John 12 - Introduction

CHAP. 12. THE JUDGMENT

We now enter upon the third section of the first main division of this Gospel. It may be useful to state the divisions once more. THE PROLOGUE, John 1:1-18; THE MINISTRY, John 1:19 to John 12:50, thus divided—(1) THE TESTIMONY, John 1:19 to John 2:11; (2) THE WORK, John 2:13 to John 11:57; (3) THE JUDGMENT, 12. This third section, which now lies before us, may be subdivided thus—(α) the Judgment of men, 1–36; (β) the Judgment of the Evangelist, 37–43; (γ) the Judgment of Christ, 44–50.

We have not sufficient data for harmonizing this latter portion of S. John with the Synoptists. In the large gaps left by each there is plenty of room for all that is peculiar to the others. S. John’s plan is precise and consistent: but once more we have a blank of undefined extent (see introductory note to chap. 6 and on John 6:1). This chapter forms at once a conclusion to the Work and Conflict and an introduction to the Passion.