John 12 Contains several other similarities to Paul’s ongoing argument
in 2 Corinthians 3–4. The themes, and the texts, which immediately precede and
follow John’s citation of Isa. 6:10 in 12:40 especially resemble 2 Cor. 4:3–6
and its background. John 12:38 contains a citation of Isaiah 53:1. The thematic
importance of this text for John is the theme of unbelief which it explicitly
presents. The citation of Isa. 6:10 follows immediately to explain this
unbelief. However, no verbal hook
connects the two citations. The two texts can only be linked verbally through δόξα, which occurs at Isa. 53:2 and 6:1. It
becomes apparent that John appreciates this as the link between the two texts
that he has cited in Jn. 12:41—Isaiah said this (verses 38 and 40 / Isa. 53:1
and 6:10) because he saw his glory, δόξα. This vision has reference to both Isa. 6:1 and Isa. 53:2 and plays
on their connection. Isaiah himself saw the glory of the Lord in his inaugural
vision. Isaiah 53:2 can be taken to contrast with this vision. It refers to not seeing glory in the Lord’s servant.
John is able to develop, on the basis of this verbal and thematic combination
of texts, the paradox of the reality of glory in Christ, hidden from the eyes
of ordinary men, in 12:37, 42–43.
John 12, therefore, bears witness to the combination of at least
Isaiah 6 and 53. The exegetical procedure used to connect them resembles that
used by Paul extensively in 2 Cor. 3:1–6 and 4:6. John 12:46 offers a
possibility for expanding this linkage to include either or both Isaiah 42:6
and 49:6. “I have come as a light into the world” (Jn. 12:46a, ἐγὰ φῶς εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἐγήλυθα) is quite close to an express fulfillment
statement of “ἔδωκά σε … εἰς φῶς ἐθνῶν.” (Isa. 42:6) and “τέθεικά σε … εἰς φῶς ἐθνῶν” (Isa. 49:6). The hook word to these
texts would again be δόξα,
glory. Isaiah 42 and 49 are one source for the important concept of light (φῶς) with which John is involved in 12:35–36
and 46. The light of creation, with which Christ is identified in the Prologue,
is interpreted as the salvific light promised by Isaiah as well. Anyone who
believes in Jesus does not remain in darkness, just as Isaiah 42:7 promises.
For Paul, anyone who does not believe in his gospel (2 Cor. 4:4) is blind, and
therefore in darkness. They cannot see the light which emanates from the face
of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6) which is mediated through that gospel. Paul and
John are very similar in their characterization of those who do not receive
their message about Jesus Christ, as opposed to those who do, just as they seem
to be very similar in their exegetical sources and technique. (Carol
Kern Stockhausen, Moses’ Veil and the
Glory of the New Covenant: The Exegetical Substructure of 2 Cor. 3:1–4:6 [Analecta
Biblica 116; Roma: Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 1989), 165-66)
