John 12-21 (The New American Commentary, Vol 25B | NAC)
Overview
Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.
In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.
Top Highlights
“A branch is not a self-contained entity, and neither is the Christian disciple. And as a branch separated from the supply of nourishment cannot produce fruit, neither can the Christian. Fruit bearing for the disciple is totally dependent on a direct connection to Jesus.218 Attachment to Jesus or abiding in him is, therefore, the sine quo non of Christian discipleship.” (Page 142)
“Accordingly, the ‘true’ Vine, who is pictured here as steadfast and authentic,209 expects his followers to be truly fruitful in communicating the authentic message and life to the inauthentic and hostile world.” (Page 141)
“There is a direct connection between how one prays and the primary commitments of one’s life. Jesus in this core mashal demands that the fundamental commitment of a disciple’s life is abiding in him.225 That means that the model of Jesus in life and word must permeate the life and words of the disciple. When this happens, praying ceases to be selfish asking and becomes aligned with the will and purposes of God in Christ.” (Page 145)
“It is almost as though the evangelist is affirming the well-known concept that for a person to become right with God and gain a sense of release from the past sense of rebellion that that person should face the reality of where the deviation or sin occurred.” (Page 333)
“Although some commentators want to debate the issue of the status of the branches that were cut away and whether or not they were originally attached and nourished branches,205 I would suggest that the key to interpreting this mashal does not lie so much in the question of status as it does in the issue of fruitfulness. The mashal here sets the fruitfulness of Christians as a test of belonging in the Vine. It is very likely that in the Johannine churches there were a number of people who were identified as Christians but who were not bearing fruit.” (Page 140)
- Title: John 12–21
- Author: Gerald L. Borchert
- Series: New American Commentary
- Volume: 25B
- Publisher: B&H
- Print Publication Date: 2002
- Logos Release Date: 2003
- Pages: 384
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. N.T. John 12-21 › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781087799568, 9781433672682, 1433672685, 1087799562
- Resource ID: LLS:29.48.14
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:43:09Z