From: Greg Carey (CAREY@rhodes.edu)
Date: Thu Jun 27 1996 - 12:56:05 EDT
The classical rhetorical theorists advised repetition with variation. I'm away
from my primary sources (living in one place, working in another), but try
RHETORICA AD HERENNIUM 4.42.54. See also George A. Kennedy, NEW TESTAMENT
INTERPRETATION THROUGH RHETORICAL CRITICISM, 21-22, and Mary Ann Tolbert,
SOWING THE GOSPEL: MARK'S WORLD IN LITERARY-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, 43-44.
The sticky thing about "love" in John 21 is that so little in the FG is
coincidental. Jesus is the light of the world, but those who do evil love
darkness instead of light. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, and he never
achieves full illumination. The Samaritan woman meets Jesus at noon, and she
winds up bringing her city to Jesus. Coincidence? We should never
underestimate John's artistry.
Still, I tend to think the synonyms in John 21 are good style rather than
important theology.
================================
Greg Carey
Department of Religious Studies
Rhodes College
Memphis, TN 38112 USA
901-726-3977
carey@rhodes.edu
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