Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 163:649 (Jan 2006)
Article: The Significance of Minor Characters in the Gospel of John
Author: James M. Howard

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BSac 163:649 (January-March 2006) p. 63

The Significance of Minor Characters in the Gospel of John

James M. Howard

James M. Howard is Director, Southern Colorado Center, School of Adult and Graduate Studies, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, Colorado.

Several relatively minor characters in the Gospel of John were involved in the miracles Jesus performed. This article discusses how these characters contribute to the development of the plot and purpose of the Gospel.

A Word about Literary Characters and Signs

Culpepper notes that characters in narrative literature are seen primarily as autonomous beings with their own traits and personalities, or they are seen primarily as related to the plot and serving some inherent function in plot development.1 The characters and plot in a story then work together to produce a certain effect.2 As a result the way John chose to portray minor characters is basic to the development of the purpose of the Gospel.3

BSac 163:649 (January-March 2006) p. 64

In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ signs are significant in that “the distinctive Johannine perspective” becomes evident through the presentation of the signs.4 “Signs fulfill a specific literary function in the Fourth Gospel, summoning the reader, like the witnesses in the narratives, to either faith or rejection (with an emphasis on the former, 20:27–31).”5 In John the characters and signs come together to call readers to a decision about their belief in Christ.6 This is supported by John’s purpose statements (1:6, 31; 20:31).

John recorded six signs and labeled them as such.7 Grassi suggests that the seventh sign consists of “Jesus’ death and the accompanying issue of water and blood from Jesus’ side.”8 If this is correct, the first six signs anticipate and lead to the seventh—Jesus’ death and glorification, as seen in the following chiastic structure.9

A The wedding feast at Cana (2:1–12; character: Jesus’ mother)

B The restoration ...

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