Cana-to-Cana or Galilee-to-Galilee. A note on the structure of the Gospel of John

Often, the second section of John, after the prologue, is identified as John 2,1-4,54 and described as a Cana-to-Cana-cycle, introducing Jesus' ministry, bracketed by his first two signs (John 2,11; 4,54). This thesis has been foregrounded powerfully by (a.o.) Moloney, whereas other options exist as well. According to Moloney, the cycle begins with John 2,1-11, which is followed by the cleansing of the temple (2,13-22), a summary of Jesus' signs in Jerusalem together with Jesus' cardiognosy (John 2,23-25), the conversation with Nicodemus (John 3,1-13.14-21), the discussion of the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus (John 3,22-36), the water of life discourse and the Samaritans' response to Jesus (John 4,1-42), and the concluding healing miracle in Galilee (John 4,43-54). The latter counts as Jesus' second sign (John 4,46) and is preceded by a reminder of the first sign (cf. John 2,11). This subsection of John itself is included in the larger narrative of Jesus' public ministry (John 1,19-12,50) after which John's passion narrative begins. The purpose of this literary unit is to clarify John's concept of appropriate faith: doing the will of God (John 4,34). This kind of faith is exemplified by the royal official at Cana (John 4,43-54). © Walter de Gruyter 2007.