“The Ruler” in the Fourth Gospel

Abstract

The title ὁ ἄρχων in the Fourth Gospel (FG) is unanimously attributed to the opponent of Jesus. But is that what Jesus intends with the title? The analysis of its three occurrences (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) will show that a new interpretation of this Johannine title, different from the opinion of the Church Fathers and most exegetes, can be attempted. The article will demonstrate that the attribution of this title to Jesus is a sustainable hypothesis that unveils how the Johannine Jesus prepares his own for the hour and preannounces his glorification.