Roman and Jewish Collaboration: The Gospel of John’s trial narrative Open Access

Kean, Robert (Spring 2018)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/2f75r806g?locale=en
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Abstract

In this paper, I will argue that John’s trial narrative shows a historical depiction of Jewish and Roman authorities at the time in which Jesus lived. John’s narrative is a dramatically structured text. Its high Christology can seem to be an impediment to historical research. However, when researching the historical accounts from the first century involving Roman and Jewish authorities, the narrative can be examined from a historical perspective. In John’s trial narrative, the relationship between Roman and Jewish authorities involves notions of kingship, foreign imperial influence, and intra-elite power relations that were reminiscent of the time at which Jesus lived. By setting aside historical reconstructions of Jesus and giving Roman and Jewish authorities an equal treatment, John’s trial narrative can be viewed as historically reliable.

 

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1. An Introduction to John’s Political Trial Narrative...............................................1

2. New Criticism: Literary and Historical Research .................................................... 6

3. A History of Roman Intervention ..................................................................... 11

Failure of non-intervention and increase in social unrest.....................12

Temple Activites: Roman control and dishonor ........................................19

 Annas, John’s Gospel and The Great Sanhedrin? ...............................22

4. Actors in John’s Trial Narrative ...................................................................... 28

The Political Influence ofAnnas and Caiphas................................28

What accusation do you bring against this man……………………….32

Pontius Pilate and the Sources........................................……37

5. John’s Arrest Narrative ........................................................................42

6. John’s Political Trial Narrative................................................................................46

Are You the King of the Jews? ...........................................46

The notion and threat of kingship...........................................51

No Friend of the Emperor...........................................56

Conclusion……………………………………………..60

Bibliography………………………………………65

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