Westminster Theological Centre

Assignment Cover Sheet 2023-2024

Level 4-6

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Student Number TH???? Title of module Month Year

ESSAY TITLE

Background/context

Eternal life is one of the major themes in the fourth Gospel. J. W. Roberts notes, “It is
generally conceded eternal life in Christ in the main theme of the Gospel of John.”1
What is meant by the phrase ‘eternal life’ and when that ‘eternal life’ starts, however,
is a topic of debate. The way people in the middle east during the time of Jesus
thought about eternal life is not synonymous with the way many do today. Within
most modern western secular worldviews and, furthermore, the eschatological
teaching of the influential Christian theology, dispensationalism, eternal life is often
considered to begin ‘after death’ or ‘when Jesus returns’.2 In contrast, Marianne
Meye Thompson states when the author of the fourth Gospel refers to ‘eternal life’ he
is not referring to what comes after death, rather the “coming new age.”3 The majority
of the Johannine community, the intended original recipients of John’s Gospel, were
Jewish. They too would have understood the concept of eternal life in this way.4
However, despite Jewish Christians being in the centre of John’s audience there
were also Greeks and, most likely, a proportion of Samaritans on the fringes (John
12:19-20). One theory among scholars is that John penned his Gospel with the
Hellenistic readers of the Johannine community very much in his mind, as they
“commonly lived filled with a dread of death and longing for life.”5 The dread of death
and a longing for life would have no doubt been in the minds and hearts of both the
Jewish and gentile believers at the time of John writing his Gospel, which is widely
thought to be towards the end of the first century.6 Raymond E. Brown, in his
reconstruction of the history of Johannine the community, writes about how during
this period of history Christians found themselves in an intense conflict with “the

1
J. W. Roberts, “Some Observations on the Meaning of ‘Eternal Life In the Gospel of John,”Restor. Q.
(n.d.): 187.
2
C. Gribben, Evangelical Millennialism in the Trans-Atlantic World, 1500-2000 (Springer, 2015), 11.
3
Marianne Meye Thompson, “Eternal Life in the Gospel of John” (1989): 36.
4
1 Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John : 2 Volumes (Baker Academic, 2010), vol. 152.
5
Annette Yoshiko Reed, “Schnackenburg R (1980) The Gospel According to St John. New York:
Sybury Press,” Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses 40 (n.d.): 359.
6
Raymond E. Brown, An Introduction to the Gospel of John, ed. Francis J. Moloney (New York, NY:
Anchor Books, 2003), 72.
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Jews.”7 Won-Ha Hwang agrees and notes, “the conflict was due to Jewish Christians
admitting Samaritans and other anti-Temple groups to the Johannine group.”8 Before
John had completed his Gospel, the Johaninne community had been expelled from
the synagogues for confessing Jesus as the Messiah. Following their expulsion, they
were persecuted and, on occasion, put to death.9 It is evident this conflict was very
much on the author's mind as he wrote the words “put out of the synagogues” on
three occasions (9:22; 12;42; 16;2). John the disciple, who is widely considered to be
the John who “stands behind” the authorship of the gospel, was himself living among
and writing to a community of Jewish and Gentile Christians.10 It is in the context and
backdrop of this hostility that John records these words spoken by Jesus during his
private ministry to the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do
not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid” (John 14:17).

Proposed Dissertation Question:

What is the meaning of the peace in John 14:27 and why is it significant for
the hope of humanity?

Current debate

There are various interpretations of the meaning of the word peace in John’s gospel
and, moreover, the meaning of peace in the context of John 14:27. Some have
simply believed ‘peace’ in the text refers to an end of conflict and hostility the
disciples were facing, or a “cessation of warfare.”11 C. K Barrett understands the
word peace in this passage to mean “the absence of fear and a perturbation of
heart.”12 Marianne Meye Thompson suggests Jesus' promise to give his disciples

7
Brown, An Introduction to the Gospel of John, 74.
8
Won-Ha Hwang and J. G. van der Watt, “The Identity of the Recipients of the Fourth Gospel in the
Light of the Purpose of the Gospel,” HTS Teol. Stud. / Theol. Stud. 63.2 (2007): 685.
9
Hwang and van der Watt, “The Identity of the Recipients of the Fourth Gospel in the Light of the
Purpose of the Gospel,” 686.
10
one Keener, The Gospel of John : 2 Volumes, vol. 83.
11
Richard L. Jeske, “John 14:27 and 16:33,” Interpretation 38.4 (1984): 405.
12
C. K. Barrett, The Gospel According to St. John: An Introduction with Commentary and Notes on the
Greek Text (Westminster John Knox Press, 1978), 468.
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peace is “coupled with the promise of his ongoing presence.”13 It is her understanding
that Jesus is encouraging the disciples by alluding to the way in which he will remain
with them through the Holy Spirit during the upcoming times of persecution despite
‘appearing’ absent. In Thompson’s interpretation, Jesus’ is referring to the peace the
early Christians would have in his presence.14 Craig Keener seems to see the
meaning of peace in this passage as being multifaceted. The New Testament scholar
notes how on one level the peace Jesus promises to give and leave could refer to
“tranquillity in the midst of hardship or to the bliss of the righteous after death.”15 For
the purposes of this study I am particularly interested in the way in which Keener
sees the peace in this passage also applying to an “eschatological hope for Israel”,
despite Jesus saying that he “leaves” it with them.16 The people cited above are
some of the key scholars I intend to engage with.

Aim/purpose of the project

My aim in this dissertation is to do a biblical exegesis of John 14:27 and thorough

study of the word ‘peace’ within the passage. My purpose for doing this is to
emphasise the deep biblical meaning of ‘peace’ and, moreover, highlight its profound
significance in regards to the hope of humanity. I hope this contributes to a deeper
and broader understanding of the peace Jesus offers us.

Significance of your project

NT Wright suggests, “Hope is what you get when you suddenly realise that a different
world view is possible.”17 In the last five hundred years the dominant worldview in
western societies has shifted dramatically. There has been an incessant change in
what society has been influenced to believe about the nature of truth, meaning,

13
Craig R. Koester, “John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson,” Interpretation 71.3 (2017):
316.
14
Koester, “John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson,” 317.
15
2 Keener, The Gospel of John : 2 Volumes, vol. 982.
16
2 Keener, The Gospel of John : 2 Volumes, vol. 983.
17
N. T. Wright, “Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the
Church,” n.d., 83, https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4188&context=byusq.
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purpose and eternal life. This shift has led to a change in the object of hope and,
furthermore, a significant reduction to the level of hopefulness in the western world.
This has had an impact on what people and communities believe is possible for
humanity in this life. In the current postmodern age hope has diminished. In 1974, the
British missionary Leslie Newbigin returned back from his mission trip to India where
he had been since 1936 and said the greatest difficulty he faced in being back in
Britain was “the disappearance of hope.”18 In this dissertation I will endeavour to
show how a deeper and truer understanding of Jesus’ promise of peace in John
14:27 can lead to renewed hope. It is my intention to show the way in which the
peace offered is more than an end of conflict or feeling of tranquillity in our hearts.
The peace Jesus gives and leaves is more significant than that. It is what Noel
Moules describes as “salvation properly understood.”19

John N Darby’s dispensationalist view of salvation has led to the object of many
Christians hope being the ‘eternal life’ that comes after death or the “rapture.”20 I
hope my contribution to the conversation regarding the meaning of peace in John
14:27 further reveals what is possible in the ‘eternal life’ humankind can begin to
know and experience in the present age.

Scope of the project

This project will primarily be a biblical exegesis of the meaning of the peace Jesus
offers in John 14:27. In order to keep this dissertation focussed, my research will not
venture deeply into the meaning of the word peace throughout the scriptures. Rather,
I will dedicate my time to discovering how peace in the Old and New Testaments,
particularly in the Gospel of John, relates to Jesus and the coming of his Kingdom on
earth.

18
Lesslie Newbigin, “The Other Side of 1984: Questions for the Churches,” in The Risk Book Series
(World Council of Churches, 1990), 1.
19
Noel Moules, Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace: A Spiritual Manifesto from a Jesus
Perspective (John Hunt Publishing, 2012), 30.
20
Gribben, Evangelical Millennialism in the Trans-Atlantic World, 1500-2000, 11.
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Methodology

Step 1: Study the primary text

In order to get a thorough understanding of the context and background of the

passage I will read through the whole of the Gospel of John several times. This will
give me more of an insight into the main theme of the Gospel and, furthermore, the
main message John was attempting to get across to his readers.

Step 2: Study the context of text

I will then do a more focussed and deeper study of the context of the passage
through a focussed reading of the chapter and other sources, including
commentaries on John’s Gospel. My purpose for doing this will be to acquire more
understanding of the situation the disciples were facing at the time of Jesus speaking
these words. Furthermore, to gain an understanding of the nature of the persecution
which it seems was inciting fear within the Johannine community during the time of
John writing the Gospel.

Step 3: Explore the biblical meaning peace.

My next step will be to do a word study of ‘peace’. I will do this by using expository
dictionaries and online interlinear bible tools such as ‘Bible Hub’ and ‘Blue Letter
Bible’. My intention, through the use of these tools and various translations of the
bible, is to do an extensive exploration of the meaning and use of the Old Testament
Hebrew word for peace, shalom, and the New Testament Greek word for peace,
Eirene.21 I will focus this study on the parts of the bible where the word peace is
either alluding to Jesus or, moreover, revealing what he came to “leave" or “give.”

Step 4: Read Commentaries and Academic sources

At this point I should have a good understanding of the background and context of
the John’s Gospel and the passage of scripture I am exegeting. Moreover, a solid
understanding of the meaning of the peace within the context of the passage. Once I
have gained this understanding I will then consult commentaries and academic

21
W. E. Vine, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary: Old and New Testament Words (Third Millenium
Press, 2020), 464.
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journals to perceive the way in which scholars have understood the text and
interpreted the meaning of the word peace. In addition, I will read books which have
a focus on the meaning of ‘shalom’ and ‘eirene’ in the Bible and the Gospel of John
in particular.

Step 5: Draw conclusions

On completion of my study I will examine and reflect on my findings. Subsequently, I

will begin to draw conclusions regarding the meaning of peace in John 14:27. This
will form the main part of my essay in which the evidence from the various sources I
have engaged with during my research will be collated and critically analysed.

Step 6: Consider significance to present context

I will engage with various sources, such as Richard Bauckham's ‘Hope against
Hope’, to gain more of an insight into the reasons for a disappearance of hope in the
postmodern world. Lastly, reflect on the significance of the peace Jesus offers to a
hope depleted humanity.

Assumption/Theoretical stance

This dissertation assumes that there is eternal significance in the peace Jesus is
offering to the world in John 14:27. My current theoretical stance regarding the
meaning of the peace Jesus refers to is that it is not merely a peace which comes
when conflict ceases, psychological tension subsides or when we experience a
tranquil feeling brought on by the presence of the Holy Spirit. My assumption is that it
is so much more than that. I believe John in this passage is communicating to his
readers about the nature of God’s salvation available to them in the coming of his
kingdom here on earth. The coming new age in which shalom is possible because of
a restored relationship with God. D.A Carson writes how some mistakenly believe the
peace in this passage to be “some mystical sense of well-being detached from
physical and spiritual realities.”22 I will endeavour to show the ways in which peace in

22
4 Three Clarifications D. A. Carson, The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus: An
Evangelical Exposition of John 14-17 (Baker Books, 2018).
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John 14:27 is related to the holistic salvation of the whole person, which is significant
for the hope of humanity in this present age.

Project outline

The preliminary outline of my dissertation is as follows:

Introduction

Context

A good understanding of the main theme of the gospel and context of the passage is
necessary for the reader to understand my exegesis. Hence, I will begin by reflecting
on the way in which ‘eternal life' is the major theme of the gospel of John. In addition,
I will set John 14:27 in its historical context by explaining the situation of the disciples
at the time of Jesus giving his farewell discourse. Furthermore, I will briefly consider
the nature of the persecution which the Johannine community were experiencing
around the time John wrote to them.

Exegesis

This section will make up the bulk of my essay and will be divided into three
subsections:

1. The biblical meaning of peace

In this section I will explore the meaning of the word peace in the Old and New
Testaments. My main attention will be where the Hebrew word shalom and the Greek
word eirene, are directly related to Jesus.

2. Shalom and Salvation

In this section I will research the links between shalom and Jesus’ salvation in an
attempt to ascertain whether Noel Moules statement, “shalom is salvation is properly
understood” is correct.

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3. Shalom and the Kingdom of God

In this section I explore links between shalom and the coming Jesus’ Kingdom. I will
critically analyse Vernard Eller's statement that “thy shalom be on earth as it is in
heaven" is the equivalent to praying “thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”23

4. Synthesis

In this section I will explore and critically analyse if Jesus is alluding to his salvation
and coming of his kingdom when he uses the word peace in the context of John
14:27. What are the links and connections that can be rightly made between the
peace Jesus offers and humanity's eschatological hope.

Application

I will consider the significance of the meaning of peace in the passage for the hope of
humanity today.

Conclusion The conclusion will summarise the dissertation and present a final
conclusion to the proposed question.

23
Vernard Eller, “PEACE: NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES VERNAR D ELLE R” (1987): 160.
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Bibliography

Barrett, C. K. The Gospel According to St. John: An Introduction with Commentary

and Notes on the Greek Text. Westminster John Knox Press, 1978.
Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the Gospel of John. Edited by Francis J.
Moloney. New York, NY: Anchor Books, 2003.
Carson, D. A. The Farewell Discourse and Final Prayer of Jesus: An Evangelical
Exposition of John 14-17. Baker Books, 2018.
Eller, Vernard. “PEACE: NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES VERNAR D ELLE R” (1987).
Gribben, C. Evangelical Millennialism in the Trans-Atlantic World, 1500-2000.
Springer, 2015.
Hwang, Won-Ha, and J. G. van der Watt. “The Identity of the Recipients of the Fourth
Gospel in the Light of the Purpose of the Gospel.” HTS Teol. Stud. / Theol. Stud.
63.2 (2007): 683–98.
Jeske, Richard L. “John 14:27 and 16:33.” Interpretation 38.4 (1984): 403–11.
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John : 2 Volumes. Baker Academic, 2010.
Koester, Craig R. “John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson.”
Interpretation 71.3 (2017): 322–24.
Moules, Noel. Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace: A Spiritual Manifesto from a
Jesus Perspective. John Hunt Publishing, 2012.
Newbigin, Lesslie. “The Other Side of 1984: Questions for the Churches.” The Risk
Book Series. World Council of Churches, 1990.
Reed, Annette Yoshiko. “Schnackenburg R (1980) The Gospel According to St John.
New York: Sybury Press.” Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses 40 (n.d.): 2.
Roberts, J. W. “Some Observations on the Meaning of ‘Eternal Life’ in the Gospel of
John.” Restor. Q. (n.d.).
Thompson, Marianne Meye. “Eternal Life in the Gospel of John” (1989).
Vine, W. E. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary: Old and New Testament Words.
Third Millenium Press, 2020.
Wright, N. T. “Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the
Mission of the Church,” n.d.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4188&context=byusq
.

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