talk' the protagonist is 'bequeathing' promises and warning to his hearers. The ostensible ignorance of the hearers, as to where He was going, may also reflect a sense of uncertainty that existed among the implied readers. In this way the coming-going-being sent motif is of distinct pastoral significance to the implied readers.
K1 Narrator's portrayal
K1 Johannine Community
K1 John 13-17
K1 Fourth Gospel
K1 New Testament Bible
K1 Theology
K1 Christianity
DO 10.10520/AJA2548356_883