Thpein Ton ΛoΓon (ToγΣ ΛoΓoγΣ)

Chapter Summary

This chapter examines the possible origin of the Johannine formula τηρϵȋν τὸν λόγον (τοὺς λόγονς). It addresses questions: whether it cannot be considered an obvious allusion to "keeping the commandments, the Law", and what meaning the expression has in John. The chapter draws conclusions as to the purpose John might have been pursuing in his use of the expression τηρϵȋν τὸν λόγον (τοὺς λόγονς). In order to understand possible meaning of τηρϵȋν τὸν λόγον in John, it is necessary to recall briefly the nature of "word" and "faith" in Fourth Gospel. The "word" Jesus speaks reveals nothing besides the mystery of his person. Such being the nature of the "word", it can only be grasped in faith. John 12,47-48 is speaking of two classes: those who have "heard" the word and not "kept" it and those who have refused to "hear". Both will be "judged" by the "word".

Keywords: τηρϵȋν τὸν λόγον; τοὺς λόγονς; commandments; Fourth Gospel; Jesus; Johannine formula