The Interpretation of St. John’s Gospel

by Richard C. H. Lenski

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1961

Overview

Thorough as a student of Greek, R. C. H. Lenski interprets the Gospel of St. John with meticulous exegetical research while providing an original, literal translation of the text. With his conservative Lutheran perspective, he is unwavering in his high view of Scriptural authority, probing deeply and passionately—arguing his conclusions masterfully. Beyond exegesis, he provides linguistic and textual analysis, historical background such as information on the author, date, time of writings, authorial intent, chief themes, and much more. Often addressing difficult text, evading nothing, Lenski evaluates multiple interpretations before choosing one in particular. The Lenski Commentary, therefore, will introduce you to a range of interpretations and viewpoints, allowing you to see how other interpretations relate to one another, and will provide the context as to why he has settled on a particular viewpoint.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Here already we may define the Logos-title: the Logos is the final and absolute revelation of God, embodied in God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. Christ is the Logos because in him all the purposes, plans, and promises of God are brought to a final focus and an absolute realization.” (Page 30)

“This peace is not merely to fortify the hearts of the disciples amid all the enmity and hatred of the world; they are to be possessors of the Lord’s peace because as his witnesses and messengers they are to dispense this very gift of peace in a peaceless world. The sum of the gospel is ‘peace’ (Eph. 2:17), and it is called ‘the gospel of peace’ (Eph. 6:15), in fact, Jesus himself is ‘our peace,’ and all who preach must bring the word sent by God, ‘preaching peace by Jesus Christ’ (Acts 10:36). Those who are to bring peace must have peace.” (Page 1369)

“He who sends enables those whom he sends; and the enabling is the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Page 1371)

“The verb ἀγαπᾶν is the love of intelligence, reason, and comprehension, coupled with corresponding purpose; in this its content it vastly outranks the other type of love. And φιλεῖν expresses the love of mere personal affection or liking, including even the passions where the context requires, and no intelligence or high purpose is involved; this content places the verb on a low level.” (Page 1419)

“‘The Logos’ is a title for Christ that is peculiar to John and is used by him alone.” (Page 28)

Endorsements

A great work of exegesis, every page the result of long meditation, based on rich scholarship, warm with holy reverence for the Word of God.

—Moody Monthly

Lenski is one of the most helpful commentators on the New Testament you'll find — especially for his knowledge of the original Greek text. No serious exegete should neglect his insights.

—The Discerning Reader

The treatment is exhaustive; it seems that nothing has been overlooked or omitted.

—The Lutheran

My favorite New Testament commentary is that of R.C.H. Lenski. I smile whenever this scholar stabbed the “chiliasts” or those who reject infant baptism; yet I profit greatly from his sane and spiritually sensitive exposition. You do not have to be a Greek scholar to benefit from Lenski.

—Warren W. Wiersbe, A Basic Library for Bible Students

A conservative, very extensive and generally helpful exposition based upon an exegesis of the Greek text. Armenian in doctrine, maintains a rigid approach to Greek grammar, and follows an amillennial interpretation of eschatology. Exceedingly helpful background material and abounds in good preaching values.

—Cyril Barber, The Minister's Library

Product Details

• Title: The Interpretation of St. John’s Gospel
• Author: Richard C. H. Lenski
• Series: Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 1961
• Logos Release Date: 2008
• Era: era:modern
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. John › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:LENSKI04
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T08:34:27Z

About Richard C. H. Lenski

R. C. H. Lenski (1864–1936) was a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator. He studied at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and upon earning his Doctor of Divinity became dean of the seminary. He also served as a professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative Lutheran perspective. Lenski authored Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament, a 12-volume series of commentaries that provides a literal translation of the New Testament.

Among Lenski’s many works are The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation, and The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel.