Études 1 à 3
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PER217
The woman caught in adultery
Pericope 217 recounts the episode of the woman caught in adultery (John 8.1-11), in which Pharisees set a trap for Jesus by bringing him a woman caught in the very act. Jesus foils the trap with his famous saying inviting the one who is without sin to cast the first stone, then forgives the woman. This account, whose textual authenticity is debated, illustrates the union of divine justice and mercy, and reveals Jesus' unique authority to justify.
John 8.7 (King James Version) :So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER218
The Messiah Jesus is the light of the world
At the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem, Jesus proclaims himself the ‘light of the world’ (John 8.12-58), drawing on the symbolism of the great illuminations of the Temple. He gradually reveals his divine identity through debates with the Pharisees, culminating in the statement ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’, an explicit affirmation of his pre-existence and his divinity. To believe in him is to enter into the light, the truth and eternal life.
John 8.21-30 (King James Version) :Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.As he spake these words, many believed on him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER219
Assassination attempt
On the last day of a feast in Jerusalem (13 October 32), the Pharisees try to stone the Messiah Jesus after his proclamations about his divine origin. Jesus escapes death by hiding among his disciples and leaves the city. He probably withdraws to Bethany beyond the Jordan. Only John reports this episode, based on John 8,59.
John 8.59 (King James Version) :Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org