Love as a key theological principle of following Christ in the 21st chapter of the Gospel of John

Authors

  • Deacon Andrey Vikulov Ryazan Theological Seminary, 1, ul. Kreml, Ryazan, 390000, Russian Federation; Moscow Theological Academy, The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergios, Sergiev Posad, 141300, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9955-4828

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu28.2023.303

Abstract

The article is devoted to the disclosure of the teaching of the Apostle John the Theologian about following Christ on the basis of the final chapter of the Gospel of John. The author comes to the conclusion that love is the main theme of the 21st chapter of the Gospel. The Savior’s love for the disciples is the main motive of the evangelist John’s story about the Lord’s meal with the disciples after a wonderful fishing trip. The central theme of the conversation between the Apostle Peter and the Lord Jesus Christ is also love. It is also a necessary basis for further relations between them, as well as all followers of the Savior. The article reveals the issue of the necessity of suffering and death for the disciple of Christ, the correlation of love and sorrows, the meaning of suffering. On the basis of patristic theology, conclusions are drawn that love for Christ makes it possible to overcome the natural fear of death and all the sorrows on the path of life. Suffering and death for their Teacher and Lord become His honor, glory and desired reward for the disciple. Martyrdom is not a prerequisite for the life of a follower of Christ, but those who fight for the truth to death follow Him more.

Keywords:

following Christ, love, discipleship, the Gospel of John, death, tribulation, narrative analysis

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References


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Published

2023-09-29

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2023)

Section

Research

License

Articles of "Issues of Theology" are open access distributed under the terms of the License Agreement with Saint Petersburg State University, which permits to the authors unrestricted distribution and self-archiving free of charge.