Abstract
The saying 'exegesis without presupposition is not possible' finds ample confirmation in the variety of ways in which John's Gospel has been approached and interpreted'. John not only knew previously written Gospels but wrote a midrashic comment on those episodes in them that fit theme, his own people received him not; but to all who received him he gave power to become children of God (i II ff.). John was influenced by Philo of Alexandria with regard to terminology and method. John was acquainted with the allegorical method and typology of the School of Alexandria and was not loath to use them. This assumption will help to explain e.g. the puzzling encounters with Nathanael and Nicodemus. This puzzle may be solved if we make use of Martyn's two level approach and inquire whether John referred in a cryptic manner to persons and events after Jesus' earthly ministry. Keywords: exegesis; J. Louis Martyn; Jesus' earthly ministry; John's Gospel; midrashic comment; Nathanael; Nicodemus; Philo of Alexandria
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