John: Meet God Face to Face

The NIV Application Commentary, New Testament #4

by Gary M. Burge, Mark L. Strauss

The NLT Study Series is based on the NLT Study Bible. Each of the 13-week studies provide an in-depth study of a particular Bible book. The entire text of that book from the NLT Study Bible is included. The study provides participants with five scripture readings per week and daily questions to prompt the participant to enter the world of the Bible and reflect on what God is saying. A unique small group format facilitates full participation. The NLT Study Series explores the textual, linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of the scriptures and those to whom it was written. It is appropriate for serious Bible study, and it teaches individuals to work at understanding Scripture.

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

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Gary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He previously taught for twenty-five years at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Among his many published books are The New Testament in Seven Sentences, Theology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), A Week in the Life of a Roman Centurion, Mapping Your Academic Career, The New Testament in Antiquity (coauthored with Gene Green), and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians.

Reviews

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary Burge's commentary on the Gospel of John is a wonderful resource and a helpful companion to one's study of the Fourth Gospel. As it is written for the NIV Application Commentary series, it is extremely accessible for a wider audience, especially for pastors, preachers, and teachers in an ecclesial setting. Burge approaches the text as a scholar, an academic, a follower of Christ, and as a Christian leader, allowing for him to truly speak to a multiplicity of issues for a number of different audiences. I would especially recommend this commentary for any pastor or teacher that is giving a sermon or lecture to their church on the Gospel of John. For each major section of the Gospel, he examines the original meaning of the text, followed by a section on "bridging contexts," and finally ends with helpful application of the text for contemporary life. Although written in 2000, this commentary is still relevant and helpful for pastors and teachers today.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best commentaries I have ever read. I especially enjoyed the insights to the Easter story. I didn’t realize that Pilate really tried that much to release Jesus but I guess he did until the Jews threw the “You’re no friend of Caesar” card at him did he bow to their pressure. I also learned that once they released Barrabas, he caused an insurrection in the city and actually killed a person and he was known to be violent to begin with and Jesus was a peaceful person and it’s like “That’s the person they wanted released?” It just gave me new insights I had never thought about before and made me really think deeper about the story and appreciate it deeper and grow a deeper relationship with God.

[Stan Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the structure and the tone of the NIV application commentary series. This is probably the seventh or eighth in the series that I have read. They have all been good.

They are especially good for persons new to Bible Commentaries and how they work. They are easy to understand and quite helpful.

I used this one as a companion to a class I was doing.

[John Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Burge veered away from my interpretation at times, overall this was a helpful resource for preaching. While I didn't feel the need to consult at every point, I often found inspiration for preaching application.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of my many many resources for sermon prep ideas in gospel of John, this was surprisingly the most helpful.

[Jesse Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impeccable commentary that truly sets the pace for scholarship on John. It is also accessible for pastors and layteachers.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, but I think there are better commentaries out there.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always I love the NIV Application Commentary set.

[Austin Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In between a 3.5 and a 4. Solid, fairly middle of the road commentary. Appreciate the application portion of each section.

[Corin Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Bible commentary of John. Enjoyed it and learned alot

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding commentary

This detailed commentary is theologically and spirituality sensitive. While taking the historical situation of the Gospel seriously, and not as a work of pious fiction, Burge delves deeper into the theological meaning and application to the contemporary reader. Burge is a fine scholar and member of of the Jesus, John, and History seminar of the Society of Biblical Literature.

[Frank Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

These commentaries are a great idea; the attempt is to both discuss the text academically, and also to consider the practical implications or us today. This one was better than many as the author really has a good grasp of John. Unfortunately, the practical application section was weaker than I would have hoped for.

[Joe Haack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually read these "application commentaries" for their interpretation section, not their applications. Usually they express a wide interaction with all the major commentaries and do justice to the original meaning. This commentary was helpful, but not as strong as others in this category.

[Gipson Baucum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read many commentaries through beginning to end but this one was worth it. One of the best in this series in my opinion. Burge takes careful note of history, culture, and the arc of scripture in his exegetical work. Very good practical observations too.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this commentary and will definitely return to it in the future for a more thorough reading. 4-5 stars

[Rob Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good resources for studying John. Accessible to most everyone

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I learned so much about the Gospel of John.