Endorsement
This commentary embodies the qualities of the Fourth Gospel itself: luminous clarity combined with theological depth. Especially noteworthy is Swartley’s emphasis on the ethics of the gospel and its message of peaceful community formation.
—Richard B. Hays, dean, Duke Divinity School
Swartley provides access to a rich storehouse of insights gained through his expansive reading of Johannine scholarship and experience in the global church. His strong narrative voice makes this commentary coherent to a broad audience, and a pleasure to read.
—Jo-Ann A. Brant, professor of Bible, Goshen College
Working on historical, literary, theological, pastoral, and spiritual levels, Willard Swartley has produced a remarkably fine, reader-friendly commentary on John’s Gospel for our times.
—Rekha M. Chennattu, professor of New Testament, Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Pune, India
Willard Swartley helps us to meet Jesus anew and to experience more fully his light, life, and love. How? By responding to his radical call to mission, discipleship, and peacemaking: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’
—Todd Friesen, pastor, Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Church
Swartley traces the implications of John not only for history and theology but for ethics, discipleship, worship, preaching, mission, and peacemaking. He connects John with the difficulties of believing and following Jesus in a world where disciples may not find welcome, and where Christians must engage respectfully in dialogue with others.<.q>—David Rensberger, author of Johannine Faith and Liberating Community
This commentary is notable for its hermeneutical responsibility, elucidating the gospel’s bearing on many a vital issue in the life of the church today and firmly grasping such nettles as the gospel’s vituperative attacks on ‘the Jews.’
—Richard Bauckham, emeritus professor of New Testament studies, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
Willard Swartley offers a balanced and highly readable study of John’s Gospel, drawing on a range of interpretive traditions and methods. While the focus is pastoral, there is sufficient discussion of the text, and bibliographic notes, to alert readers to alternative views and the complexities of the text.
—Mary L. Coloe, associate professor of New Testament, Australian Catholic University
Addressing thoughtfully the Johannine riddles, this commentary makes John’s text come alive for expert and novice readers alike—a feature that distinguishes the Believers Church Bible Commentary series among other fine works available today.
—Paul N. Anderson, professor of biblical and Quaker studies, George Fox University
