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![]() Duccio di Buoninsegna, 'Christ Taking Leave of His Disciples' panel from the Maesta Altarpiece (1308--1311), Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, Siena, Italy. |
The genre of Farewell Discourses is seen elsewhere the final words or testaments of famous men in the Hellenistic world, but especially in the Bible -- Jacob's last words to his sons (Genesis 49), Joshua's final words to Israel (Joshua 22-24), and David's address to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28-29).
Two important questions have been raised about Jesus' Farewell Discourses. First, where do they begin? Some believe they begin them at 14:1, where Jesus begins to talk of his leaving the disciples. Others see the beginning at 13:31, where Jesus speaks of a "new commandment," to love one another.[279] I've begun this section when Jesus and his disciples had a meal in the Upper Room, following the close of Jesus' public ministry.[280]
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A second important question is whether these discourses were completed in the Upper Room or perhaps elsewhere, because of Jesus' words, "Come now; let us leave" at the end of chapter 14. We'll consider that question in Lesson 25.
Endnotes
[279] So Carson, John, pp. 476-477.
[280] So Morris, John, pp. 610-611.
Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.
Old Testament
- Abraham, Faith of
- Jacob, Life of
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Joshua
- Gideon
- David, Life of
- Elijah
- Psalms
- Solomon
- Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
- Isaiah
- 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
- Daniel
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
Gospels
- Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
- Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
- Luke's Gospel
- John's Gospel
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Parables
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Apostle Peter
Acts
Pauline Epistles
- Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians, Philemon
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 &2 Timothy, Titus
General Epistles
Revelation
Topical