St. John’s Gospel: A Bible Study Guide and Commentary
Overview
As Catholics in ever-growing numbers are taking part in Bible studies, many questions arise. How do I study the Bible? Where do I begin? Is it okay to interpret the Bible for ourselves? What Bible should I use? How can I understand such a deep book as the Gospel of St. John?
This book has the answer to these and many other such questions. Stephen Ray takes the difficult and makes it easy; he takes the confusion and makes things clear. It gives a simple start for a beginner while providing the depth and profundity for the scholar. This book is one of a kind. It is the first extensive, easy to use and thoroughly Catholic study guide available.
This Bible study provides extensive “text boxes” with detailed information that helps students discover the cultural, religious, historical and other information on the specific passage they are studying. It utilizes quotes for a wide range of scholars, historians and specialists to instruct the student and give valuable insights into the background and meaning of the text. This book can serve as a basic Bible study guide for working through the Gospel of John, helping the student plumb the depths of St. John’s marvelous and deeply spiritual Gospel. It is excellent for use by individuals or groups, for families or schools.
Top Highlights
“As she [Mary] was the door through which the Son of God passed from heaven to earth, she now introduces him among men.’6 Whereas the other Gospel writers seem primarily to emphasize Mary’s role in the Incarnation, John stresses her participation in the manifestation of Jesus’ glory.” (Page 75)
“Thus there is a mediation: Mary places herself between her Son and mankind in the reality of their wants, needs and sufferings. She puts herself ‘in the middle,’ that is to say she acts as a mediatrix not as an outsider, but in her position as mother.” (Page 76)
“There is much in Jewish teaching that implies the Messiah will teach the Torah anew” (Page 137)
“Moses taught the Old Law; Jesus came to teach the New Law—of grace (Mt 5:17ff.” (Page 137)
“This is the only miracle in which Jesus allows his disciples to participate” (Page 142)
Steve Ray’s St. John’s Gospel is a welcome addition to the blossoming field of Scripture studies written by and for faithful lay Catholics. His research is sound, his style accessible, and his insights are solidly Catholic and biblical. May he write many more!
—Mark Shea, author, Making Senses Out of Scripture
Stephen Ray presents a readable and intelligent interpretation of the Gospel of John. His approach is simple, clear, yet profound and discerning. For those who seek the truth and understanding of St. John’s Gospel, this book is a must reading.
—Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, Philippines
There is no greater guide to St. John’s Gospel than this utterly outstanding offering from the heart of one of the most gifted converts to the Church in recent years. This is simply the best, most thorough, practical, and intensely Catholic Bible study I’ve seen.
—Rosalind Moss, editor, Home At Last
Steve Ray’s teaching of the Bible has inspired many in the parish we both belong to. I’m happy to hear that these teachings will now be available in book form so that many more can benefit.
—Ralph Martin, author, Called to Holiness
- Title: St. John’s Gospel: A Bible Study Guide and Commentary
- Author: Stephen K. Ray
- Publisher: Ignatius Press
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 461