July 9, 2006

 

Outline:  a schematic of the chapters of a book intended to aid in grasping the flow of thought of the author, and thus better appreciate his intent.  Outlines

under gird the theme of the writer.

 

I. Outlines to consider:

Merrill Tenney:  sees “belief & unbelief” as main themes of book

1. Prologue: Proposal for belief 1:1-18

2. Presentation for belief 1;19-4:54

3. Reactions of belief & unbelief- 5:1-6:71

4. Crystallization of belief & unbelief- 7:1-11:53

5. Crisis of belief & unbelief- 11:54-12:50

6. Assurance for belief- 13:1- 17:26

7. Rejection for unbelief- 18:1-19:42

8. Vindication of belief- 20:1-31

9. Epilogue- dedication of belief- 21:1-25

 

Leon Morris: sees theme of Jesus as Son of God

1. Prologue- 1:1-18

2. Beginnings of Jesus’ ministry- 1:19-51

3. Signs & public discourses of the Christ- 2:1-12:50}  7 signs & 7 discourses

4. Farewell discourses- 13:1- 17:26

5. Crucifixion- 18:1- 19:42

6. Resurrection 20:1-29

7. Purpose of gospel- 20:30

8. Epilogue- 21:1-25

 

A.W. Bullinger

A. The Forerunner 1:1-28

  B. The Baptism: with water- 1:29-34

   C.      D. The Kingdom 1:35-4:54   } Proclaimed

              E. The King- 5:1-6:71                             } 4 fold ministry

              E. The King- 7:1-11:54 }   Rejected             of the Lord

            D. The Kingdom- 11:54-18:1

  B. The Baptism:  of suffering  18:2-20:31

A. The Successors- 21:1-25

  It is evident that the gospel of John has a minimum of 5 elements:

1) Introduction, 2) ministry of 7 miracles, 3) private teaching to disciples,

4) passion and suffering with resurrection, and 5) Epilogue

 

 

 

Notes:

1) While scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit as He bore

the writers along, nevertheless, the vocabulary and experience of the writer was used by the Spirit- II Tim.3:16,  II Peter 1:21.

2) This avoids a ‘dictation theory’ of inspiration, while acknowledging the

differences of words and expressions used by the variety of scripture authors.

3)  That the words (not merely the thoughts) are “inspired” is clear from a multitude of verses – II Sam.23:2, Job 23:12, Psa.12:6, 119:89, 128, Prov.13:13,

Isaiah 8:20, Matt. 4:4, 5:18, 24:44, John 6:63, 8:47, Rev.22:18-19.

4)  Thus, led by the Holy Spirit, the authors of the 4 gospels used material

they were familiar with due to personal experience or the witness of other reliable persons (Luke 1:1-4).  The arrangement of such material was according to the intent and purpose of the writer who used editorial power. (Acts 1:1-3)

This does not diminish the value of scripture, but rather helps us to appreciate

the author’s design as led by Holy Spirit. (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13).

5)  A study of the outlines of a portion of scripture (like Gospel of John) then allows us an overview of his work with an eye to his intent.  Our outlines are

not inspired as is scripture, but helpful.