`I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God' (1:34).

It will be observed that in the structure of this Gospel, which has

already been indicated, p. 19, that the whole book, apart from the

prologue, is covered by the word `Witnesses'. Omitting all details, the

structure is as follows:

A 1:19-34.

The Witness of John the Baptist.

B 1:35-51.

Simon, son of Jona: `Follow Me'.

C 2 to 21:14.  The Witness of the Eight Signs.

Simon son of Jonas: `Follow Me'.

The Witness of John the apostle.

Even in the prologue itself, the witness of John the Baptist is

introduced twice, and in such a way as to form a definite part of the

E 1:6-8. John. Witness (marturia).

E 1:15. John. Witness (martureo).

Of all the writers in the New Testament John is the one who uses

the idea of `bearing witness' most frequently. From start to finish his

Gospel is based upon testimony borne. This fact is confirmed by the

following figures giving the occurrences of:

Martureo. - In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) 3

In John's Gospel 33 occurrences, and in his other writings 14

Marturia. - In the Synoptic Gospels 4 occurrences.

In John's Gospel 14 occurrences and in his other

writings 16 occurrences.

This presentation demonstrates very clearly the supreme place that

John gives to the question of `testimony'. In addition, another fact

emerges. The Synoptic Gospels use these two words seven times, and

John himself seventy-seven times. The numbers indicate completeness