ABSTRACT
The academic debate about the literary unity of the fourth gospel unfolds in innumerable narrative, textual, and exegetical challenges. Apparent disruptions in the flow of the narrative, geographic and topographic data, and mismatched information have led some researchers to propose reorganizing schemes to the text of John. However, more recent literary studies have indicated internal organizing structures and unifying thematic systems throughout the fourth gospel. This article presents a brief review of the issue, in order to address the unifying theme of the intimate relationship and belonging between Jesus and his followers, allowed by the descending of the Holy Spirit. This relationship deepens in the farewell speeches in John 13-17, but also takes root throughout the entire book. The theme of the relationship of closeness shows a solid unity between the prologue of the gospel and its two major sections: Jesus and the world (chaps. 1-12), and Jesus and his disciples (13-17).
KEYWORDS
Gospel of John; Critical Studies; Literary Unity; Narrative; Theology