Introduction to the Literary Art of the Gospel of John: A Biblical Approach
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The Gospel of John is a magnificent book. Intricate fabrics interweave its beautiful robe and its material is a finely twisted linen of many colors. Throughout the history of the church, interpreters have long been captivated by its loveliness and power. Many modern interpreters, however, would not hesitate to call it puzzling, confusing, or ridden with riddles at least. “What is John?” is therefore a fascinating question that lingers. During the last half century, literary theories have been brought into the study of the Fourth Gospel with varying degrees of success. New analytical lenses are cast over the Gospel to render its secrets, but it feels as if only those who are initiated into its mystery have the knowledge. Reading and rereading strategies are offered, but the path out of the vast labyrinth is difficult to find. The Gospel of John, however, surprisingly reads much like the Old Testament. In fact, its form is deeply imbued in the styles of Old Testament poetry, narratives, and prophets, that when they are properly understood together, John's message comes across clearly. Taking a comprehensive view of the styles of the Old Testament, this book takes you to see John in its grand design .
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- Offers readers a double benefit: an informative survey of the insights and methods of biblical literary criticism and a very welcome emphasis on the ways in which the poetics of the Hebrew Bible have influenced the writing of the Fourth Gospel.
- Evaluates recent literary theories of the Gospel of John through the lens of Old Testament poetics
- Explains how John uses literary strategies in ways similar to the Old Testament>
The Gospel of John is one of the most beloved books in the Bible. Paul Jo helps us see why. He explains how John uses literary strategies in ways similar to the Old Testament. The result is that readers will better understand John’s message and increasingly enjoy its form.
—Christopher W. Morgan, California Baptist University
In this timely and thorough work, Paul Jo evaluates recent literary theories of the Gospel of John through the lens of Old Testament poetics. The result is a valuable contribution that all scholars of New Testament or intertextual studies should have on their shelves. You’ll find yourself consulting this volume time and time again.
—Matthew R. Akers, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
In this engaging introduction to the literary art of the Gospel of John, Paul Jo offers readers a double benefit: an informative survey of the insights and methods of biblical literary criticism and a very welcome emphasis on the ways in which the poetics of the Hebrew Bible have influenced the writing of the Fourth Gospel.
—Timothy Wiarda, Gateway Seminary
This book is a delight to read! . . . Well researched, wide-ranging, lucidly written, logically structured, sound in its judgments, and compelling argued, this is a work that I heartily commend to any who take biblical literature seriously. It will be at my side when next I take a deep dive into the Gospel of John.
—V. Philips Long, Regent College, emeritus