No annotated bibliography on the research on Johannine literature in Africa exists. This means that no proper overview of Johannine research in Africa is available. This article (as part 2 of a broader analysis) fills that lacunae by presenting a comprehensive bibliography of research done on John in Africa (combined with a proper analysis in part 1). It classifies the available research according to major topics and presents the publications in chronological order under each topic.
This annotated bibliography forms the second part of the research regarding results on Johannine research in Africa. The first part is an analytical survey of the research.
The information presented here is not readily available and this is the only comprehensive list of available research on John in Africa, making it a key research tool. The aim of the annotations is to determine where Johannine scholars stand, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what still needs to be done in this field. The importance of this information for research is that it serves as an indication for Johannine researchers of what was already done (so that the wheel does not have to be rediscovered again), and what should be addressed in future to strengthen Johannine research in Africa. In order to ‘plot’ the development of themes and interests in the research it was decided to follow a chronological rather than an alphabetical listing of the articles. Obviously there are also a large number of ‘popular publications’ on John. These are not covered in this bibliography, neither are PhD dissertations, except if they are published as books.
The advantage of such classification is that it offers a comprehensive overview of the foci of Johannine research in Africa. The lacunae become evident and challenge researchers to address the areas that still lack attention. Obviously, every form of classification has its problems. Some articles deal with more than one theme, in which case the same article is classified under different categories. In many cases the arguments within a particular article deal with several topics – the question is whether (and when) one should mention the particular article under all the categories it touches upon. It was decided against such a detailed classification, since the aim of this annotated bibliography is rather to plot the major areas of Johannine research in Africa. Classification is therefore restricted to the major themes addressed by the respective articles.
Christology forms the heart of Johannine theology. The centrality of the Johannine Christology is also evident in African Johannine research. The range of topics and themes that are addressed varies, focusing both on general Christological themes as well as articles focusing on specific aspects of Christology that form part of the African ‘oeuvre’. This is one of the more fruitful areas of African Johannine research.
Bidzoga, G.R., 2006, ‘Jesus, the way to the Father in John 14:1–14: A link with the African situation today’,
Botha, J.E., 1991,
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘Nuwere perspektiewe in die studie van die Christologie van die Evangelie volgens Johannes’, in A.B. du Toit (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1985, ‘The characterisation of Jesus as depicted in the fourth Gospel’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2002, ‘Die Johannese Logos kom opnuut tuis in Afrika’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2002, ‘The Johannine Jesus in Africa?’, in F. Segovia, A. Culpepper & J. Painter (eds.),
Folarin, G.O., 2002, ‘Functional Christology in the fourth Gospel: Implications for African Christianity’,
Gitari, D., 1996, ‘The good shepherd: Ezekiel 34, John 10 and Psalm 23’, in D. Gitari & K. Bediako (eds.),
Lioy, D., 2007, ‘Jesus as Torah in John 2:1–22’,
Manus, C.U., 1991, ‘Jesus and the Jewish authorities in the fourth Gospel’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Manus, C.U., 2002, ‘Reconstructing Christology for Africa of the 21st century: A re-reading of Mark 11:15–19 and parallels: Matt. 21:12–17; Lk. 19:45–48; John 2:13–22’,
Mbachu, H., 1996,
Nortjé, S.J., 1996, ‘Lamb of God (John 1:29): An explanation from ancient Christian art’,
Nwigure, N.S., 2003, ‘Johannine Christology: A critical analysis’, in S.O. Abogunrin & J.O. Akao (eds.),
Obielosi, D.C., 2008,
Oguike, D.C.A., 2003, ‘Johannine Christology’, in S.O. Abogunrin & J.O. Akao (eds.),
Owan, K.J.N., 1996, ‘Jesus, justice and John 10:10: Liberation hermeneutics in the Nigerian context’,
Sindima, H.J., 1990, ‘Moyo: Fullness of life – A hermeneutic of the Logos in John's Prologue’,
Suggit, J., 1999, ‘Jesus the gardener: The atonement in the fourth Gospel as re-creation’,
Van Aarde, A.G. & Ingram, R., 2005, ‘Van Plato tot Augustinus: Die vroeë
Van der Watt, J.G., 1993, ‘Jesus, God of Mens!? 1 Joh 1:1–4 eksegeties oorweeg’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2002, ‘The presence of Jesus through the Gospel of John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007, ‘I am the bread of life: Imagery in John 6:32–51’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007, ‘The father shows the son everything: The imagery of education in John 5,19–23’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘Waarheid in die Evangelie van Johannes’,
Without a clear understanding of how spirits and powers work within a holistic worldview, African Christianity cannot be understood. Survival in this world implies proper control and manipulation of the influence of spirits on one's personal and social life. It is therefore surprising that so little African research is available on the Spirit in John. The majority of research is done by southern (white) scholars. African Johannine scholars across the continent need to pay more attention to this aspect of the Johannine material if they want to explore the impact the text could have on African Christianity in any significant depth. In particular, the imagery of the Paraclete that concretises the presence of Jesus amongst the Johannine Christians should not be overlooked.
Botha, J.E. & Tuppurainen, R., 2008, ‘The roles of the Spirit in John 16:4b–15: An integrated reading’,
Draper, J.A., 1992, ‘The soteriological function of the Spirit/ Paraclete in the farewell discourses in the fourth Gospel’,
Joubert, J., 2007, ‘Johannine metaphors/symbols linked to the Paraclete-Spirit and its theological implications’,
Osunwoke, C.I., 2006, ‘The Holy Spirit and the 21st century church’,
Rwehumbiza, R.K.P., 1991, ‘Presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in Johannine community’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2000, ‘“The Spirit gives life”: Reading 1 John in African context’,
Christology and soteriology overlap in John – Jesus is the one who brings life to those who are dead and light to those who are in the darkness. Since this is a significant characteristic of the Gospel it is to be expected that this topic will receive due attention. This is obviously a wide theme in John and the variety of topics vouch for this, such as life, birth, faith, atonement, the cross-events, et cetera are also addressed in African Johannine research.
Adamo, D.T., 1989,
Adamo, D.T., 1990, ‘Jesus’ resurrection and his disciple's acceptance: An exegetical study of John chapter 20’,
Ahoua, R., 2008,
Draper, J.A., 1992, ‘The soteriological function of the Spirit/ Paraclete in the farewell discourses in the fourth Gospel’,
Dube, M.W., 1996,
Du Preez, J., 1975, ‘“Sperma tou Theou” in 1 Joh 3:9’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1988, ‘Die betekenis van Martha se belydenis volgens die vertelling van Johannes 11:27’,
Du Toit, A.B., 1990, ‘Sondebelydenis volgens 1 Johannes’,
Du Toit, A., 1991, ‘The aspect of faith in the Gospel of John with special reference to the farewell discourses of Jesus’,
Kok, J., 2009, ‘Die opstanding van Jesus as kulminerende genesingshandeling in Johannes’,
Kok, J., 2011, ‘The chaos of the cross as fractal of life: The birth of the post resurrection, missional dimension in John’,
Monsengwo, P.L., 1991, ‘La foi dans les Ecrits johanniques’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Ndayango, A.C.C., 2001,
Suggit, J., 1999, ‘Jesus the gardener: The atonement in the fourth Gospel as re-creation’,
Umorem, A., 1993,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1985, ‘A new look at John 5:25–29 in the light of the use of the term “eternal life” in the Gospel according to John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1987, ‘Eternal life in John's Gospel: A denotative investigation’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1995, ‘“Daar is die Lam van God …”: Versoenende offertradisies in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2002, ‘Verheerliking en die kruis? Die Johannese herinterpretatsie van die kruis as glorie (
Van der Watt, J.G., 2003, ‘The cross/resurrection-events in the Gospel of John with special emphasis on the confession of Thomas (20:28)’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2003, ‘Waar is God werklik? Redding in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2004, ‘Hoe akkuraat kan ’n Bybelvertaling wees? Geboorte (
Van der Watt, J.G., 2005, ‘Salvation in the Gospel according to John’, in J.G. van der Watt (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2012, ‘Redding in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Although several articles deal with ecclesiological issues in Johannine literature, there is no clear unity of interest. The articles cover a variety of texts and themes. The church in Africa was, and is, discovering and establishing its ecclesiological nature over the last couple of decades. Therefore it is a pity that the Johannine ecclesiology with its strong focus on community, fellowship, sharing and unity is not explored in more detail, since these are all aspects that are importance to African life. John could offer many valuable insights to the African Christian communities. Research in this area is dearly needed.
Arowelle, P.J., 1991, ‘The scattered children of God (John 11:52): A Johannine ecclesial cliché’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Diouf, J.-N., 1999, ‘La nouvelle renaissance dans le Prologue de Saint Jean (Jn 1,11–13)’, in J.-B. Matand Bulembat, P.D. Njoroge, L. Mhagama & P. Zoungrana (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1986, ‘Johannes 17: Jesus se gebed om eenheid en solidariteit te midde van krisis en konflik’, in J.C. Breytenbach (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1992, ‘A story and a community: Reading the first farewell discourse (John 13:31–14:31) from narratological and sociological perspectives’,
Draper, J.A., 1991, ‘The Johannine community and its implications for a democratic Society’, in K. Nurnberger (ed.),
Draper, J.A., 1997, ‘Temple, tabernacle and mystical experience in John’,
Draper, J.A., 2000, ‘Holy seed and the return of the diaspora in John 12:24’,
Lombard, H.A., 1998, ‘Orthodoxy and other-worldliness of the church: Johannine perspectives on Christianity in a new South Africa’,
Moruthane, S.W. & Nortje-Meyer, L., 2008, ‘Family imagery in John’,
Olivier, W.H. & Van Aarde, A.G., 1991, ‘The community of faith as a dwelling-place of the Father: “Basileia tou Theou” as “household of God” in the Johannine farewell discourse’,
Smit, G., 2011, ‘Witness in John 1–4: Towards an emerging, missiological church’,
Snodderly, B. & Van der Merwe, D.G., 2007, ‘Status regeneration in first John: Social scientific and literary perspectives’,
Umoh, C., 2005, ‘Authority, crisis and conflict in the Johannine community: An inculturation hermeneutic of 1 John’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2002, ‘The character of “unity” expected among the disciples of Jesus according to John 17:20–23’,
Eschatology as a specific theme has played a minimal role in African Johannine studies up to this point, except for two articles that were published as the result of a conference held in Pretoria on the eschatology of the New Testament. There are, however, some articles that deal with issues that could be described as expressions of realised eschatology, but the aim of these articles is not to deal with eschatology as such.
Maritz, P., 2007, ‘Some time in John: Tensions between the hour and eternity in John 17’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2002, ‘
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘Eschatology in the Gospel according to John’, in J.G. van der Watt (ed.),
Over the last three decades there was an evergreen interest in the ethics of John, mainly in the South. Some of the leading work on the ethics of John was done by Africans, who were also largely responsible for the current revival of interest in Johannine ethics. The publications range from general articles that explore the ethical structure of John, to publications on detailed ethical issues.
Botha, J.E. & Rousseau, P.A., 2005, ‘For God did not love the whole world – only Israel! John 3:16 revisited’,
Draper, J.A., 1999, ‘“My Father is working until now and I am working” (John 5:17): Reflections on a theology of work and rest’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘“In waarheid en liefde …”: ’n Metodologiese sleutel tot die verstaan van die tweede Johannesbrief’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982,
Du Rand, J.A., 1989, ‘Johanneïese identifikasie – Etiese momente in die Johannesbriewe’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1990, ‘“Verstaan julle wat Ek vir julle gedoen het?” (Joh 13:12): Die voetewassing as Johannese
Le Roux, E., 2010, ‘n Johannese perspektief op die huwelik, geslagsrolle en seksualiteit in ’n postmoderne samelewing’,
Makambu, A., 2009, ‘“Les pauvres, vous les aurez toujours avec vous” (Jn 12,8): Amour de Jésus versus service des pauvres?’, in P. Bere, A. Kabasele, M.S. Nwachukwu & A. Umoren (eds.),
Omotoye, R., 2006, ‘Jesus Christ and the adulterous woman: A case for embracing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria’, in S.O. Aborgunrin & J.O. Akao (eds.),
Ras, J.M.J., 2010, ‘Jesus, moral regeneration and crime in the Gospel of John’,
Schaeffler, E., 2006, ‘Jesus’ non-violence at his arrest: The synoptics and John's Gospel Compared’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2001, ‘
Van der Watt, J.G., 1988, ‘Broederliefde in 1 Johannes’, in J.C. Breytenbach (red.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1993, ‘Julle moet mekaar liefhê: Etiek in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1997, ‘Liefde in die familie van God’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1999, ‘Ethics in 1 John: A literary and socioscientific perspective’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2006, ‘Ethics alive in imagery’, in J. Frey, J.G. van der Watt & R. Zimmermann (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2006, ‘Ethics and ethos in the Gospel according to John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2006, ‘Radical social redefinition and radical love: Ethics and ethos in the Gospel according to John’, in J.G. van der Watt (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘The good and the truth in John’, in E. Poplutz (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘Waarheid in die Evangelie van Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2010, ‘Ethics through the power of language: Some exploration in the Gospel according to John’, in J.G. van der Watt & R. Zimmermann (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘The Gospel of John's perception of ethical behavior’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2012, ‘Ethics of/and the opponents of Jesus in John's Gospel’, in J.G. van der Watt & R. Zimmermann (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G. & Kok, J., 2008, ‘Die reaksie van Jesus en sy dissipels op geweld in die Evangelie van Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G. & Kok, J., 2008, ‘Geweld in die Evangelie van liefde: Die perspektief van die Evangelie van Johannes op geweld teen Jesus en sy dissipels’,
Van der Watt, J.G. & Kok, J., 2012, ‘Violence in a Gospel of love’, in P.G.R. de Villiers & J.W. van Henten (eds.),
Van Zyl, C. & Nortje-Meyer, S.J., 2007, ‘Footwashing as a family event in John 13:1–20’,
Verster, P., 2009, ‘Die liefde van God as aanknopingspunt vir ’n gesprek met Moslems: Die rol van Joh 3:16’,
African Christianity is the result of missionary activities. Thus it is no wonder that the topic of mission remained of importance, also to Johannine scholars. The best-known work in this field is that of Okure. More recently
Fansaka Biniama, B., 2004,
Kok, J., 2010, ‘As the Father has sent me, I send you: Towards a missional-incarnational ethos in John 4’, in R. Zimmermann & J.G. van der Watt (eds.),
Kok, J., 2011, ‘The chaos of the cross as fractal of life: The birth of the post resurrection, missional dimension in John’,
Okure, T., 1988,
Okure, T., 1991, ‘Witnessing in the Johannine communities: A reflection paper’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Okure, T., 1992, ‘The significance today of Jesus’ commission of Mary Magdalene’,
Okure, T., 1995, ‘The mother of Jesus in the New Testament: Implications for women in mission’,
Smit, G., 2011, ‘Witness in John 1–4: Towards an emerging, missiological church’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 1998, ‘John 17: Jesus assigns his mission to his disciples’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2000, ‘The protection believers can expect from God in the fulfilment of their mission’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2003, ‘Jesus appoints his disciples as his agents’,
Africa is blessed with some strong woman theologians who made an impact on Johannine research. No wonder that women issues are one of the stronger points of focus in the Johannine research in Africa as a whole. In discussing woman issues, the women in the Gospel (the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, and the mother of Jesus) are of course major themes for study and discussion.
Cornelius, E., 2008, ‘I heard the voice of the Samaritan woman in John 4:1–46’,
Dube, M.W., 1992, ‘Jesus and the Samaritan woman: A Motswana feminist theological reflection on woman and social transformation’,
Dube, M.W., 2001, ‘John 4:1–42: The five husbands at the well of living waters – The Samaritan woman and African woman’, in N.J. Njoroge & M.W. Dube (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1988, ‘’n Vrouedissipel uit Samaria? Lesergerigte eksegetiese opmerkings oor die vertelde gesprekke in Johannes 4’, in J.C. Coetzee (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 2000, ‘“Because of the woman's testimony …”: Reading John 4 from a different angle’,
Fansaka Biniama, B., 2004,
Manus, C.U., 1987, ‘The Samaritan woman (Jn 4:17 ff.): Reflections on female leadership and nation building in Africa’,
Mautsa, L.M. & Janse van Rensburg, F.J., 2010, ‘The Samaritan woman in John 4 as Leader’,
Mbachu, H., 1996,
Nortje-Meyer, L., 2009, ‘The “mother of Jesus” as analytical category in John's Gospel’,
Nwaigbo, F., 2006, ‘Church in Africa and interreligious dialogue in the third millennium: Jesus and the Samaritian woman as a paradigm’,
Okure, T., 1992, ‘The significance today of Jesus’ commission of Mary Magdalene’,
Okure, T., 1995, ‘The mother of Jesus in the New Testament: Implications for women in mission’,
Omotoye, R., 2006, ‘Jesus Christ and the adulterous woman: A case for embracing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria’, in S.O. Abogunrin & J.O. Akao (eds.),
Waweru, H.M., 2008, ‘Jesus and ordinary woman in the Gospel of John: An African perspective’,
Concreteness is an important element within the spiritual experience of African spirituality. Since the presence of God within the lives of people should, and is, experienced in a concrete way, the importance of themes like life in abundance is a point of interest. Within a holistic worldview spiritual activities form an important part of reality. Mystical experiences and expression within liturgical frameworks are all important within African Christianity. Again the reflection on these aspects of Johannine theology is underexplored within African Johannine research.
Akpunnonu, P.D., 1991, ‘The celebration of feasts (in John's Gospel)’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowela & B. Balembo (eds.),
Muoneke, M.B., 1991, ‘Worship and sacraments in John's Gospel’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowela & B. Balembo (eds.)
Suggit, J., 1993,
Draper, J.A., 1997, ‘Temple, tabernacle and mystical experience in John’,
Umorem, A., 1993,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2013, ‘Early Christian spirituality according to the first epistle of John: The identification of different “lived experiences”’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2014, ‘Early Christian spiritualities of sin and forgiveness according to 1 John’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2014, ‘Old Testament spirituality in the fourth Gospel’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2012, ‘Aspects of spirituality as it is reflected in 1 John’,
Kabongo-Mbaya, P.B., s.a., ‘Life in abundance: A biblical reflection on John 10:10’,
Owan, K.J.N., 1996, ‘Jesus, justice and John 10:10“ Liberation hermeneutics in the Nigerian context’,
Sindima, H.J., 1990, ‘Moyo: Fullness of life – A hermeneutic of the Logos in John's Prologue’,
Although the frequency of publications on Johannine discipleship is relatively low, the spread of the articles (both geographically as well as chronologically) shows that it is a theme that receives constant attention.
Du Rand, J.A., 1988, ‘’n Vrouedissipel uit Samaria? Lesergerigte eksegetiese opmerkings oor die vertelde gesprekke in Johannes 4’, in J.C. Coezee (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1990, ‘“Verstaan julle wat Ek vir julle gedoen het?“ (Joh 13:12): Die voetewassing as Johannese
Du Rand, J.A., 1991, ‘Perspectives on Johannine discipleship according to the farewell discourses’,
Magagula, S.J., 1964, ‘John 8:17: The life of costly discipleship’,
Tolmie, D.F., 1995,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 1996, ‘A historical survey and critical evaluation concerning discipleship in the fourth Gospel’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 1997, ‘Towards a theological understanding of Johannine discipleship’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 1998, ‘John 17: Jesus assigns his mission to his disciples’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2002, ‘The character of “unity” expected among the disciples of Jesus according to John 17:20–23’,
Leadership remains a major and controversial issue in Africa and as time goes by it grows in importance. Again, relatively little research has been done in this regard. It is interesting that two of the three articles deal with the Samaritan woman as a leader. This is consistent with the important role of woman in Africa. This area of research still offers a lot of challenges for Johannine scholars.
Manus, C.U., 1987, ‘The Samaritan woman (Jn 4:17 ff.): Reflections on female leadership and nation building in Africa’,
Mautsa, L.M. & Janse van Rensburg, F.J., 2010, ‘The Samaritan woman in John 4 as leader’,
Ngele, O.K., 2011, ‘Exegesis of John 13:1–17: Implication of Jesus’ servant leadership model for the church and Nigerian Society’,
Individual researchers also have individual interests which have resulted in articles that are difficult to classify. The focus usually falls on a verse or pericope, or on a specific topic.
Draper, J.A., 2002, ‘What did Isaiah see? Angelic theophany in the tomb in John 20:11–18’,
Draper, J.A., 2003, ‘The closed text and the heavenly telephone: The role of the Bricoleur in oral mediation of sacred text in the case of George Khambule and the Gospel of John’, in J.A. Draper (ed.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘Eksegetiese kanttekeninge by Johannes 13’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1992, ‘“Julle sal huil en treur maar die wêreld sal bly wees” – ’n Aforisme in Johannes 16:20’, in J.H. Barkhuizen, H.F. Stander & G.J. Swart (reds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1995, ‘Does Ho ochlos refer to the ‘am ha’ares in John 7:49?’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2000, ‘’n Ellips skeppingsgebeure in die evangelieverhaal volgens Johannes’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2000, ‘Emfusao in John 20:22: An exegetical venture’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2005, ‘The creation motif in the fourth Gospel: Perspectives on its narratological function within a Judaïstic background’, in G. van Belle, J.G. van der Watt & P. Maritz (eds.),
Du Preez, J., 1978, ‘“Sperma tou Theou” in 1 Joh 3:9‘,
Dzurgba, A., 1986, ‘John's Gospel: A theological reflection’,
Kinoti, H.W., 1999, ‘John 1:1–18: An African perspective’, in J.R. Levison & P. Pope-Levison (eds.),
Kok, J., 2012, ‘The healing of the blind man in John’,
Kuzenzama, K.P.M., 1979, ‘Jn 5–6 ou Jn 6–5? Une question embarrassante de critique Litteraire’,
Manus, C.U., 1991, ‘Jesus and the Jewish authorities in the fourth Gospel’, in W. Amewowo, P. Arowele & B. Balembo (eds.),
Manus, C.U., 1992, ‘John 6:1–15 and its synoptic parallels: An African approach toward the solution of a Johannine critical problem’,
Matand Bulembat, J.B., 2007, ‘Head-waiter and bridegroom of the wedding at Cana: Structure and meaning of John 2.1– 12’,
Ndombi, J.-R., 1997, ‘Le lange des lieux dans l’évangile de Jean’,
Nortjé, S.J., 1996, ‘Lamb of God (John 1:29): An explanation from ancient Christian art’,
Seynaeve, J., 1977, ‘Les citations scripturaires en Jn. 19, 36–37’,
Seynaeve, J., 1983, ‘Le theme de “l’heure” dans le quatrième évangile’,
Tolmie, D.F., 1996, ‘John 21:24–25: A case of failed attestation?’,
Tolmie, D.F., 2008, ‘Jesus, Judas and a morsel: Interpreting a gesture in John 13:21–30’, in J. Verheyden, G. van Belle & J.G. van der Watt (eds.),
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2000, ‘The historical and theological significance of John the Baptist as he is portrayed in John 1’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2002, ‘The glory-motif in John 17:1–5: An exercise in biblical semantics’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2003, ‘The exposition of John 17:6–8: An exegetical exercise’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2004, ‘The interpretation of the revelatory events in John 17:24–26: An exegetical exercise’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1989, ‘The use of aionios in the concept zoe aionios in John's Gospel’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1991, ‘Die Woord het vlees geword – ’n Strukturele beskrywing van die teologie van Johannes’, in J.H. Roberts, W.S. Vorster, J.N. Vorster & J.G. van der Watt (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1991, ‘Wie of wat is die deurwagter in Joh 10:3?’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1996, ‘Notas oor “Jode” en “Judaisme” in the Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2001, ‘Glo jy? Johannes 20:28–31 – Eksegetiese en homiletiese opmerkings’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘Knowledge of earthly things? The use of ἐπίγειος in John 3:12’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘Angels in the Gospel according to John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘Healing of the royal official's son in Joh 4:46–54’,
Zuzan, M., 1983, ‘Une discussion sur les “oeuvres”: Approche éxègetiques de Jn 6,26–30’,
One of the characteristics of New Testament scholarship in South Africa is the strong emphasis on ancient languages, especially Greek. Although the picture is wider than this, the major influence came from Prof. J.P. Louw, professor of Greek, initially at the University of the Orange Free State and later at the University of Pretoria. The methodological reflection on John initially focused on structuralism, including discourse analysis and narratology, then moved to the area of metaphorics and imagery and resulted in a much wider appreciation for different methods applied to the Johannine texts. This interest in method was limited to the South. In my view this could be a fruitful area where Johannine scholars across Africa could join forces in their research, not least because there is considerable expertise on methodology in the South, which could be of value in the hermeneutical quests of understanding and applying the biblical text to concrete African situations, something that has received a great deal of attention in the North.
Du Rand, J.A., 1983, ‘Die Evangelie van Johannes as getuigende vertelling’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1984, ‘Die leser in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1985, ‘The characterisation of Jesus as depicted in the fourth Gospel’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1986, ‘Plot and point of view in the Gospel of John’, in J.H. Petzer & P.J. Hartin (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1988, ‘Die betekenis van Martha se belydenis volgens die vertelling van Johannes 11:27’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1988, ‘’n Vrouedissipel uit Samaria? Lesergerigte eksegetiese opmerkings oor die vertelde gesprekke in Johannes 4’, in J.C. Coetzee (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1990, ‘Narratological perspectives in John 13:1–38’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1991, ‘A syntactical and narratological reading of John 10 in coherence with chapter 9’, in J. Beutler & R.T. Fortna (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1992, ‘A story and a community: Reading the first farewell discourse (John 13:31–14:31) from narratological and sociological perspectives’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2005, ‘The creation motif in the fourth Gospel: Perspectives on its narratological function within a Judaïstic background’, in G. van Belle, J.G. van der Watt & P. Maritz (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 2008, ‘The Johannine “group” and “grid”: Reading John 13:31–14:31 from narratological and sociological perspectives’, in J. Verheyden, G. van Belle & J.G. van der Watt (eds.),
Hunt, S.A., Tolmie, D.F. and Zimmermann, R. (eds.), 2013,
Lemmer, R., 1991, ‘A possible understanding by the implicit reader, of some of the “coming-going-being sent” pronouncements in the Johannine farewell discourses’,
Tolmie, D.F., 1991, ‘The function of focalisation in John 13–17’,
Tolmie, D.F., 1992,
Tolmie, D.F., 1993, ‘A discourse analysis of John 15:1–17’,
Tolmie, D.F., 1993, ‘A discourse analysis of John 17:1–26,
Tolmie, D.F., 1995,
Tolmie, D.F., 1998, ‘The characterization of God in the fourth Gospel’,
Tolmie, D.F., 2006, ‘The (not so) good shepherd: The use of shepherd imagery in the characterisation of Peter in the fourth Gospel’, in J. Frey, J.G. van der Watt & R. Zimmermann (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2013, ‘The angels: Maarking the divine presence’, in S.A. Hunt, D.F. Tolmie & R. Zimmermann,
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘Die ontsluiting van die struktuur van 3 Johannes met die oog op verdere eksegese’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘A discourse analysis of 1 John’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘The structure and message of 2 John’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘The structure of 3 John’,
Matand Bulembat, J.B., 2007, ‘Head-waiter and bridegroom of the wedding at Cana: Structure and meaning of John 2.1–12’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1987, ‘Die strukturele komposisie van die proloog van Johannes heroorweeg’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1996, ‘The composition of the prologue of John's Gospel: The historical Jesus introducing divine grace’,
Wong, C.H., 2006, ‘The structure of John 17’,
Joubert, J., 2007, ‘Johannine metaphors/symbols linked to the Paraclete-Spirit and its theological implications’,
Tolmie, D.F., 2006, ‘The (not so) good shepherd: The use of shepherd imagery in the characterisation of Peter in the fourth Gospel’, in J. Frey, J.G. van der Watt & R. Zimmermann (eds.),
Mburu, E.W., 2010,
Van den Heever, G., 1992, ‘Theological metaphorics and the metaphors of John's Gospel’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1992, ‘Interpreting imagery in John's Gospel: John 10 and 15 as case studies’, in J.H. Barkhuizen, H.F. Stander & G.J. Swart (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1995, ‘Metaphorics in John 15’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1998, ‘The dynamics of metaphor in ’John's Gospel’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1998, ‘Simbolisme in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1999, ‘Die gebruik van metafore in Psalm 80 (79–LXX) in vergelyking met Johannes 15:1–8’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2000,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007, ‘I am the bread of life: Imagery in John 6:32–51’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007, ‘The Father shows the Son everything: The imagery of education in John 5,19–23’,
Van der Watt, J.G. & Voges, L., 2000, ‘Metaforiese elemente in die forensiese taal in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Botha, J.E., 1991,
Botha, J.E., 1991, ‘The case of Johannine irony reopened’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1996, ‘Repititions and variations – Experiencing the power of the Gospel of John as literary symphony’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1998, ‘Reading the fourth Gospel like a literary symphony’, in F.F. Segovia (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2008, ‘Johannine style: Some initial remarks on the functional use of repetition in the Gospel according to John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘Repetition and functionality in the Gospel according to John: Some initial remarks’, in G. van Belle & P. Maritz (eds.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2012, ‘Mag deur taal in 1 Johannes’,
Van der Watt, J.G. & Caragounis, C., 2009, ‘The grammar of John 1:1’,
Domeris, W.A., 1983, ‘The Johannine drama’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2006, ‘Bringing the reader into exegetical play, applied to the Gospel of John’, in J.A. du Rand (ed.),
Nicol, W., 1972,
Saayman, C.Z., 1995, ‘The textual strategy in John 3:12–14: Preliminary observations’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2004, ‘Double entendre in the Gospel according to John’, in G. van Belle, J.G. van der Watt & P. Maritz (eds.),
Inter alia, due to strong contacts between the Context Group and especially (nearly exclusively) South African New Testament scholars, the text of John is also interpreted within social and anthropological frameworks. These insights are used to explain the social language as well as social phenomena within the Johannine texts.
Domeris, W.R., 1991, ‘The farewell discourse: An anthropological perspective’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1992, ‘A story and a community: Reading the first farewell discourse (John 13:31–14:31) from narratological and sociological perspectives’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2008, ‘The Johannine “group” and “grid”: Reading John 13:31–14:31 from narratological and sociological perspectives’, in J. Verheyden, G. van Belle & J.G. van der Watt (eds.),
Kok, J., 2009, ‘Die opstanding van Jesus as kulminerende genesingshandeling in Johannes’,
Kok, J., 2012, ‘The healing of the blind man in John’,
Moruthane, S.W. & Nortje-Meyer, L., 2008, ‘Family imagery in John’,
Snodderly, B. & Van der Merwe, D.G., 2007, ‘Status regeneration in first John: Social scientific and literary perspectives’,
Van den Heever, G., 1999, ‘Finding data in unexpected places: Towards a socio-rhetorical reading of John's Gospel’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2002, ‘The glory-motif in John 17:1–5: An exercise in biblical Semantics’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2000,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2001, ‘Fisiese families en aardse families in die Evangelie volgens Johannes’,
Van Zyl, C. & Nortje-Meyer, S.J., 2007, ‘Footwashing as a family event in John 13:1–20’,
What is evident from the articles listed here is the strong conviction within African scholarship that the Bible is important, and should therefore address the respective situations not only of academic readers but also of the ordinary grass roots Christians. How that should be done is, of course, a matter of much debate. Most articles offer some attempt to apply to or interpret the exegetical material for the (their) current African situation. This is usually evident from the titles of these articles.
Bidzoga, G.R., 2006, ‘Jesus, the way to the Father in John 14:1–14: A link with the African situation today’,
Dube, M.W., 1992, ‘Jesus and the Samaritan woman: A Motswana feminist theological reflection on woman and social transformation’,
Dube, M.W., 1996, ‘Reading for decolonialization (John 4:1–42)’,
Dube, M.W., 1996,
Dube, M.W., 2000, ‘Batswaka: Which traveller are you (John 1:1–18)?’, in G.O. West & M.W. Dube (eds.),
Dube, M.W., 2001, ‘John 4:1–42: The five husbands at the well of living waters – The Samaritan woman and African woman’, in N.J. Njoroge & M.W. Dube (eds.),
Dube, M.W., 2002, ‘Reading for decolonialization (John 4.1–42)’, in M.W. Dube & J.L. Staley (eds.),
Du Rand, J.A., 2002, ‘Die Johannese Logos kom opnuut tuis in Afrika’,
Du Rand, J.A., 2002, ‘The Johannine Jesus in Africa?’, in F. Segovia, A. Culpepper & J. Painter (eds.),
Folarin, G.O., 2001,
Folarin, G.O., 2002, ‘Functional Christology in the fourth Gospel: Implications for African Christianity’,
Kang, J., 2003, ‘The story of Lazarus (John 11:1–44): Reading from the Malawian context’,
Kgalemang, M., 2004, ‘John 9: Deconstructing the HIV/AIDS stigma’, in M.W. Dube & M.R.A. Kanyoro (eds.),
Kinoti, H.W., 1999, ‘John 1:1–18: An African perspective’, in J.R. Levison & P. Pope-Levison (eds.),
Lombard, H.A., 1998, ‘Orthodoxy and other-worldliness of the church: Johannine perspectives on Christianity in a new South Africa’,
Manus, C.U., 1987, ‘The Samaritan woman (Jn 4:17 ff.): Reflections on female leadership and nation building in Africa’,
Manus, C.U., 1992, ‘John 6:1–15 and its synoptic parallels: An African approach toward the solution of a Johannine critical problem’,
Manus, C.U., 2002, ‘Reconstructing Christology for Africa of the 21st century: A re-reading of Mark 11:15–19 and parallels: Matt. 21:12–17; Lk. 19:45–48; John 2:13–22’,
Ndayango, A.C.C., 2001,
Ngele, O.K., 2011, ‘Exegesis of John 13:1–17: Implication of Jesus’ servant leadership model for the church and Nigerian society’,
Nwaigbo, F., 2006, ‘Church in Africa and interreligious dialogue in the third millennium: Jesus and the Samaritian woman as a paradigm’,
Okure, T., 1993, ‘“AFES AYTHN” (Jn 12:7): The challenge of the anointing at Bethany (Jn 12:1–8 and parallels) for the contemporary church’, in S. Sempore (ed.),
Omotoye, R., 2006, ‘Jesus Christ and the adulterous woman: A case for embracing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria’, in S.O. Abogunrin & J.O. Akao (eds.),
Owan, K.J.N., 1996, ‘Jesus, justice and John 10:10: Liberation hermeneutics in the Nigerian context’,
Sindima, H.J., 1990, ‘Moyo: Fullness of life – A hermeneutic of the Logos in John's prologue’,
Tshehla, S.T., 2003, ‘Colenso, John 1:1–18 and the politics of insider- and outsider-translating’, in J.A. Draper (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1998, ‘My reading of 1 John in Africa’, in I. Kitzberger (ed.),
Waweru, H.M., 2008, ‘Jesus and ordinary woman in the Gospel of John: An African Perspective’,
Reflection on the role of Johannine literature within the current interreligious debates (predominantly between African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam) is one-sided. When emphasising inculturation the relationship between African traditional religions and Christianity should be noted. Little is however done on the area of the relationship between Christianity and Islam. This issue will become more of a challenge in Africa in the future, especially in the light of clear developments in this direction within international debates. John, with its strong emphasis on Christology, emphasising Jesus as the true way to life (John 14:6), will offer its own challenges based on its exclusive claims about Christ.
Nwaigbo, F., 2006, ‘Church in Africa and interreligious dialogue in the third millennium: Jesus and the Samaritian woman as a paradigm’, Third Millennium 9(4), 38–57.
Verster, P., 2009, ‘Die liefde van God as aanknopingspunt vir ’n gesprek met Moslems: Die rol van Joh 3:16’,
Although the relation between John and the other Gospels is one of the major points of discussion in traditional Johannine research on historical critical issues, this is not an area of research that was or is of interest to African Johannine scholars. Attention is nevertheless given to this problem in some of the introductions.
Du Rand, J.A., 1991,
Manus, C.U., 1992, ‘John 6:1–15 and its synoptic parallels: An African approach toward the solution of a Johannine critical problem’,
Schaeffler, E., 2006, ‘Jesus’ non-violence at his arrest: The synoptics and John's Gospel compared’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007, ‘Der Meisterschüler Gottes Joh 5,19–23 (vgl. Q10,22; Mat 11,27; Luk 10,27)’, in R. Zimmermann (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007,
Africans have written several commentaries on John, but none of these can be called a standard or major commentary. There was also limited interest in introductory questions, and both the introductions to John by Du Rand and Van der Watt were and are prescribed internationally. The African Bible Commentary should also be noted, although the project largely excluded Johannine scholars from South Africa.
Du Rand, J.A., 1989, ‘Die Evangelie volgens Johannes’, in
Du Rand, J.A., 1991, ‘Inleiding tot die Johannesevangelie’, in A.B. du Toit (red.),
Du Rand, J.A., 1991,
Du Rand, J.A., 1994, ‘The Gospel according to John, and Revelation’, in A.B. du Toit (ed.),
Magezi, V. & Manzanga, P., 2010, ‘A study to establish the most plausible background to the forth Gospel (John)’,
Ngewa, S.M., 2006, ‘1+2+3 John’, in T. Adeyemo (ed.),
Ngewa, S.M., 2006, ‘John’, in T. Adeyemo (ed.),
Ngewa, S.M., 2007,
Okure, T., 1998, ‘John’, in W.R. Farmer (ed.),
Tolmie, D.F., 1995, ‘Die presbiter Johannes as outeur van die Johannesevangelie en -briewe?’,
Van Aarde, A.G., 1985, ‘Die outeurskapsvraag van die Johannesevangelie met die oog op interpretasie of resepsie’,
Van Aarde, A.G., 2011, ‘Bultmann, R: Sy mees invloedryke bydrae in die 20ste eeu – “Urchristentum”, “Jesus”, “Johannes”-kommentaar?’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2007,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2009, ‘Evangelie volgens Johannes’, in W. Vosloo & F. Janse van Rensburg (red.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘1,2,3 Johannes: ’n Oorsig oor die huidige stand van navorsing rakende inleidingsvraagstukke’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘1,2,3 John’, in M.D. Coogan (ed.),
Although there are a number of publications on the letters of John, the majority were written by Du Rand and Van der Watt, both from South Africa. It cannot really be claimed that the letters are a topic of major interest in Africa. Johannine scholars in Africa should be encouraged to study these short but powerful letters in more detail. Since Christology and ethics, and their interrelatedness, are focus points in the letters, the content of the letters is especially relevant to African reflections on inculturation.
De Villiers, P.G.R., 2014, ‘Union with the transcendent God in Philo and John's Gospel’,
Du Preez, J., 1978, ‘“Sperma tou Theou” in 1 Joh 3:9’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘Die ontsluiting van die struktuur van 3 Johannes met die oog op verdere eksegese’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1980, ‘“In waarheid en liefde …”: ’n Metodologiese sleutel tot die verstaan van die tweede Johannesbrief’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘A discourse analysis of 1 John’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘The structure and message of 2 John’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1982, ‘The structure of 3 John’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1987, ‘Teologiese interpretasies in die leerstellige konfliksituasies volgens die Johannesbriewe’,
Du Rand, J.A., 1989, ‘Johanneïse identifikasie: Etiese momente in die Johannesbriewe’,
Du Toit, A.B., 1990, ‘Sondebelydenis volgens 1 Johannes’,
Kotze, P.P.A., 1979, ‘The meaning of 1 John 3:9 with reference to 1 John 1:8 and 10’,
Ngewa, S.M., 2006, ‘1+2+3 John’, in T. Adeyemo (ed.),
Snodderly, B. & Van der Merwe, D.G., 2007, ‘Status regeneration in first John: Social scientific and literary perspectives’,
Umoh, C., 2005, ‘Authority, crisis and conflict in the Johannine community: An inculturation hermeneutic of 1 John’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2008, ‘The past and future time in the present in 1 John’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2013, ‘Early Christian spirituality according to the first epistle of John: The identification of different “lived experiences”’,
Van der Merwe, D.G., 2014, ‘Early Christian spiritualities of sin and forgiveness according to 1 John’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1988, ‘Broederliefde in 1 Johannes’, in J.C. Breytenbach (red.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1993, ‘Jesus, God of Mens!? 1 Joh 1:1–4 eksegeties oorweeg’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 1998, ‘My reading of 1 John in Africa’, in I. Kitzberger (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 1999, ‘Ethics in 1 John: A literary and socioscientific perspective’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2000, ‘“The Spirit gives life”: Reading 1 John in African context’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2004, ‘Hoe akkuraat kan ’n Bybelvertaling wees? Geboorte (gennaō) in 1 Johannes 5:1–4 as voorbeeld’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘1,2,3 Johannes: ’n Oorsig oor die huidige stand van navorsing rakende inleidingsvraagstukke’,
Van der Watt, J.G., 2011, ‘1,2,3 John’, in M.D. Coogan (ed.),
Van der Watt, J.G., 2012, ‘Aspects of spirituality as it is reflected in 1 John’,
Wendland, E., 2007, ‘The rhetoric of reassurance in first John: “Dear children” versus the “antichrist”’,
This survey led to several important insights of which only three are going to be mentioned here. Firstly, certain areas of research that need more attention were identified, especially in the light of what African Christianity appears to need. These include the areas of pneumatology, ecclesiology, and even interreligious discussions. Secondly, the ‘distances’ (not only geographically but also otherwise) should be overcome so that Africa can pool its Johannine expertise in order to strengthen efforts to develop a true African approach to the Johannine Scriptures. Thirdly, in spite of several monographs, African Johannine research is not well represented when it comes to longer detailed studies in the form of books. This need should also be addressed.
Cf. ‘Johannine research in Africa, part 1: An analytical survey’ elsewhere in this volume.