Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching John

by Gerard S. Sloyan

Publisher:

John Knox

, 1988

Overview

Gerald Sloyan utilizes the lectionary approach to offer new insight into understanding the book of John. By doing this, he puts the Fourth Gospel in the Old Testament context within which the early church received the public readings of this Gospel. His emphasis on the use of John within first-century Christianity enables modern readers to grasp the meaning of the Gospel message.

Presupposing the historical and philological work of other scholars, Sloyan focuses rather on the meaning of the Fourth Gospel for the church. He emphasizes the ecumenical demonstrated in his treatment of John 17. Particularly helpful is Sloyan's view of the conflict between Christians and "hoi Joudaioi." Since we do not know who the "hoi Joudaioi" were, Sloyan avoids the rendering "Jews" and thereby corrects any anti-Jewish misreading of this Gospel.

While Sloyan keeps in context both Jesus in his lifetime and the twentieth-century church, he steadfastly concentrates on the work of John's final editor within first-century Christianity. Interpreting John as "a book of the church" gives teachers and preachers valuable perspective on the Fourth Gospel.

Key Features

• Detailed introduction
• Bibliography

Contents

Top Highlights

“The Evangelist has to tell of a Word that was with God in the beginning and has become a human being in the midst of other humans. He has to record the birth of many from God which will result from this unique divine birthing. All who have received and will receive the Word that became flesh were born not in the ordinary ways—the mixing of bloods, passionate desire, the ordinary will to conceive—but ‘of God’ (vv. 12–13). This is to be a story certainly not of John, not of ‘Jesus Christ’ only (v. 17), but of a new race of humanity. Just as Genesis starts out, ‘In the beginning’ (1:1) to tell the origins of the cosmos and the human race, this Gospel of John will be a story about fresh beginnings, a new human race.” (Pages 14–15)

“The prayer is, in the last analysis, a plea for unity among believers.” (Page 196)

“Mary is never named in John. She is always ‘the mother of Jesus’ (v. 1; cf. v. 12; 6:42; 19:25–27) or ‘Woman’ in the vocative case (v. 4; 19:26). The Evangelist uses her here as a paradoxical symbol of both intercessory power with her Son and the impropriety of anyone’s having a claim on him except the Father.” (Pages 32–33)

“It tells about the disclosure in ordinary family festive circumstances of the hidden glory of Jesus the Son. Cana’s meaning is not the expression of divine power in a miracle. Neither is it the relief of human discomfiture. Its meaning is that the hidden life of the children of God will inexorably be revealed.” (Pages 37–38)

“Submission to a cleansing at Jesus’ hands—with total purification as the intent—is the proper disposition for partaking in the sacrificial drama to follow. Being bathed by Jesus means being symbolically taken into the event of the cross. It is likewise a model of service for the disciples.” (Page 169)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.

—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.

—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching John
• Author: Gerard Sloyan
• Publisher: John Knox Press
• Publication Date: 1988
• Pages: 239

About Gerard S. Sloyan

Gerard S. Sloyan is an emeritus professor of religion at Temple University and a visiting professor of religion and religious education at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He is the author of numerous books, including Why Jesus Died and Preaching from the Lectionary: An Exegetical Commentary.