The Gospel of John, Volume Two

by William Barclay, Allister McGrath (Foreword)

"The more we study John, the more wealth arises out of it," says William Barclay about the Fourth Gospel. In this volume, the second of two on the book of John, Barclay helps give the reader a sharpened perception of the emphases of this Gospel. Written during a time when heresies abounded, the Gospel of John clarifies both the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. Through his imaginative translation and insightful commentary, Barclay uncovers the unlimited riches of this beloved book.

For almost fifty years and for millions of readers, the Daily Study Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. Now, with the release of the New Daily Study Bible, a new generation will appreciate the wisdom of William Barclay. With clarification of less familiar illustrations and inclusion of more contemporary language, the New Daily Study Bible will continue to help individuals and groups discover what the message of the New Testament really means for their lives.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Reference, New Testament

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1975

About the author

WIlliam Barclay was a Scottish author, radio and television presenter, Church of Scotland minister, and Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. He wrote a popular set of Bible commentaries on the New Testament that sold 1.5 million copies.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't beat Mr. Barclay for historical background. As for doctrinal truths, often he shines, but you need to be careful because he sometimes veers off the path and offers up an opinion that is off base. So why do I continue to read him? The above-mentioned historical background, as well as differing views of others that he offers, makes it worthwhile; plus it reminds me to use my brain, to search my Bible, to not put any one teacher on a pedestal, and to be able to back up why I believe what I believe.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay wrote this book in 1955 and revised in it 1975. I really enjoyed reading him along with NT Wright's commentary and the Gospel of John. Barclay seems somewhat old school--oblivious to women's concerns, etc--but he looks deeply into details and pulls some information out that I hadn't seen before.

[Catherine Pynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful commentary

I find the historical context given for events, very helpful. I also find that the suggestions for explanations are thought provoking and provide a depth of understanding. A really helpful commentary.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful accessible commentary with brilliant contextual cues. My small group really benefitted from reading it alongside the Gospel. Thought provoking and easy to read. Thoroughly recommended for novice scholars!!

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading this study of John, I’m taken by the majesty of Jesus portrayed in John's gospel. So much of the fourth gospel we hear Jesus's own words. I love this heartfelt intimate commentary of Barclay's.

[Kirby Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great study on one of the most important books of the Bible. Eloquent, insightful, thorough, well constructed. A wonderful work.

[William Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay continues his clear and understandalble discussion as in Vol 1. Any looking for help with understanding the most complex gospel will find this book understanable and clear.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writings of the most beloved disciple. A combination of love and historical insight, it is my favorite book in God's word.

[Christopher M. Cairo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bible commentary for those wanting historical references and context

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lengthy and comprehensive commentary on the Gospel of John, unafraid to give different interpretations on issues.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Barclay is the source of a lot of "wow!" material in his Daily Bible Study Series. He was recommended to me years ago by my friend, Mary G., who is a Bible study veteran.

On Amazon I repeatedly saw reviewers mention that he was really great as long as you watched out for his theology. No kidding. My jaw literally dropped when reading about the Nativity and seeing how many alternatives Barclay offered that would allow Jesus' birth to be called "virgin" but yet really have Joseph as his fully natural father.

So why use his commentary? Barclay's strengths are his phenomenal knowledge of the Greek language, the Jewish culture and religion, and the Roman occupation during the New Testament era. He is wonderful at conveying this knowledge in a way that simple and easily understandable. He puts it in context so that you can understand what events meant to the people to whom Jesus spoke to 2,000 years ago.

His application of those events to modern lives is less successful. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but that is the case with a lot of commentary. The historical context is so wonderful that it makes threading your way through the wonky theology worth it.

I've had his two-part study of John for a long time and only recently realized I hadn't read it through. It is really nice to take a long time to go through a gospel slowly and Barclay is a very good way to do it.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel of John, says Dr. Barclay, "is an amazing book. It can be read and loved without any commentary at all. Throughout the generations simple people have fed their hearts and nourished their souls on it with nothing but the text of the Authorized Version in their hands. But the more we study John, the more wealth arises out of it... There is many a phrase in John whose greatness a man will not exhaust in a lifetime, let alone in a single day."

In this volume, Dr. Barclay completes the intensive study begun in The Gospel of John, Volume 1 (covering chs. 1 to 7). His commentary brings to the reader a sharpened perception of the meaning of this Gospel not clearly seen without an understanding of the particular aims of its author. When these purposes are clarified, the whole text springs to life in a new and personal way. Through his unusually detailed study of The Gospel According to Saint John, the author has brought very near to any reader the limitless riches of this beloved book.

[Alliee + · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay is wonderful. His daily series is a perfect way to go through a book of the Bible day by day. The two volume on John's Gospel was well worth slowing down my chapter by chapter reading. A 9 month break for Ignatius' exercises slowed the process even more, but I was delegated to get back to Barclay.

[Cws]

226.5