John: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

by Gerard S. Sloyan

In this volume, Gerard Sloyan utilizes the lectionary approach to offer new insights into understanding the book of John. In so doing, he puts the Fourth Gospel in the Old Testament context within which the early church received the public readings of this Gospel. His emphasis on the use of John within first-century Christianity enables modern readers to grasp the meaning of the Gospel message.

A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Genres: Reference, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Theology, New Testament

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1987

About the author

Gerard S. Sloyan is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Temple University and Visiting Professor of Religion and Religious Education at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He is author of many volumes, including The Commentary on the New Lectionary (1975), John in the Interpretation series (1992), The Crucifixion of Jesus (1995), and Preaching from the Lectionary (2004). (Barnes and Noble)

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read portions of this book, in preparation for sermons on various passages from John. Overall, I have been displeased with the content of the commentary and have found it generally unhelpful, which seems to be rare for an Interpretation commentary.

[Ethan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have often appreciated entries in the Interpretation commentary series since they will often look at the text in view of how to preach and teach it. While there are some interesting observations made by the author of the John volume in the series, the author does not seem to have a lot of confidence in the Gospel of John as an eyewitness authoritative account, and he can get a bit strident in his exhortations regarding how he believes the text should be preached in our current context. These tendencies limited my ability to really appreciate what was being presented.

[C.H.E. Sadaphal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone looking to expand their knowledge base on the fourth chapter of the synoptic gospel would be satisfied with the book. The author makes frequent side-references to scriptures and traditions relevant only to the Catholic Church, but otherwise presents a clear and objective commentary. The text proves helpful in exegesis, hermeneutical analysis, and obtaining a historical perspective on the events surrounding Christ's ministry in the holy land under Roman rule in the first century. I found Sloyan's description of how the hostile relationship between the Jews and Samaritans developed and the political dynamics of being Jewish and living under Roman rule particularly helpful in understanding Christ's ministry and the legal significance of his "trial" and crucifixion.

[Steven Bullmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it again. Opinion stayed the same. I wish I had a better commentary on John. Any suggestions from the Goodreads community?