That the Scriptures Might Be Fulfilled through Perfect Worship: An Investigation of John 19: 36–37
Ebook
Overview
The hour of Jesus is a fundamental theme running throughout John’s Gospel (2:4--19:27) referring to Jesus’ glorification (7:39; 12:16, 23, 28; 13:31, 32; 16:14; 17:1, 5) in his passion and death (3:14; 8:28; 12:32, 34). Immediately after the culmination of Jesus’ hour (19:25-30) John provides a unique account of things that took place following Jesus’ death (19:31-34), apparently important to his audience (19:35), in which he recognizes scriptural fulfillment (19:36-37). At first glance, the fulfillment attested by the scriptures explicitly provided seems straightforward and of little significance, simply corresponding with the fundamental elements of the narrative in 19:32-33. Yet such an understanding runs contrary to John’s limited use of explicit Scripture citations (compared with the other evangelists) at a most critical moment in the Gospel. Rather, consistent with his allusive and engaging style, the evangelist relies on his audience to utilize the context he provides and the contexts he has presumed throughout his Gospel to perceive the depth and the expansiveness of the fulfillment he has recognized in Jesus’ hour. It is through these contexts that we gain greater insight into the fulfillment attested by John 19:36-37, illuminating Jesus’ hour and the entire Gospel.
“Polinski has admirably demonstrated the immense significance
that the climactic double citation of Scripture in John 19:36–37
has for understanding this Gospel. His erudite, comprehensive, and
well-written study will be of value to all interested not only in
the Gospel of John but in the use of the Old Testament in the New
Testament, in audience-oriented exegesis, and in the theme of
worship in the New Testament.”
—John Paul Heil, Professor of New Testament, The Catholic
University of America
“In this elegantly-written book, Nathanael Polinski
demonstrates how the gradual unfolding of the theme of worship
prepares the ground for understanding scriptural fulfillment in the
Fourth Gospel’s passion account. Sensitive to this Gospel’s
intertextual and intratextual allusions, and to ancient Jewish
exegetical methods, Polinski opens up the rich potential of John’s
Old Testament quotations. This is a rich and insightful
contribution, from an author who has drunk deeply from the
Johannine spring.”
—Ian Boxall, Associate Professor of New Testament, The Catholic
University of America
“Father Nathaniel Polinski situates us, as readers of John’s
Gospel, exactly where we need to be: in the context of worship in
first-century Judaism. Using just two verses he shows us the
expository and explanatory power of a liturgical hermeneutic. John
presents Christ as the fulfillment of Israel’s prophecy—but also
the fulfillment of its worship in the Temple feasts and sacrifices.
Through the signs of water and blood, true worship continues in the
ministry of the church. This is an unusual book, scholarly but
meditative. It excites the mind as it invites us to prayer and
contemplation.”
—Scott Hahn, Fr. Michael Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology,
Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Title: That the Scriptures Might Be Fulfilled through Perfect Worship: An Investigation of John 19:36–37
- Author: Nathanael R. Polinski
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2019
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532663178, 9781532663154, 153266317X, 1532663153
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532663178
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-04T15:42:52Z
Nathanael R. Polinski, O.S.B., received his MDiv and STB degrees
from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, and his Doctorate in
Sacred Theology in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of
America in Washington, DC. He is on the regular faculty of Saint
Vincent Seminary as an assistant professor and serves on the
adjunct faculty of Saint Vincent College.