John

Believers Church Bible Commentary

by Willard M. Swartley

The gospel of John's from above orientation transforms our human from below assumptions and habits. It draws us into union with God and into unity with one another. It communicates who Jesus is, in both intimate and profound dimensions. The book of John shapes Christian identity, invigorates worship, and implants eternal hope.
John's gospel defies description, marvels Swartley, professor emeritus at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. It soars like the eagle, links heaven and earth, and both comforts and convicts the human heart. Its Christology is rich, with a plethora of titles for Jesus-even the divine eternal I AM.
Though commentaries on the book of John abound, this volume follows the unique Believers Church Bible Commentary Series format, providing sections on The Text in Biblical Context and The Text in the Life of the Church. According to Swartley, this format serves well the interests of seminary as well as other graduate students, and pastors especially.

Genres: Reference

600 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Tim Chesterton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid, thoroughly researched commentary that does an excellent job of examining the text from an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective. The author interacts with many other scholars who have written on the Fourth Gospel and other New Testament themes, and he also does an very good job of bringing out the relevance of the text for the life of the church.

Over the years I've dipped into several commentaries on John, but have only read two from start to finish: N.T. Wright's 'John for Everyone', and this one. Four stars out of five.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this commentary as a gift upon completion of seminary. I have not read another commentary on John yet but I would think it might provide some additional information about the background that this commentary has elected not to include.

I will keep this commentary as a valuable resource on my shelf as I continue in theological study and sermon prep.