Abstract

The analysis of this second article on Jn 8 indicates two sequences with a concentric structure, following the episode of the woman taken in adultery (8,1-11): 1) vv.12-30, where the central passage (21-24) sets out the mystery of the destination of Jesus, inaccessible to those who are from below, while the two outer passages (12-20 and 25-30) show the way to reach it; 2) vv.31-59, where the central passage (42-47) points out the contrast between truth and falsehood, and the two outer passages (31-41 and 48-59) the two corresponding attitudes, faith and unbelief. The general theme is the «word of Jesus», his testimony or witness, founded on «his glory», gift of the Father. The hostile attitude of the Jews, which was manifested in chap. 7, is taken up again in vv. 8,31-59 by contrast with the attitude of Abraham. These are the two attitudes possible in the face of the unique identity of Jesus set out in the central sub-sequence (8,12-30). He is so united to the Father that whoever believes in him will drink from an inexhaustible source of light and freedom. At a certain point in the transmission of the text, the episode of the woman taken in adultery was inserted into the text to make its meaning clear.