John – Chapter 5:1-16
Introduction to Chapters 5 & 6 — The healing of the Nobleman’s son (4:46-54) follows with the healing of the paralytic at the Sheep Gate (5:1-9) and conflict with the Jews concerning the Sabbath (5:10-47). Chapter 6 begins with Jesus at the Sea of Galilee and chapter 7 with Jesus returning to Galilee. Thus some scholars have suggested chapters 5 & 6 were transposed, beginning with Tatian (ca. AD 170). No manuscript evidence exists to support the theory. John 5:1-2 begins a new section, as indicated by “sometime later” (v.1), change of location, mention of unnamed Jewish festival , and detailed description of the new scene of the Pool of Bethesda (v.2-9). Chapter 5 also has similar themes to those that precede it: 1) Two healing miracles side-by-side presenting Jesus as the giver of life; 2) the healing of the paralytic and its response in Jerusalem connects with the “fatherland” of 4:44; 3) The continued theme and use of water and the giving of life which both precedes and will follow it; 4) Jesus finds the man in the temple (5:14), continuing the temple theme of 1:14, 2:13-22, 4:19-26; 5) Jesus’ special relationship to the Father (5:18), a prologue theme; 6) Jesus brings life and judgment (5:22-30, also 3:13-21); Jesus comes to do the “will” and “works” of the Father (5:23-24, also 3:17,28, 4:34). There was a certain man, invalid for thirty-eight years (5:1-7) – The prologue (1:9,14) indicated that the relationship of Jesus and the Law would be a major issue for the Gospel of John. That confrontation begins with the healing of the paralytic. The importance of this conflict over the Sabbath is indicated by the death sentence pronounced against Jesus (5:18). John describes the setting in great detail, combining the historical and topographical with the symbolic and thematic. The conflict of 5:17-47 is in the context of the healing of 5:1-16, the “festival” of the Jews (5:21), the healing being associated with the problem of sin, and new life being given to the paralytic. Since Augustine, interpreters have associated the five porticos with the five books of Moses. Moses and the Scriptures are the witness of 5:17-47, esp. 5:39-40 and 5:45-46). For a suggestion regarding the thirty-eight years, see Deut 1:26-35; 2:14. The paralytic is a representative of the new Israel receiving a new Exodus and being raised to new life (5:24-25, 28-29)….