Torah Reimag(in)ed between σάρξ and δόξα?: Implied Household Ethos in the Fourth Gospel

This article explores the rich yet complex narrative space between the incarnation and glorification of ὁ λόγος in the Fourth Gospel (1:14; 17:1–5). This space is characterised by the transferral of “temple” imagery to both Jesus and the Johannine community as the dwelling place where God’s “tabernacling” presence is experienced (1:14; 2:16; 14:2). The distinctive “household” dynamic of the Gospel (1:12–13) is reflected in John 13–17 as intimate, mutual indwelling of God, Jesus, Spirit and believers. The implied rhetorical effect of the Gospel’s emphasis on “remaining” (15:4) is to offer comfort to the disciples in view of Jesus’s departure (13:1), and hope to the community as they retell the story after the destruction of the temple. The article focuses on two themes characteristic of the community’s identity awareness and implied ethos: holiness and love. These themes appear to draw on core notions from the Torah, particularly Leviticus 19.