In Conclusion. . . . John 12 as a Rhetorical Peroratio

Abstract

Most commentators on John 12:37—50 label it a “conclusion” or “epilogue.” By this they mean that this part of John 12 contains two differing sets of information: a “summary” of (1) the ministry of Jesus and its non-reception or (2) review of major motifs and themes. This study argues that John 12 is a precise rhetorical conclusio/peroratio. Rhetoricians identify two purposes in a conclusion: (1) recapitulation of topics discussed, albeit selectively, and (2) arousal of emotions toward topics or persons. Emotions in rhetoric are binary: love vs. hate, confidence vs. fear, emulation vs. envy, etc. John 12 is recognized as repeating judgment materials from John 3, the critical behavior urged in John 12. Many other topics are also recapitulated. Moreover most of the Johannine characters reappear before the audience a judgment of whom is to be rendered in virtue of the emotion evoked, either love or hate.