Jo-Ann A. Brant

A commentary on the Gospel of John placing particular emphasis on John's use of rhetorical and literary strategies and tropes.

The commentary sticks closely to the text as a unit; save for 7:53-8:11, the text is considered as coming from one author. The author of the commentary introduces each section, traces the narrative flow of each section, and then considers some of the theological issues raised by each section.

The great strength of this commentary is the rhetorical and literary analysis. The author introduces the reader to all sorts of rhetorical and literary strategies current in Greco-Roman philosophy, rhetoric, literature, and theater, and, when possible, draws comparisons with more modern movies and commonly read literature. The sidebars throughout the commentary explaining the different types of rhetorical and literary types are quite useful and illuminating, and one's view of the Gospel of John is enhanced by considering why the story of Jesus is being presented as it is in this Gospel. The only issue might be how much a Jewish author would have been influenced by such Greco-Roman types and strategies. The author also does well at showing how honor/shame informs many of the interactions among the characters in the Gospel.

Weaknesses are more apparent when theological issues are treated. One might get the impression that the author often chooses to emphasize certain theories because they stand against consensus, particularly when it comes to the Christology and theology of the Gospel of John. There is no particular denominational bias evident in the theological issues, but it certainly seems as if the author believes in a contrast between the "historical" Jesus and the Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels.

Nevertheless, the rhetorical and literary analysis alone makes the commentary worthwhile for consideration when studying the Gospel of John.… (mer)