Signs Gospel

Since the commentary of Rudolf Bultmann was published in 1941,[1] the hypothesis of a semeia (sign or miracle) source has gained some acceptance.

[3] Therefore, scholars are no longer looking for the identity of a single writer but for numerous authors whose authorship has been absorbed into the gospel's development over a period of time and in several stages.

[4][5][6] The hypothesis of the Gospel of John being composed in layers over a period of time originated in the work of Rudolf Bultmann in 1941.

[9] Robert Fortna, a member of the Jesus Seminar, argued that there are at least two distinct writing styles contained in the Gospel of John.

[10] The later style contains highly developed and sophisticated midrash and theological essays attached superficially - even "mechanically" at some points - to the former source.

Russian Orthodox icon of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, 18th century ( Iconostasis of Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia , Russia ).