Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

In this useful work, C. Kingsley Barrett offers an insightful commentary on the book of John. Barrett seeks to view John in light of a variety of contexts, including that in which it was written, and its implications for modern-day readers. The book includes detailed notes and commentary on each chapter of John's Gospel.

Recognized as an innovative interpreter of the Gospel of John, for decades Francis J. Moloney has approached the sacred literature in a way that attends both to the details of the text and to the several contexts that gave life to the original story. This “text and context” approach continues to enrich the reading and interpretation of the Gospel in today’s world. Gospel of John: Text and Context gathers Francis Moloney’s key studies on John’s Gospel written over the course of his career. The three sections of the work comprise studies of Johannine history, theology, and research; exegetical studies ranging across all parts of the Johannine narrative; and an exploration of how the Fourth Gospel came to be understood as sacred Scripture.

The book examines six long narratives of the Fourth Gospel, arguing that they are best understood as 'symbolic narrative'. They display a unique cohesion of symbol and narrative: the narrative unfolds the symbol and the symbol draws out the narrative. This process occurs as the character struggles to understand the symbolic meaning. The structure develops in five Stages: the establishing of a 'sign', image or feast (Stage 1); misunderstood in materialistic terms (Stage 2); the struggle to understand the symbolic meaning (Stage 3); the acceptance or rejection of that meaning (Stage 4); a confession of faith or statement of rejection (Stage 5). The symbolic narratives reveal how material reality becomes symbolic of the divine. Just as the flesh of Jesus is the symbol of divine glory, so material reality now has the potential for symbolizing God. Flesh has no independent existence; its value lies in its symbolic role. This parallels the cohesion between form and meaning. Just as the flesh is given value in symbolizing the divine, so narrative form is of value in disclosing theological meaning. The implied reader is drawn into the drama of the symbolic narratives to make the authentic response of faith.

Engaging and accessible, The Lion and the Lamb is an ideal resource for college students and others interested in knowing the essentials of each New Testament book. A concise summary of The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown -- the acclaimed New Testament introduction by the same authors -- this volume sets a new standard for high-level, up-to-date research presented in a core knowledge format that is practical, relevant, and easy to follow. Part One features chapters on the nature of Scripture and the religious and political background of the New Testament. Part Two covers the Gospels in the canonical order, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Part Three uses Acts as the framework for treating Paul’s letters in chronological written order: Galatians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Corinthians, Romans, and the Prison and Pastoral Epistles (Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and 1-2 Timothy and Titus, respectively). Part Four includes discussions of the General Epistles (Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude) and Revelation. Each chapter clearly discusses the book’s key facts, contribution to the canon, historical setting, literary features, and theological message. In all, The Lion and the Lamb makes this learning exciting and rewarding.

In analyzing the intertextuality between the Genesis and Johannine Prologues, Dr. Lioy maintains that both passages utilize polemical theology to refute distorted views of ultimate reality. Furthermore, he theorizes that the author of the Johannine Prologue deliberately reflected the structure and themes found in the Genesis Prologue to emphasize that the God-man, Jesus Christ, created all things and is a new (spiritual) beginning for all who believe in Him. Ultimate reality is found through faith in the Son.

A substantive commentary on the gospel of John that will help pastors, students, and teachers understand and explain this key New Testament book.