John

by Rodney A. Whitacre

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 1999

Overview

In this engaging, pastorally-oriented commentary, readers will find an introduction with background material concerning authorship, date and purpose, as well as a summary of important theological themes. A passage-by-passage exposition follows that focuses on understanding what John had to say to his original readers in order to see its relevance for the church today.

From the Back Cover of the Print Edition

The Gospel of John declares its purpose clearly – “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Thus it fulfills a dual function, encouraging believers and providing them with evidences for proclaiming that Jesus is God’s Messiah, the divine, incarnate Son of God.

Christians today, as in the first century, can draw strength and courage from John’s telling of the story of Jesus, a telling that consistently reflects not only the words and deeds of Jesus but their inner significance. We are called to worship as we find the father, Son and Spirit revealed in the Gospel. And as in Jesus we discover God’s light, life and love, we learn to respond in faith, humility and obedience.

In this engaging, pastorally oriented commentary, readers will find an introduction with background material concerning authorship, date and purpose, as well as a summary of important theological themes. A passage-by-passage exposition follows that focuses on understanding what John had to say to his original readers in order to see its relevance for the church today.

Students, pastors, Bible teachers and everyone who wants to understand the message of John for the church will benefit from this excellent resource.

Top Highlights

“The development of the image in the next section (vv. 7–17) suggests that bearing fruit refers to the possession of the divine life itself and especially the chief characteristics of that life, knowledge of God (cf. 15:15) and love (15:9–14). Jesus says when they bear much fruit they demonstrate that they are his disciples (15:8), and elsewhere he states love the evidence that one is a disciple (13:35; 14:21, 23) and is in union with God and with one another (17:21–23). Thus, the image of fruit symbolizes that which is at the heart of both Christian witness and ethics—union with God.” (Page 373)

“The peace Jesus is talking about is not the cessation of hostilities from enemies, but rather the gift of calmness and confidence that comes from union with God and faith in him and his purposes.” (Page 365)

“So the image is not that of a door as a barrier for protection, but of a door as a passageway” (Page 258)

“The key qualification for this task, as this chapter indicates, is a love for Jesus that is characterized by humility, dependence and obedience.” (Page 497)

“Sin is rejecting Jesus; justice is what God has done for Jesus; judgment is what Jesus has accomplished already by his death’” (Page 390)

Product Details

• Title: John
• Author: Rodney A. Whitacre
• Series: IVP New Testament Commentary
• Volume: 4
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 1999
• Logos Release Date: 2006
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. John › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780830861323, 0830861327
• Resource ID: LLS:IVNTJN
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:48:10Z

About Rodney A. Whitacre

Professor of Biblical Studies, Cranmer Theological House.