John - Paperback

by Jo-Ann a. Brant (Author), Mikeal C. Parsons (Editor), Charles Talbert (Editor)

In this addition to the well-received Paideia series, Jo-Ann Brant examines cultural context and theological meaning in John. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by

- attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs
- showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits
- commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book
- focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text
- making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly format

This commentary, like each in the projected eighteen-volume series, proceeds by sense units rather than word-by-word or verse-by-verse.

Back Jacket

Jo-Ann Brant is attentive to both the background and the reception history of the Gospel. Drawing on everything from Greco-Roman rhetoric to Shakespeare to modern American pop culture, she offers fresh perspectives on specific points in virtually every chapter, provides a coherent picture of the Gospel as a whole, and identifies resources for the reader to explore further. A significant and welcome contribution.
--J. Ramsey Michaels, Missouri State University

"Brant skillfully mines the Greco-Roman literary, rhetorical, and social world of the Fourth Gospel and writes with brevity that moves the reader briskly along from one fresh insight to the next. The result is paideia--a wonderfully formative experience!"
--R. Alan Culpepper, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University

"This marvelous commentary is packed with substantive information and fresh insights. One may disagree with interpretations at points, but I find them consistently stimulating and well thought-out. As with other volumes in the Paideia series, this one is masterfully designed to provide optimum access for readers."
--Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Among the spate of commentaries published on John's Gospel, Brant's is distinctive and distinguished. It may well become the text of choice for the university classroom and will enhance appreciation of the Bible as literature."
--Willard Swartley, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

"Brant thoughtfully leads the reader deeply into the Gospel of John as well as the Greco-Roman world that shaped it. Students who read carefully will be rewarded with not only a profoundly enriched understanding of the Gospel but also a solid introduction to Greco-Roman literary, rhetorical, and dramatic traditions."
--Colleen M. Conway, Seton Hall University

"Brant has written a commentary on the Fourth Gospel that is ideal for the classroom and the pastor's study, while also proving useful to the scholar. She serves as an authoritative guide to the world of ancient literature. I recommend this commentary highly."
--Chris Keith, St. Mary's University

"Brant engages extensively with both ancient and modern sources in such a way that the student receives an introduction to major figures and currents in both the ancient world and modern scholarship on John. Her commentary is clear, concise, and engaging."
--Rodney A. Whitacre, Trinity School for Ministry

Author Biography

Jo-Ann A. Brant (PhD, McMaster University) is professor of Bible, religion, and philosophy at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. She is the author of Dialogue and Drama: Elements of Greek Tragedy in the Fourth Gospel and has contributed to several books.