Abstract

In response to John Barclay’s momentous Paul and the Gift, many are exploring how grace is defined and deployed in other scriptural texts by making use of his taxonomy of the six perfections of gift—where “perfection” speaks of a quality of grace in its purest expression. Among these perfections, the non-circular gift—one offered without expectation of return—is notable for how it tends to align with the more modern, Western notion of gift. By contrast, gifts in the ancient world were circular: when gifts were given, reciprocity was anticipated. Barclay observes a quality of circularity in Paul’s writings related to the “obedience of faith.” This article explores a similar dynamic of circularity in John’s Gospel evident in John’s theme of belief (1:12; 3:16; 6:28; 11:25; 20:31). Those who encounter Jesus are repeatedly invited into a believing response which suggests a quality of circularity. This response is particularly evident in the seven I am sayings, where John presents seven animated portrayals of what ongoing belief looks like in metaphorical terms. For example, respondents express belief by eating Jesus, the bread of life (6:51). As this study explores all seven animated metaphors, an analogous quality of circularity materializes, which is both similar and complementary to Paul’s obedience of faith.