The Jewish Gospel of John: Discovering Jesus, King of All Israel

by Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg

The Jewish Gospel of John is not, by any standard, another book on Jesus of Nazareth written from a Jewish perspective. It is an invitation to the reader to put aside their traditional understanding of the Gospel of John and to replace it with another one more faithful to the original text perspective. The Jesus that will emerge will provoke to rethink most of what you knew about this gospel. The book is a well-rounded verse-by-verse illustrated rethinking of the fourth gospel. Here is the instead of reading it, as if it was written for 21 century Gentile Christians, the book interprets it as if it was written for the first-century peoples of ancient Israel. The book proves what Krister Stendahl stated long time “Our vision is often more abstracted by what we think we know than by our lack of knowledge.” Other than challenging the long-held interpretations of well-known stories, the author with the skill of an experienced tour guide, takes us to a seat within those who most probably heard this gospel read in the late first century. Such exploration of variety of important contexts allows us to recover for our generation the true riches of this marvelous Judean gospel.“A genuine apologetic is one that is true to the texts and the history, akin to the speeches of a defense attorney with integrity. Using the best of contemporary scholarship in first-century Judaic history and contributing much of his own, Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg has demonstrated that the Gospel of John is not an anti-Jewish, but a thoroughly Jewish book.”Daniel Boyarin, Hermann P. and Sophia Taubman Professor of Talmudic Culture, University of California, Berkeley“Dr. Lizorkin-Eyzenberg places the text of John’s Gospel in its authentic context by examining the Dead Sea Scrolls, Philo, rabbinic literature, and suggesting innovative explanations for the nomenclature, ‘the Jews.’ His fresh analysis is sure to stir meaningful debate. His creative approach will make an enduring contribution to the discipline of New Testament studies.” Brad Young, Professor of Biblical Literature in Judeao-Christian Studies, Oral Roberts University“For some time, research on the Gospels has suffered from stagnation, and there is a feeling that there is not much new that one can say. In light of this, Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg’s new commentary on the Gospel of John, with its original outlook on the identity of the original audience and the issues at stake, is extremely refreshing.” Ishay Rosen-Zvi, Head of the Talmud and Late Antiquity Department, Tel-Aviv University.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Audiobook, Reference

268 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2015

Reviews

[Moshe Karsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing read, and once in print from will be rolled out by me for study in groups. Scholarly but accessible, and uniquely able to get out from under the weight of traditional interpretation. The author brings solid academic materials as well as a passionate heart to the subject. With eye-opening clarity the familiar becomes even more powerful and the perplexing becomes edifying. Not claiming an exhaustive or final treatment of the Gospel of John, he sets a course for better study of texts as inspired, and contextualized. I was especially touched by his closing comments and vision for the Body of Messiah. Read this and you will see the King all the more clearly!

[Larry LaRocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely well written, clear, concise, simple, pragmatic, and easy to understand. There are excellent illuminations and elucidations of historical facts and scriptural text allowing for the essentially simple and timely point of this Gospel to emerge cleanly, but in the correct 1st century context. The understandable presentation allows for the intensely powerful and true meaning to shine through. Putting Christ's ministry in the proper relationship to the time in which it occurred eliminates the potential for misunderstanding or distorting the truth of John and the Messiahship of Christ. By clarifying the roles, positions and agendas of the people Christ interacted with and corrected gives a keen insight into today's spiritual issues.

This book is important not only for reconciling Jew and Christian, but also for all the world's various sects. All men seek God. This "joining of the sticks" is the fulfillment of God’s True Will, the grafting in of all His People. This text allows the historically ‘real’ Jesus to shine through. This is done in the book by simplifying, clarifying and illustrating the beauty and power of His Message to the people who lived around him and thus to the people of our world. I would absolutely recommend this book to all those seeking to find an authentic Christ.

Larry Larocca

[Ewelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "Jewish Gospels of John" by Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg was a great pleasure and a big adventure. Word by word and chapter-by-chapter, the reader is being moved to the first century in Jerusalem, one can see the Holy Land, and hear Jesus teaching the crowds. Many people believe that Gospel of John is the most difficult one, but after reading Dr. Eli’s incredible book, it seems fascinating and intelligible. After reading "Jewish Gospel of John" you can answer any question regarding how this Gospel describes Jesus' life. The author makes fascinating connections between the Gospel of John and the Book of Ezekiel, and shows how one can understand its anti-Jewish context, and much more. Whether you are an academic scholar or a beginner to Bible exploration - you can enjoy this fascinating journey. I believe this is my new favorite book. It is most important one to me because it is far from a difficult academic discussion. It is written in easy to understand language and every difficult part is explained. This book allow the reader to read and contemplate the Gospel of John in new ways.
I would recommend this book to my friends and everyone who wants to understand John’s Gospel better.
Ewelina Drela

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I found what I was reading to be interesting and in some cases quite educational I cannot quite give it 5 or even 4 stars since I am more than certain the copy I received isn't a whole book. The reason that I say this is since this Gospel only ends upon Chapter 5 if you will while the Gospel has 21 and furthermore the actual page that first pulls up states that it has more than 300 pages but mine just had 87.

Anyway it is always with caution and also an open mind that I approach reads like this. Sometimes they make sense and provide a light but also at other times you have to wonder what the author is thinking about or even what their covered motives may be. Fortunately for me in this case this is one of those books that will have the reader opening up their mind and seeing some of the events of John in a better light than what we normally view it as while also providing some historical information that helps to give more background than what one normally gets.

The only complaint with the exception that the book wasn't complete and is requiring you to buy the whole thing to re-read it was that some of the writing was a bit on the dry side. In these cases it was either repetitive or just seemed to take forever to get to the point. Fortunately if the reader can just put up with a bit of that they will find that there is truly a gem to be found at the end of the barrage.

And so it is that I can say that so far in what I have read that I would recommend the book to fellow readers who may be interested in the historical, cultural or commentary format as long as I finish where I am. For a full recommendation it is going to have to wait until I get a chance to read the whole book instead of just this portion.

[Tina at Mommynificent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly thought-provoking book. I found a number of his insights and interpretations quite mind-blowing and it definitely enhanced my understanding of the book of John. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but I liked that. It kept me thinking and evaluating and comparing things with my understanding of other Scriptures. He definitely won me over on a few points, didn't on some others, and a few are pending further review. :) He had a strong thesis and hammered it thoroughly. I understood this, but sometimes it frustrated me a little because I was already convinced and felt he was overlooking other obvious things I wanted to "discuss" with him, but, instead, he just showed how a passage supported his thesis and didn't discuss the things I was curious about. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for all scholars and lovers of Scripture. It will undoubtedly broaden your perspective on this beloved book of Scripture and give you a fuller understanding of what was accomplished by our Saviour.

[Les Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, and I wish every Christian would read it.

[Yaarit Anderson]

One of my favorite parts of the book was the author’s presentation of the Samaritan woman’s meeting with Yeshua at the well. It was refreshing to see Yeshua’s words give value to her and those words welling up as His witness. I also liked learning what the words, “the Jews” actually mean, (although I am unable to pronounce the word Ioudaioi) and your reference to them as a sub-group who rejected Yeshua teaching and purpose.
This book allowed me to more readily see the Hebraic mindset of the Gospel of John. It also allowed me to focus on Yochanan’s understanding of Yeshua’s love for him. He, Yochanan, (John) received Him (Yesua) unto Himself. I will certainly recommend this book to my friends.

[Donald Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complex history of Jewish religious sects was as of little interest to me, but became critical to the understanding of this gospel. I saw the text with new insights and these felt logical and fresh. Recommended!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This commentary clarified to me more than any other text or teacher ever has the intensity and significance of the Samaritan-Judean conflict during the time of Jesus. This tension was in stark opposition to God's intention for one unified Israel. The author points out many ways the Gospel of John could have been written precisely for the purpose of reaching the Jews of Samaria and the Samaritan diaspora, with an attempt to unify Israel under one Messiah who is Jesus, and thus fulfilling prophecy for the reunification of the two kingdoms. The author explains in many circumstances how some of the harsh language in the gospel toward "the Jews," which historically has been used as fuel for antisemitism and replacement theology, can be more accurately interpreted; and even how much of the language and story choices create opportunity for advancement of the gospel specifically to the Samaritan Jews.

The commentary overall is accessible and heartfelt. In some areas I would have appreciated more detail and depth, but this is a great starting point for deepened understanding of the gospel of John and righting some of the historical misuse of the text.

[Tim Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel of John refocused on the First Century world.

The Gospel of John has often been viewed as anti-Jewish. Indeed, it can easily seem that way to modern ears. But the author believes that changes when viewed with a First-Century lens. At that time, what John calls "the Jews" was only one part of the Hebraic religion - the part that religiously followed the Judean religious government centered in Jerusalem. The Samaritan's, Essenes, and others followed the God of Abraham and Moses, but not the religious establishment of Judea. The author believes that the Gospel of John is written to all of those groups , and perhaps especially to the Samaritans. (He sees the Samaritans as being nearly as numerous as the Judean adherents in that day.) The author also believes that Jesus saw the Judean religious system (especially the Pharisees) as being most correct theologically, but also as being thoroughly corrupted politically by their lust for power.

[Nick Sarchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good presentation of a different perspective

Well written insights to the gospel of John from a Jewish perspective. I have long been inspired by John's gospel. Now I have addition reasons to be so! Very enlightening and presented factually with scriptural support. Highly recommended to those who want to get the most from the scriptural record. This book has truly enhanced and enriched my understanding of Christ, His earthy ministry and the conflicts with religious leaders He encountered. You will be blessed by this book. Read it prayerfully!

[Abigail Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thousand stars ⭐️, or at least 153 of them. This is the best walkthrough of any gospel I’ve studied to date. My Bible is covered in notes and insights from the (admittedly long) time I spent with the gospel of John and this book.

This commentary was challenging, poignant, and moving. It’s past time to review the antisemitism present in most gospel studies, and the author here argues that these views come from misinterpretation of the text and misidentification of its original and specific audience.

The audiobook was phenomenal. Definitely the best way to absorb these ideas.

[Andy Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puts the “Judeo” back into our “Judeo-Christian” heritage

Anyone who desires a deeper understanding of the Scriptures should read this book. Dr. Eyzenberg clearly describes and defends his assertions that the Gospel of John has been misunderstood for centuries, and makes a strong case in his defense. Altogether an enlightening read, especially for those seeking to better understand our “Jewish Messiah” from a Jewish perspective. Highly recommended.

[Ross Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizorkin-Eyzenberg draws a few questionable conclusions from his secondary sources, and toward the end he starts to engage in some pretty far-reaching speculation (though he does caution against taking his speculations too far), but overall he does succeed at making his hypothesis convincing, and I learned a lot of interesting historical details.

[Fred G. Freitag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on understanding the gospel of John

The author shares interesting insights into the text from Jewish and Christian theology perspectives but also cultural and linguistic aspects. At times through he goes superficial and fails to address issues exposed. Definitely worth the read

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing!

This look at the Gospel account bearing John's name as it's author offers an opportunity to examine this particular account of the story of Jesus from a different angle. You may or, may not, agree with it's conclusions but for anyone remotely interested in the subject matter I would certainly recommend reading it.

[Lars · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had some good points on ethnic readings, but in my opinion little to offer in terms of biblical theology or the deeper meaning of the text. I listened to the audio version read by the author. I can't recommend it. There are other, better commentaries.

[John M · Rating 5 out of 5]

thought provoking

I am becoming more and more interested in the Jewish perspective of the Gospels as I think it is much more fuller. This book has certainly helped me it that regards. Excellent

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to read the others in this series.

This is informative, but simple. It clears up misconceptions. Adds incite from a Jewish mind. It should be required reading for the Church.

[Yeshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent interpretation of the Book of John. presents worthwhile interpretations from a Jewish perspective.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem and on my short list to re-read...

[James Cosentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting adds new light

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perspective on John that I haven’t seen before, that I found highly convincing, well reasoned and supported historically.

[Timothy Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read

The author presents a valid point and challenges The reader to look at the Gospel with a fresh point of view. Excellent read!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gospel of John from the perspective of First Century Jewish Culture.

[Jameson Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and easy to follow commentary on the book of John from a Christian Jewish historian. He provides a different perspective on what the term "the Jews" means throughout the gospel.

[Antti K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vaihtoehtoisia tulkintatapoja Johanneksen evankeliumiin. Osa oli ihan hyviäkin.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

​I really enjoyed reading the book and I think it was excellently written. The author stated his objective clearly, argued persuasively, and used the right amount of historical data, literary analysis, and theological support to make his case. Moreover, this was done in a very easy to read manner-I didn’t want to put the book down!

Dr. Eli stressed a point that is critical for understanding his argument: Biblical texts weren’t written with us modern folks in mind, or even more, to settle 17th century protestant-Roman Catholic disputes. They were written to a particular people at a particular time, so any interpretation and/or application must start with this context. Within this context, Dr. Eli makes a very convincing case that the gospel of John’s point was to reach the northern tribes of Israel. Throughout the entire book he demonstrates more than once how the Greek term, Ioudaioi, usually translated as “Jews”, depicts a group of people who at times seem pro-Jesus and other times anti-Jesus, ought to be thought of as a defined group of Israelites who controlled the temple and were the power elite in the southern kingdom of Israel. Dr. Eli argues Jesus was a member of this group, the Ioudaioi. This fact, Jesus being an Ioudaioi, causes the apparent contradictions in the text to disappear because the author of John was trying to convince the Samaritan Jews that Jesus, while an “Ioudaioi”, was not part of the power elite but the true King of Israel, faithful to their appreciation of the Torah.

I also found his discussion relating John’s narration to Ezekiel’s prophecies fascinating. This augments his argument that John was trying to persuade Samaritan Jews that Jesus was the legitimate King of Israel, that Jesus was the one who would unite Joseph (i.e. the 10 Northern Tribes) and Judah (the southern Kingdom) per the dry bones coming to life vision.

Dr. Eli doesn't hide his bias as a Christian, but does keep his commentary objective, giving “air time” to some things that would make a lot of church people uneasy. I applaud this.

Lastly, from a personal spiritual growth perspective, I found this to be invaluable teaching. Not only did I learn in my head more about the God I love, many times while reading this book I was moved emotionally, at times to tears, as I came to better know in my heart this person, Jesus, whom I also call God. I think anyone looking for teaching, inspiration, or even just information will find this book well worth the time reading it.

Dr. Eli ends by noting that wrong Bible interpretation is one of if not the biggest factor behind the centuries of Jewish persecution by Christians. This book takes a commendable step in promoting healing the wounds caused by this evil. I think both Christians and modern traditional Jews would benefit from learning as much as we can about the Jewish culture of 2000 years ago that produced both trajectories. We would all do well to try to find the things in both the Jewish and Christian traditions that are more closely connected to that time period and consider or reconsider how we do things today, be willing to admit our faults, and be willing to change cherished traditions based on wrong Bible interpretation. I hope reading this book will inspire you to do that-it will most certainly bring glory to God.

[Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Wait to Read this Book!

Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg has effectively captured the content of John's Jewish Gospel. Following with him as he goes chapter to chapter through John helps you understand the history of many things including the importance of the Israel/Samaria relationship and how John reached out to unite both groups in his gospel. That being said, chapter 4 of Yeshua's encounter with the woman from Samaria was very enlightening and had me glued to my chair. I'll never again view this outstanding Samaritan woman the same.

I also appreciated how the book breaks down various other groups within Israel including those specifically within the "Judean leadership" whom Dr. Eli identifies as the Ioudaioi (normally carelessly translated broadly and understood as "all Jews"). The Jewish Gospel of John effectively points out the error of the "traditional reading" of this gospel in which one can easily mistakenly lump all Jews into one basket and thus pass judgment on the Jewish people as a whole for the crucifixion of Yeshua. The Ioudaioi (Jewish leadership) by no means speaks for all of Israel.

Another important theme in this book is learning about the connection between the Son of Man in John and how his gospel links this same Son of Man idea with that of the prophets Ezekiel, Daniel and Zechariah. Having this knowledge helps one have a better understanding between John's gospel and the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, something many believers would benefit from and should incorporate into their theology. I was also fascinated with the importance of the disciples’ role after the ascension of Yeshua. They were to continue being gatherers of "all the lost sheep of the house of Israel" into His kingdom. I, like the author, also believe in the restoration of the nation of Israel being gathered into one unit under the kingship of our Lord and Messiah Yeshua – the exclusive fulfillment of the two sticks becoming one in Messiah (Ezek. 37:15-28). We are now seeing this being fulfilled in the Last Days with the Lord gathering Israel from among the nations of the world and returning them to their homeland! We see this mission to the Jews specifically beginning in and flowing from John's gospel ("Feed My sheep") into the early chapters of Acts. Perhaps Dr. Eli would continue to enlighten us by later writing a book on Acts including the theme of "To the Jew first and then to the Gentiles"! When more Gentile believers wake up to the fact that they should be working together with Jewish believers to reach the multitudes who are lost in darkness, I believe more people will come to "the light" and turn toward righteousness. This type of evangelistic outreach will usher the quick return of our Lord Yeshua!

If you are looking for a solid book that is easy, enjoyable to read and one which will help your understanding of our Jewish Messiah Yeshua and His mission for the Church, then this is your book! I highly recommend it.

Rev. Fritz J. Brown

[Cheryl Durham]

Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg is the dean of Jewish Studies at eTeacher Biblical: Israel Institute for History, Language and Holy Land studies. He holds M.Div. degree in Christian Theology from Reformed Theological Seminary (2000), and M.Phil. Degree in Bible Interpretation (2008) as well as Ph.D. degree in Ancient Cultures from Stellenbosch University (2011). He is the author of popular Jewish Background of the New Testament online courses and the host of Jewish Studies for Christians, with more than 45,000 study group members worldwide. He regularly lectures in colleges and universities in Israel and abroad. One of his greatest passions is building of bridges of trust, respect and understanding between Christians and Jews, overcoming centuries of difficult, but almost always joined history. He does not think that New Testament needs to be rewritten, but that it needs to be carefully reread.

Dr. Eli (as his students call him), tells us in the preface that the book of John has been a 20 year challenge for him. As a Jewish believer in Jesus, he struggled with the supposed Anti-Semitic content of the book and the traditional interpretations of what he terms ‘my favorite Gospel’ to support ideas that in fact are not supported by the context. He achieves his purpose of showing that the Gospel of John can be both an anti-Jewish and pro-Jewish book at the same time. His perspective is well researched and endorsed by many prominent scholars.
The author’s insights into the various groups and sects interacting during the Second Temple period, and specifically during the writing of the Gospel are amazing. The picture he draws of the story that the author of John tells comes alive as one reads with the bible in one hand and the commentary in the other.

The Jewish Gospel of John is a refreshing and honest perspective of the Gospel of John in the first century context. It takes into account what the original audience would have heard by using the current scholarship and therefore current understanding of First Century Judaisms. In many cases it overturns traditional views of the Gospel because the history, as a result of the new scholarship, just doesn't support the old traditional views. My students have been pleasantly surprised by this commentary and are eager to attend classes because as one of my students has opined "this answers the questions I have had for so many years and makes bible study new and exciting again!". I would recommend this to bible teachers and bible students alike. It is a clear, non-technical and narrative like commentary that walks the reader step by step through the Gospel as if the reader lived at the time. Great read!