The Theology of the Gospel of John
The Theology of the Gospel of John
£70.00
GBPIn this volume, Alicia Myers applies a narrative approach to the theology of the Gospel of John, which presents Jesus's coming as the climactic and transformative revelation of God in the world. Placing her study in the context of past and current approaches to John's theology, she explores theological themes with an eye toward the rhetorical categories and aims of the Gospel. These themes include: John's use of Scripture in its presentation of God, Jesus's characterization as the unique one who reveals God's will, the presentation of the world in need of rescue through purification and exorcism, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among the community of believers. Myers argues that John reframes other Gospel traditions and provided important fodder for early Christians debates. Contemporary readers inherit John's complicated legacy, including its apocalyptic view of liberation that relies on and undermines Jewish perspectives that do not recognize Jesus as God's Son and Christ.
- Applies literary and narrative-critical lenses along with rhetorical analysis to the study of John's theology
- Incorporates recent insights on Second Temple Judaism and highlights John's apocalyptic worldview to offer a unique angle on John's views of sin, salvation, and eschatology
- Argues John is theo-centric (God-centered) Gospel that presents Jesus as a theophany (God's presence) whose coming impacts the Gospel's use of the OT and its presentations of conflict and discipleship
Reviews & endorsements
'This is a most remarkable book that fills a long felt gap in scholarship. John's theological profile and central themes are densely reconstructed, based on a thorough understanding of the narrative mode and narrative devices aimed at engaging the reader to participate and respond. With a mastery of both ancient and contemporary scholarship, Myers breaks new ground, in her interpretation of 'the world', the purifying exorcism of its ruler, and the permeability of dualism, new birth and triumphant love. She presents the immense impact of John's theology not in the context of its ancient reception, and as a challenge for the 21st century.' Jörg Frey, University of Zurich, Switzerland
'Creative and engaging, this book is an excellent resource for the study of John's Gospel. Alicia Myers conveys the dynamic quality of Johannine theology, which is centered in God's intent to give life. Using the best in narrative criticism, she situates the Gospel's message in the broader biblical story of Israel's God, who created the world and is revealed within it through Jesus the incarnate Word. She has a keen sense of the paradoxes that draw readers more deeply into this story and she opens a way for readers to see themselves within it. Clearly and accessibly written, Myers' work will appeal to a wide audience.' Craig Koester, Asher O. & Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Emeritus Luther Seminary, St. Paul
Product details
August 2025Hardback
9781108496308
250 pages
216 × 140 mm
Not yet published - available from July 2025
Table of Contents
- List of tables, Acknowledgements, Part I. John's Gospel as Narrative Theology:
- 1. John's Theology: past and current approaches
- 2. John's theological story
- 3. John's narrative elements
- Part II. John's Theological Themes:
- 4. God's life-giving will: Israel's story and the Gospel
- 5. Jesus's unique identity: revealing the father
- 6. The world in need of rescue: purification and exorcism
- 7. The family of God: believers, the spirit and time
- Part III. John's Theological Contributions:
- 8. John's theological voice in the New Testament
- 9. John's theology in Christian history: continuing conversations
- Bibliography
- Index.
