
Discovering John
Content, Interpretation, Reception
Ruth Edwards(Author)
SPCK Publishing
2nd Edition
Published on 20. March 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
276 pages
978-0-281-06969-9 (ISBN)
Description
Completely revised and expanded edition of the first volume in the 'Discovering' series.
This introduction to the interpretation of Matthew aims to encourage in-depth study of the text, and genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised, by providing a 'map' to the Gospel as a whole, and to key interpreters and interpretative debates.
It draws on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text- and readercentred), as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of interpreting the text.
In particular, this new introduction reflects the growing scholarly attention to the reception history of biblical texts, increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of interpretation rather than an optional extra.
This introduction to the interpretation of Matthew aims to encourage in-depth study of the text, and genuine grappling with the theological and historical questions raised, by providing a 'map' to the Gospel as a whole, and to key interpreters and interpretative debates.
It draws on a range of methodological approaches (author-, text- and readercentred), as complementary rather than mutually exclusive ways of interpreting the text.
In particular, this new introduction reflects the growing scholarly attention to the reception history of biblical texts, increasingly viewed as a vital aspect of interpretation rather than an optional extra.
Reviews / Votes
'Discovering John has rightly earned its place as one of the most reliable and insightful guides to the text, interpretation and reception of John's Gospel. In this second edition, Ruth Edwards is not content with reproducing the same guide with a new introduction, but offers a completely updated version which carefully assesses many of the landmarks in recent Johannine scholarship. This is a splendid book that will undoubtedly continue to be appreciated for many years to come.' Catrin H. Williams, Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David 'The publication of a second edition of Ruth Edwards' Discovering John is a precious gift to all who are interested in the Gospel of John. With clarity, lightness of touch and scholarly balance, she engages with the complex debates generated by this enigmatic story of Jesus. No issue is sidestepped. She works comfortably with classical and contemporary historical, literary and theological interpretations of the Gospel. All significant literature is discussed with fairness and objectivity. This new edition will continue to be a treasure for both scholar and student.' Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Senior Professorial Fellow, Australian Catholic University 'Edwards rightly notes that it is no longer possible for any individual scholar to master all of the burgeoning secondary literature in Johannine studies. Nevertheless, her work is extremely useful, precisely because of how masterfully she does survey this literature, concisely yet with remarkable thoroughness. She includes all major methodological approaches, a broad range of views and a number of important topics. Readers from a range of perspectives will be impressed with her command of Johannine scholarship and will find this work one of the most helpful resources of its kind.' Craig Keener, Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary 'The first edition of Ruth Edwards' Discovering John has long been my first choice as recommended or required reading for students needing an orientation to serious study of the Fourth Gospel. It is wonderful, then, to read her thoroughly updated and expanded new edition, and to know that her accessible discussion of key issues and her judicious interaction with the main scholarly literature will continue to be a key resource for years to come.' Andrew T. Lincoln, Professor of New Testament, University of GloucestershireMore details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
424 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-281-06969-9 (9780281069699)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2014
2nd Edition
SPCK Publishing
€19.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Person
The Revd Canon Dr Ruth B. Edwards is Assistant Priest at St James' Episcopal Church, Aberdeen. She was formerly Senior Lecturer in New Testament at Aberdeen University. Her previous publications include The Case for Women's Ministry (SPCK 1989) and The Johannine Epistles (Sheffield Academic Press 1996).
Content
Preface vii
Principal Abbreviations ix
1 Introduction: A Distinctive Gospel 1
2 The Reception of John's Gospel 8
3 The Question of Authorship 18
4 Traditions, Sources, and the Nature of John's Writing 27
5 Purpose, Audience, Place and Date of Composition 37
6 Jesus' Miracles as Narrative Theology 49
7 Christological Confessions and Titles for Jesus 61
8 Jesus' Passion and Resurrection 73
9 Jesus: Word Incarnate and Father's Son 84
10 Characters in John's Story 98
11 'Anti-Semitism'/'Anti-Judaism' in John's Gospel? 112
12 'Replacement Theology' and Jewish Monotheism 122
13 Conclusions: The Value of John's Gospel Today 135
Appendix 1The Structure of John's Gospel 148
Appendix 2Jesus' Burial and Resurrection in the Gospels 150
Notes 152
Bibliography 164
Indexes:Biblical References 180
Ancient Authors and Texts 187
Names and Subjects 188
Principal Abbreviations ix
1 Introduction: A Distinctive Gospel 1
2 The Reception of John's Gospel 8
3 The Question of Authorship 18
4 Traditions, Sources, and the Nature of John's Writing 27
5 Purpose, Audience, Place and Date of Composition 37
6 Jesus' Miracles as Narrative Theology 49
7 Christological Confessions and Titles for Jesus 61
8 Jesus' Passion and Resurrection 73
9 Jesus: Word Incarnate and Father's Son 84
10 Characters in John's Story 98
11 'Anti-Semitism'/'Anti-Judaism' in John's Gospel? 112
12 'Replacement Theology' and Jewish Monotheism 122
13 Conclusions: The Value of John's Gospel Today 135
Appendix 1The Structure of John's Gospel 148
Appendix 2Jesus' Burial and Resurrection in the Gospels 150
Notes 152
Bibliography 164
Indexes:Biblical References 180
Ancient Authors and Texts 187
Names and Subjects 188