Abstract:
John Chrysostom‘s (354 AD) exegesis of the Johannine account of Jesus‘ anointing at Bethany is examined (John 12:1-8). As an Antiochene exegete, Chrysostom‘s approach dictates sensitivity both to the history and social values implicit in the text, as well as the effect of the text on the present reader. Chrysostom‘s interpretation of the key motifs in the Bethany event is examined: firstly, Mary‘s status as a disciple is delineated, secondly, the significance of the anointing of the feet and finally, Chrysostom‘s characterization of the antagonist Judas and the danger of greed is evaluated in detail. The essay is concluded with a discussion of the value of Chrysostom‘s exegesis for contemporary NT studies.
