Opening Up John's Gospel

by Andrew Paterson

Publisher:

Day One

, 2010

Overview

The Opening Up Commentary Collection offers accessible and easy-to-read introductions to the books of the Bible. The commentaries tackle the key issues in each book by introducing the history and context and by giving an overview of important themes and events. The authors wrestle with the hard questions and navigate through the difficult issues, with a keen eye toward application and relevance for today.

Right at the end of his Gospel, John tells us why he wrote it: that we may "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name." John therefore filled his Gospel with carefully selected evidence to encourage our belief in Jesus. In this detailed yet easy-to-read commentary, Andrew Paterson examines the eyewitness evidence John provided concerning Christ’s power and authority, showing us that John wanted this evidence to result not merely in intellectual assent to these truths, but rather in "life" in Christ’s name.

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Key Features

• Discussion questions for further reflection and study
• Contains study guides, maps, and timelines
• Resource for students, pastors, and general readers

Contents

Top Highlights

“John calls Jesus the ‘Word’ because it’s a special way of saying that Jesus is the one who makes God known. Do you want to know what God is like? asks John. Then take a good look at Jesus.” (Page 16)

“The question has to be asked: How can we be fruitful? What do we have to do to be a part of God’s family? The answer that Jesus gave is quite different from what many would expect (vv. 4–5). If you want to be a fruit-producing member of God’s family, you have to be in Jesus. The emphasis is not upon what you do, it’s upon where you are; it’s not upon what you show, it’s upon whom you know.” (Page 130)

“Jesus do? He replaces the ceremonial water with wine. Symbolically, he replaces the old religion of religious rituals with the new wine of a joyful relationship.” (Page 23)

“John’s purpose in writing this Gospel is that we may have faith in Jesus.” (Page 13)

“So to have a supply of water that would never fail was the Middle Eastern idea of the greatest blessing you could experience. And this idea of deep satisfaction and joy was partly what Jesus was getting at here.” (Pages 35–36)

Praise for the Print Edition

Opening up John’s Gospel is a brilliant, concise guide to John’s Gospel. It helps the reader to understand John’s profound revelation of Jesus the divine Messiah by vividly bringing to life the Jewish world of the first century and explaining the Old Testament background to so much of Jesus’ teaching. . . . the author has clearly drawn deeply on the very best biblical scholarship and makes judicious judgments when interpreting difficult or disputed passages. This book will inspire any Christian reader to know, love, worship and obey Jesus better . . . All in all, an excellent book.

—John Stevens, Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), UK

Highly accessible and exceptionally practical.

—Jonathan Stephen, Principal, Wales Evangelical School of Theology (WEST), UK

A reliable, accessible, and practical guide to this wonderful gospel.

—Christopher Ash, Director, Cornhill Training Course, London

Product Details

• Title: Opening Up John's Gospel
• Author: Andrew Paterson
• Publisher: Day One
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 224

About Andrew Paterson

Andrew Paterson has headed up the leadership team at Kensington Baptist Church in inner-city Bristol for over twenty years. A former President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (2001–2004), Andrew has spoken at conferences around the world. He has worked extensively in Christian radio and on the BBC.