The uniqueness of the Gospel of John is readily apparent. In contrast to the overlapping material in the Synoptic Gospels, John shares only about ten percent of its content with Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s distinct focus on Jesus’ life as the culmination of salvation history makes it "the theological pinnacle of the gospel tradition" and establishes its author, along with the apostle Paul, as one of the early church’s foremost theologians.

Not a traditional commentary on the book, this volume is designed especially for classroom use. A lucid writing style and a number of pedagogical enhancements make this a perfect tool for helping students master the content and key interpretive issues of the Gospel of John.

Köstenberger begins his survey with an orientation to the three facets of his investigation: history, literature, and theology. The student will discover how John’s Gospel came to be, as well as the Gospel’s literary components and theological themes: God, the Christ, salvation, the Spirit, the new covenant community, and last things.

The author then considers the Gospel in four sections. The focus in each shifts as the story of Jesus unfolds–from the Incarnate Word to the earthly Jesus to the exalted Jesus to the one who calls his disciples to follow him. Throughout, Köstenberger notes the unique aspects of John’s story in comparison to the other Gospel writers, particularly his reliance upon the Old Testament.

Arguably the Gospel of John is the most widely read gospel and at the same time the gospel which is the most difficult to understand. Students who look for a comprehensive introduction into the Fourth Gospel need to look no further. A. Köstenberger has written the best college level introduction available. The book is packed with the most recent scholarship yet is not pedantic in its presentation of secondary sources. It regulary discusses differing views on numerous topics yet never loses its focus. It consistently introduces the reader into scholarly debates not for their own sake but for enhancing the understanding of the text of the Gospel. It demonstrates an admirable balance between historical, literary, and theological matters. And it seeks to help the reader to engage with the Gospel and with the Incarnate Word whom it portrays, on a personal level. I highly recommend the book.– Eckhard, Schnabel, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

The book combines expert scholarship with skillful and attractive methods of communication. It is exactly what students of the Fourth Gospel need both to provide them with the scholarly information and to guide and stimulate their own exploration of the Gospel and the many issues it raises. A splendid contribution to this new series.– Richard Bauckham, St. Andrews University