The Gospel According to John XIII-XXI (Anchor Bible)

Description

This volume concludes Raymond E. Brown’s influential two-part commentary on the Gospel of John, focusing on chapters 13–21, which comprise the Book of Glory (the Last Supper, Passion narrative, and post-resurrection appearances) and the Gospel’s epilogue. Brown, a renowned biblical scholar, combines meticulous exegesis of the Greek text with accessible English translation, addressing critical issues such as authorship, composition, and the Gospel’s relationship to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke).

Key Features and Insights

Theological Focus: Brown emphasizes the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) as the continuing presence of Jesus after his ascension, bridging the themes of divine indwelling and Jesus’ intercessory role. He interprets the footwashing (John 13) as a prophetic symbol of Jesus’ salvific death, cleansing believers and inaugurating their “heritage” with him.

Distinctive Johannine Themes: The commentary highlights John’s unique portrayal of Jesus’ glorification through suffering, the Spirit’s role in guiding disciples, and the thematic contrast between light/darkness and truth/falsehood.

Scholarly Depth: Includes an appendix on the Paraclete, analyzing its identity as the “Spirit of Truth” that perpetuates Jesus’ earthly mission. Brown also addresses textual nuances, such as John 14:31 being the New Testament’s sole explicit statement of Jesus’ love for the Father.

Accessibility: While engaging academic debates, Brown’s analysis remains approachable for lay readers, clarifying complex terms and contextualizing John’s theology within early Christian communities. His work stands as a cornerstone in Johannine studies, balancing historical-critical rigor with pastoral relevance.