Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 21:63 (Autumn 2017)
Article: The Distinctive Sonship Soteriology Of Jesus In The Fourth Gospel, Part IV
Author: Don Trest

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JODT 21:63 (Autumn 2017) p. 157

The Distinctive Sonship Soteriology Of Jesus In The Fourth Gospel, Part IV

Don Trest

* Don Trest, M.B.S., D.Min., professor of Bible & theology, Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute

The writer of the Gospel of John placed the hermeneutic key in the text that governed the writing of the Gospel and John’s unique perspective concerning the Person of Jesus. He shared these principles with the audience of the Fourth Gospel, so that his readers would know how to read and interpret the story of Jesus. John (or some other eyewitness author of the Fourth Gospel) informed his readers that he was the principle source for his gospel and that he personally vouchsafed the truthfulness and accuracy of what he wrote in the Fourth Gospel.

Hermeneutic Keys And Chronological Markers In The Fourth Gospel

The Indispensable Eyewitness Hermeneutic Of The Fourth Gospel

The author testified that he personally witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus. When “one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water” (John 19:34) the author gave testimony to the historical veracity of what he wrote. The author stated, “He who saw it has born witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe” (v. 35).1

The “disciple, whom Jesus loved,” (13:23) was among the disciples who witnessed the Last Supper and heard the words of Jesus spoken to the disciples. He was the one “reclining at the table at Jesus’ side” (v. 23). It was Peter who “motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking” (13:24) when Jesus announced to the disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” (v. 21). “So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ ” (v. 25).

JODT 21:63 (Autumn 2017) p. 158

The author further identified himself as “the other disciple, who was known to the high priest (18:16)” and had been given access into the courtyard of the high priest where Jesus was interviewed. He spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door” (v. 16) to get Peter into the courtyard. The author was apparently a disciple of Jesus, a friend of Peter, an acquaintanc...

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