The Testimony of „the one who saw” (Jn 19:34-35)

Henryk Witczyk

Instytut Nauk Biblijnych KUL , Poland


Abstract

The author of the present article is seeking to answer two questions: (1) Who is “the one who saw” and “bore witness” that from the pierced side of the crucified Jesus “came out water and blood” (John 19:34-35)? (2) What is the theological meaning of the reported witness? The author presents the arguments pointing to “the beloved disciple”, the ideal author of the Fourth Gospel, as the one who plays the role of the “witness” and “speaks truth”. The deepest message contained in his testimony regards the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. They signify the offering that, both to the “beloved disciple” and to all believers, is the source of Spirit (water), which in turn brings them Christ living in the filial relationship with the Father (blood), that is, Life.

Keywords:

testimony, the Beloved Disciple, blood and water, “the one, who saw”, death, resurrection, Jesus’ sacrifice


Published
2015-12-01


Witczyk, H. (2015). Świadectwo „tego, który widział” (J 19,34-35). Verbum Vitae, 28, 235–255. https://doi.org/10.31743/vv.1646

Henryk Witczyk  naporus@gmail.com
Instytut Nauk Biblijnych KUL



License

The author(s) grant (s) to the Licensee a non-exclusive and royalty-free license in accordance with the provisions of the Appendix: LICENSE TO USE THE WORK