The Gospel of John, Vol. 5: Triumph Through Tragedy
Overview
"In the wisdom and purpose of God," says James Montgomery Boice, "the tragedy of the cross is a triumph since it is this that makes salvation possible." More than a message of Christ's triumph, the final chapters of the Gospel of John describe how we can triumph as well. Volume 5 covers chapters 18-21 and deals with the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry, centering on his betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection.
This expositional commentary on one of the Bible's most popular books combines careful scholarship and clear communication in a verse-by-verse and section-by-section reading of the biblical text. Integrating thoughtful interpretation with contemporary insight for daily living, James Montgomery Boice explains the meaning of the text and relates the text's concerns to the church, Christianity, and the world in which we live.
Top Highlights
“The point is not where the work is to be done or how. It is whether it is being done under Christ’s direction and in obedience to him or by our own wisdom and initiative.” (Page 1627)
“Faith had died and hope had died. But there was one thing that had not died—love. For in spite of their cruel disillusionment and virtual despair, the disciples all still loved their Master and could not cease thinking of him and grieving over him. The great example is Mary.” (Page 1571)
“The names of Peter and Thomas, which appear in the first and second positions, are obviously significant. Thomas was the rank unbeliever to whom Jesus had appeared and whose story is told just verses before this. Peter is the denier who is to be recommissioned to service in the verses immediately following. Can we miss that the church is made up of those who were doubters, deniers, and sinners of many varieties, but who have been brought to faith by Christ and have had their sins forgiven? These are the ones who do Christian work—normal people, with all the failings we are heir to, not fictitious characters of superhuman faith and fortitude.” (Page 1625)
“When John saw the graveclothes, he saw them only in a cursory manner and from outside the tomb. The Greek uses the most common word for seeing (blepō); it suggests nothing more than sight. But when Peter arrived he scrutinized the graveclothes carefully. The Scripture uses a special word (theoreō) for what Peter did (from it we get our words ‘theory’ and ‘theorize’). Moreover, it tells what Peter saw. The Bible says that Peter ‘went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen’ (John 20:6–7). At this point John entered, saw what Peter had seen (this time the word is oraō, meaning ‘to see with understanding’), and believed in Jesus’ resurrection (v. 8).” (Pages 1564–1565)
Dr. Boice's commentary series is a treasure for the church and for her pastors. No expository preacher can afford to be without it.
—R. C. Sproul
- Title: The Gospel of John, Vol. 5: Triumph Through Tragedy
- Author: James Montgomery Boice
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 1999
- Pages: 352
James Montgomery Boice (July 7, 1938–June 15, 2000) was a Reformed theologian and pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1968 until his death. He received degrees from Harvard University, Princeton Theological Seminary, University of Basel in Switzerland and Theological Seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Boice served as senior pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was president and cofounder of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the parent organization of The Bible Study Hour radio broadcast on which Boice was a speaker for more than 30 years. He also served as chairman of the International Council of Biblical Inerrancy for over ten years.
Boice’s 27-volume Expositional Commentary set reflects his years of experience in the pulpit. He also authored Foundations of the Christian Faith which provides a readable overview of Christian theology.
