John’s Gospel and Isaiah’s Report: The Vocalization of Isaiah’s Witness in John

Abstract This article contributes to an understanding of the rhetorical function of Isaiah in John’s Gospel by considering the gospel’s presentation of several figures as speakers of the text of Isaiah: Jesus and John the Baptist as well as believers, who all participate in both Isaiah’s confession, “I saw the Lord,” and his petition, “who has believed our report?” This report turns out to be the testimony to Jesus preserved in the gospel. Consequently, John shares in the status and authority of Isaiah, as well as his rejection, and enlists readers to inhabit the witness of Scripture.