85 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN composition is historically subsequent to the other Gospels (albeit parallel in temporal content). As noted above, both books get in the “last word” (which, as we have seen, may in itself be significant within an ancient collection). Further, both elevate their mediators (Moses and Jesus Christ) to incomparable status and hold their word (and, in the case of John’s Jesus, his being as Word) to be all that one needs to know going forward. Thus, in something of an irony, these volumes that are so deliberately open to the future close their respective sections of the canon with a clang. Valparaiso University George C. HEIDER 1409 Chapel Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383 USA SUMMARY The article examines parallels in canonical function between Deuteron- omy and John. Following clarification of the significance of “canonical function”, the essay investigates first external parallels between the two books that impact their reading especially within their sections of the OT and NT. It then looks at internal components of the books that contribute to their larger canonical role, with especial attention paid to the role of the future community as implied readership, rhetorical devices, location, and claims of final authority and sufficiency. The article concludes with a pro- posal regarding ways in which the two books do, indeed, function within their testamental canons in like ways.