Religion Quote by Bart D. Ehrman
““It is because in John’s Gospel we are not hearing two voices—the voice of Jesus and the voice of the narrator. We are hearing one voice. The author is speaking for himself and he is speaking for Jesus. These are not Jesus’s words; they are John’s words placed on Jesus’s lips.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 2016
John’s Gospel presents a unified voice where the author speaks for both himself and Jesus, blending their perspectives into one narrative.
In simple terms: John’s Gospel uses one voice for author and Jesus.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the blended perspective when interpreting.
Themes
biblical studies
authorship
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theological
explanatory
When to use this quote
- sermon preparation
- academic study
- personal reflection
- church teaching
Key Concepts
theology
narrative voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this affect our view of Jesus’ teachings?
- What implications does this have for biblical authority?
A Different Perspective
The single voice may obscure distinct historical Jesus teachings.
