R. E. Brown and J. L. Martyn: Johannine Studies in Retrospect

Abstract

The work of Raymond E. Brown and J. Louis Martyn has played a central role in Johannine studies for twenty-five years. Three aspects of their work are discussed. (1) Methods: Both stressed the importance of interpreting a text in its historical context, made creative use of the scholarly tradition, and tested their results against those of scholars using different methods. (2) Results: Both scholars pointed out the importance of the Johannine community's conflict with the synagogue and continued interest in Jewish Christians within the synagogue; they disagreed on the place of Gentiles in the evangelist's purview, because of different understandings of conflict and accommodation in the development of Johannine theology. (3) Hermeneutical interests: Brown's treatment of Johannine ecclesiology is shaped by recognition of the diversity within the canon. Martyn's views reflect the combination of reverence and freedom which each evangelist showed toward the tradition.