The ‘I-AM’ sayings of Jesus in the gospel of John and questions of history: two case studies (John 6 and 8)

Okpako, George Oghenetega (2018). The ‘I-AM’ sayings of Jesus in the gospel of John and questions of history: two case studies (John 6 and 8). University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

Traditionally, reconstructions of the historical Jesus have focused on the Synoptic gospels. The Gospel of John has often been marginalised in terms of historical questions due to its high theological nature, including Jesus' 'I-AM' sayings regarded as theologically expressive of his identity. The research focuses on the question- Is there any possibility that the identity of Jesus could be explored historically through the lens of the 'I-AM' sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John? The research examines various scholars that have critically considered the issues, such as the 'John, Jesus and History' group and other commentators.

Most of the scholars I have investigated who considered historicity in the Gospel of John, limited it to background traditions and settings of the 'I-AM' sayings in John's gospel. I conclude that the 'I-AM' sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John are relevant in considering the identity of the historical Jesus, despite the difficulty of verifying them with historical facts. Recommendations have been made that more work needs to be done by biblical scholars in looking more historically into the Gospel of John and considering the 'I-AM' sayings of Jesus in further historical research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):