Gospel of John

 

ASSIGNMENT 2

This assignment covers John 1-3.

 

 

1. What is the principal message of the prologue to this gospel?  1:1-18.  Bruce, p. 28.

 

2. Compare verse 1 to Genesis 1:1.

 

3. What is meant by “the Word” (Greek: logos) of verse 1-3, and how is it connected to Christ?  Bruce, pp. 29-31(cf. Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2).

 

4. The relation God/Word in the prologue corresponds to what relation in the later discourses?  Bruce, p. 33.

 

5. Give the double meaning of “The life was the light of men.” 1:4.  Bruce, p. 33.

 

6. John the Baptist came to bear witness of what?  1:6-8.

 

7. Define “world” as used three times in verse 10.  Bruce, p. 36.

 

8. Explain “he came unto his own” and “his own did not receive him” in verse 11.  Bruce, p. 37.

 

9. What is involved in the expression “believe on his name” in verse 12?

 

10. What is Docetism and what does the Evangelist say to oppose it? 1:14.  Bruce,     p. 39.

 

11. How does verse 14 defeat the doctrine of Arius?  Bruce, p. 40.

 

12. Explain the term “only begotten.”  1:14.   Bruce, p. 41.

 

13. In what sense is “the Jews” of verse 19 used?  Bruce, p. 46.

 

14. What traits of John the Baptist reminded the Jews of Elijah? 1:21 (cf. 2 Kings 1:8; Mark l:6; 9:13; Luke 1:17).

 

15. John the Baptist refers to which prophecy concerning his mission? 1:22-23.  Bruce, pp. 48f.

 

16. Who were the Pharisees, and how did they differ from the Sadducees? 1:24 (cf. Acts 23: 6-8).  Bruce, pp. 49f.

 

17. What demonstrated the humility of John the Baptist? 1:26-27.

 

18. With what opening statement did John the Baptist introduce Jesus? 1:29.

 

19. What sign demonstrated to John that Jesus was “he that baptizes in the Holy Spirit?”  1:33.

 

20. Who was Cephas and who brought him to Jesus? Explain the meaning of the name. 1:41-2.  Bruce, p. 58.

 

21. In verse 47, to what Old Testament event does “In whom there is no deceit” refer? (cf. Genesis 27:35f.).  Bruce, p. 60.

 

22. Which two Messianic titles did Nathanael apply to Jesus? 1:49.  Bruce, p. 61.

 

23. Explain Jesus’ promise that the disciples will see “the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”  1:51. Bruce, p. 62.

 

24. What was the setting for Jesus’ first sign?  What happened there?  2:1-11.  Bruce, p. 70.

 

25. List and define four New Testament words that refer to Jesus’ “mighty works.” 2:11.  Bruce, p. 72.

 

26. Which city became Jesus’ headquarters during the Galilean ministry? Where was it located?  2:12.  Bruce,  p. 73.

 

27. How many Passovers are mentioned in the Fourth Gospel, and what does that suggest about the duration of Jesus’ ministry?  2:13.  Bruce, p. 73.

 

28. Explain the presence of oxen, sheep, doves, and money-chang­ers in the temple.  2:14.  Bruce, p. 74.

 

29. Jesus accused those selling animals and the money-changers of what?  How does that compare with the reason given by the other Gospel writers?   2:16. (cf. Mark 11:17).

 

30. Find the word “antanaclasis” in a dictionary. Explain how this figure of speech is seen in Jesus’ words “destroy this temple.” 2:19  (cf. Matt. 26:61; Mark 8:31; 9:31).

 

31. Discuss whether the disciples understood the prophecy of his resurrec­tion at the time he spoke these words. 2:22.

 

32. Who was Nicodemus?  What did Jesus tell him he must do to enter the kingdom of heaven?  3:1-5  (cf. John 7:50f; 19:39).

 

33. Discuss the expression “born of water and spirit.” 3:5.   Bruce, pp. 84f.

 

34. “Even so must the Son of man be lifted up” refers specifi­cally to what event?  How are they similar? How are they different? 3:14.  (cf. Numbers 21: 5-9).

 

35. Discuss the meaning of the famous Golden Text.  3:16.

 

36. The terms “judge” and “judgment” appear to have several meanings in the Bible. How are they used in 3:17-18?

 

37. Why would Jesus say that men (people) love darkness more than the light? What does that mean?  3:19.

 

38. Who is “the friend of the bridegroom” of verse 29, and what does that mean?

 

39. Look up the word “hyperbole” in a dictionary. In what sense might this figure of speech apply to the writer’s words in 3:32?  Bruce, p. 96.

 

40. Explain “he gives not the Spirit by measure” in this context.   3:34. Bruce, p. 97.

 

41. What is the relationship of “believe” and “obey” in verse 36?  Bruce, p. 98.

 

42. The concept of the “wrath of God” is controversial. Write a paragraph explaining how you understand that.