The Gospel According to John A Literary and Theological Commentary [Paperback]

This commentary expands Johannine studies in two directions. First, drawing on the methods of literary criticism, it gives new force to a view which is both ancient and modern--that John's gospel, far from being a poorly-edited mixture of sometimes-conflicting traditions, is in fact a coherent unity, an account of Jesus which, however diverse its sources, is a finely-chiselled work of art. Second, it indicates that the unity of John's gospel is founded ultimately not on history or theology but on spirituality. This too corresponds to a view which is both very old--John was always known as the spiritual gospel--and very recent. The present study spells out that idea in new detail. It indicates that the account of Jesus is so written that the tensions and complexities of the text reflect the tensions and complexities of human life, providing the reader not only with an account of Jesus but also with an anthropology--a map of the development of the human spirit.

This solid piece of work can be warmly recommended to students of theology and preachers. --First Things

Entices the reader to think about John's Gospel in a fresh way. --Bible Today

Brodie's work is thought-provoking and challenging. --The Southern Cross

This is a fine study of a great book...it is well worth reading. --Reviews in Religion and Theology

One thing is for sure: Brodie will not bore the reader. Even those who are least disposed to accept his interpretations will find the commentary a stimulating work. --Westminster Theological Journal

Brodie's work is without a doubt distinctive....If one seeks provocation along with an invitation into the jungle of the hermeneutical process, this addition to the downpour of commentaries on the gospel of John soaks us with just such water. --Journal of Biblical Literature

This book marks an important development in the interpretation of tl@