John: Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries

by Karoline M. Lewis

Karoline Lewis draws together the strengths of two exegetical approaches to the Gospel of John in this volume of the Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries series. Lewis takes a broad thematic approach to the Gospel while at the same time giving exegetical and homiletical insights about individual pericopes. With attention to both liturgical interpretation and exegetical analysis, Lewis provides a unique preaching resource that will build biblical literacy by assisting both preachers and listeners in understanding John's Gospel as a whole, not just a collection of vaguely related stories. Those who peruse these pages will discover anew how John's story of Jesus shapes and gives worth to being a disciple for the sake of the world God loves. In other words, the intent of this commentary is to invite the reader into an encounter with the Jesus of John's Gospel. Such an encounter witnesses to how an experience of the Jesus of John actually matters. Readers, preachers, and their parishioners will have a deeper appreciation of the book's unique interpretation of the Christ event and how that influences their approach to living the Christian faith in today's world.

Genres: Reference

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2014

Reviews

[John Angerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a breakthrough book for me. I am an Episcopal Priest that preaches a sermon every Sunday. I used to dread when the Gospel of John came up on the lectionary first preaching.

Then I went to a clergy day hosted by my diocese and met Dr. Lewis. She is a Gospel of John game changer.

Her commentary, which I read cover to cover (not my usual practice with a Biblical Commentary) starts with the most fascinating premise I’ve read in a while. She posits “theological themes” in John, 7 or 8 clear theological themes that are created in the Prologue of John and feed the rest of the narrative, virtually every verse that follows John 1:1-21.

It’s made preaching John enjoyable and even fun, and Bible study Wednesday night has taken a whole new energy. This Commentary will inform, aid and open your mind to a deeper meaning of John.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karoline M. Lewis has taught me to enjoy the Gospel of St. John through her remarkable commentary. John has a speech cadence that reminded me of circus music: sort of circular, odd, and if/thenish. Now, I understand how darkness and light are related to unbelief and belief. I have a much better understanding of how radically inclusive John can be when framed through a proper lens. Lewis' suggestions: Look at John as a WHOLE book, think 'Incarnation', and 'To Abide in the Word' means to be in 'relationship' with the Word.
Karoline, you've knocked it out of the park and I am forever grateful.

[Lisa H. May · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful

This is my favorite commentary on the gospel of John. Lewis helps connect all the themes in a way that opens up new approaches to John. I preach the narrative lectionary, so this commentary helped me open the gospel to my flock in fuller ways.

[Susie Webster-toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and clear, Lewis’s writing helped me to fall in love with John’s gospel in a way I would never have anticipated.

[George Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best commentary I ever read. Empowered me to preach some of my most theological, pastoral sermons in 17 years of ministry