The imagery of friendship in the Gospel of John

Abstract

Friendship is described by Augustine as 'enjoyment of God, and of each other in God.' The Fourth Gospel articulates this Augustinian thought by illustrating the theme of friendship within the Gospel framework, a theme which is not isolated but related to other central themes like love and discipleship. It is a theme expressed not only through the structure of the gospel but also through the symbolic language employed by the Fourth Gospel. Throughout this dissertation, one will delve into the narrative of the gospel to illustrate how the fourth evangelist presents the imagery of friendship not through a theological treatise but by the plot of the narrative which ultimately aims to lead the reader to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and to enter into an intimate relation with him. The imagery of friendship in John carries also a pastoral dimension in the life of the believer. It helps him understand that Jesus is not a abstract theological notion but a friend, eager to offer his love to all those who believe in him.