Abstract

Literary analysis leads us to understand the organic nature of Jn 7–8. This study, in two parts, devotes the first article to chap. 7. After an introductory section, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (vv.1-13), v. 14 sees the beginning of a debate between the Jews and Jesus, concentric in structure, with a first conclusion in 7,53. Verses 32-36 form the centre with the question of the Jews about the impossibility of their coming with the Son to the Father. On the other hand, as shown by the two outer passages (7,14-24; 7,44-52), they have not accepted his teaching. However, the crowd was divided, as documented by vv. 25-27 and 40-44. Finally, as appears from vv. 28-31 and 37-39, there were some who believed in him.