Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective (Encountering Biblical Studies)
Arguably the Gospel of John is the most widely read gospel and at the same time the gospel which is the most difficult to understand. Students who look for a comprehensive introduction into the Fourth Gospel need to look no further. A. Kstenberger has written the best college level introduction available. The book is packed with the most recent scholarship yet is not pedantic in its presentation of secondary sources. It regulary discusses differing views on numerous topics yet never loses its focus. It consistently introduces the reader into scholarly debates not for their own sake but for enhancing the understanding of the text of the Gospel. It demonstrates an admirable balance between historical, literary, and theological matters. And it seeks to help the reader to engage with the Gospel and with the Incarnate Word whom it portrays, on a personal level. I highly recommend the book  --Eckhard Schnabel, Trinity Evangelical Divinity SchoolCombines expert scholarship with skillful and attractive methods of communication. It is exactly what students of the Fourth Gospel need both to provide them with the scholarly information and to guide and stimulate their own exploration of the Gospel and the many issues it raises. A splendid contribution to this new series.  --Richard Bauckham, St. Andrews University--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.