Topical Bible: John: Affected Probably by the Doctrines of the Stoics

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The Apostle John, one of the prominent figures in the New Testament, is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. His writings are distinct in their theological depth and philosophical undertones, which have led some scholars to suggest that John may have been influenced by the doctrines of the Stoics, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that emphasized rationality, self-control, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Philosophical Context

Stoicism, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, was a prevalent philosophical system during the time of the New Testament. It taught that the universe is governed by a rational divine principle, often referred to as the "Logos." This concept of the Logos as a rational, ordering force bears a striking resemblance to the prologue of John's Gospel, where he writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). The term "Word" is translated from the Greek "Logos," suggesting a possible philosophical bridge between John's theology and Stoic thought.

The Logos in John's Writings

John's use of the term "Logos" is central to his theological narrative. While the Stoics viewed the Logos as an impersonal force, John personalizes it, identifying the Logos with Jesus Christ. This personalization marks a significant departure from Stoic philosophy, yet the initial use of the term may indicate an engagement with contemporary philosophical ideas to communicate the Gospel effectively to a Hellenistic audience.

Ethical Parallels

Stoicism emphasized virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, which align with the ethical teachings found in John's writings. In 1 John 2:6, John exhorts believers to "walk in the same way in which He walked" , advocating a life of moral integrity and self-control reminiscent of Stoic ideals. However, John's ethical framework is rooted in the love and grace of God, as seen in 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" . This emphasis on divine love transcends the Stoic focus on human rationality and self-sufficiency.

Interconnectedness and Unity

The Stoic belief in the interconnectedness of all things finds a parallel in John's emphasis on unity among believers. In John 17:21, Jesus prays "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You" . This prayer for unity reflects a vision of harmony and interconnectedness that resonates with Stoic cosmology, yet it is deeply rooted in the relational nature of the Triune God.

Suffering and Endurance

Stoicism taught that suffering is an inevitable part of life and that individuals should endure it with equanimity. Similarly, John addresses the theme of suffering and endurance in Revelation, where believers are encouraged to remain faithful amidst persecution. Revelation 2:10 states, "Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" . While Stoicism advocates for emotional detachment, John's perspective is one of hope and reward, grounded in the promises of Christ.

Conclusion

While there are notable parallels between John's writings and Stoic philosophy, it is essential to recognize the distinctiveness of John's theological message. His use of philosophical language and concepts serves as a bridge to communicate the profound truths of the Christian faith to a diverse audience, ultimately pointing to the unique revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

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Matthew 11:18
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a devil.
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Mark 1:6
And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
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Luke 1:80
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing to Israel.
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Library

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... Bethabara,[6] upon the eastern shore, probably opposite to ... catastrophe which put
an end to John's life seems ... austere life,[8] fasted often, and affected a sad ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

Postscript. Meaning Op the Word Regeneration.
... As to the former of them, John 3:5 ... joy unspeakable and full of glory; though probably
there were ... our ministerial addresses would be much more sensibly affected. ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/postscript meaning op the word.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... to consider how Hellenized womanhood was affected by that ... of the rumor prevailing
that Count John, a nobleman of ... The next step probably was that the example of ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

Acts 17:16-17. Athens.
... beard a lion in his den, that the doctrines of the ... The Stoics and Epicureans probably
laughed and sneered as if ... the sight of God, ought to be affected by the ...
/.../chapter ix acts 17 16-17 athens.htm

The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... we do not know; the story in John 21:18 ... heresies which they adroitly and subtly spread
affected both faith ... have been correct, but the plural probably was used ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the second epistle of st.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 354]443; unless Ruth knew what was to follow; probably knew Christ ... Paul: John would
have solved St. ... 550; obtained by the spirit, [584]543; not affected by the ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... ear of all classes, the presbyter next affected a poem ... the venerable Bishop Januarius,
a Donatist, probably in 406 ... and the rebaptism by Paul of John's disciples ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

Footnotes
... we will see a good number of doctrines and heads ... John Binning was declared at this
period to be "altogether insolvent." This is the reason probably, if he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm