Gospel of John

We continue with our series of 5 books to read (not commentaries).

J. Louis Martyn, History and Theology in the Fourth Gospel, Revised and Expanded

A key study, now a classic, that looks at John as not only a story about Jesus, but also a text addressing the relationship between Jews and Christians in the ancient writer’s own time.

Andrew Lincoln, Truth on Trial: The Lawsuit Motif in the Fourth Gospel

An important thematic study of truth, knowledge, and the identity of Jesus in John.

Craig Koester, Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel

Koester rightly recognizes that John’s Gospel is symbol-rich (e.g., light/darkness, water, bread, vine, door, shepherd) and that understanding these symbols bring the Fourth Gospel to life.

Richard Bauckham, Testimony of the Beloved Disciple: Narrative, History, and Theology in the Gospel of John.

Excellent arguments in favor of looking at the Gospel of John as “testimony” and witness to the person of Jesus. Methodologically circumspect, thoughtful about the intersection of history and theology.

Adele Reinhartz, Befriending the Beloved Disciple: A Jewish Reading of the Gospel of John

The Fourth Gospel at times has harsh portrayals of Jews and Judaism. Jewish scholar Reinhartz offers penetrating reflections on her ambivalent relationship with this Gospel. Reinhartz has been instrumental to helping the guild take seriously anti-semitic bias in biblical scholarship. Of course, this also happens in the Church, and Reinhartz’s work is important for pastors as well.

Other Helpful Resources

Christopher Skinner, Reading John

A nice introduction and orientation to John that is easy to read and understand.

Gospel of Glory: Major Themes in Johannine Theology

A short, but inspiring study of theological themes

Paul N. Anderson, The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel: An Introduction to John

A great overview of the key critical issues in the academic study of John.

Jaime Clark-Soles, Reading John for Dear Life: A Spiritual Walk with the Fourth Gospel

This is a Bible study written for lay-people by a notable Johannine scholar. It is a great read and a great way to bring the wisdom of academic scholarship to the church’s level and context.