About the Book

This book reconsiders the characterization of the Fourth Gospel's Beloved Disciple from the standpoint of biblical performance criticism, foregrounding ancient rhetoric and delivery alongside the narrative tropes of proximity and movement.

Book Synopsis

This book reconsiders the Fourth Gospel's portrayal of the Beloved Disciple through the lens of biblical performance criticism. The study demonstrates how a skilled performer--alert to the text's observable rhetorical cues--brings the central features of the Disciple's characterization to life in front of an ancient audience. While many interpreters have cast the Beloved Disciple as an "ideal" figure, Zito argues that he is distinguished not by perfection but by his willingness to be near Jesus and move toward him in every circumstance.

About the Author

Eric Christian Zito (PhD, Loyola University Chicago) is an independent scholar specializing in the New Testament and Early Christianity. His research focuses on Biblical Performance Criticism, and he is the author of "Delivery in Rhetorical Handbooks, Speeches, and Material Remains," in Persuasion and Performance: Biblical Traditions in the Ancient World (Wipf & Stock, forthcoming 2026).