Summary: A commentary focused on the Old Testament backgrounds of “history, images, metaphors, and symbols” found in John’s gospel, along with applicatory reflections.

This is the third commentary published in this series from Kregel and I have found them uniformly to be of exceptional quality. Each book in the series provides a running commentary on the New Testament texts providing relevant Old Testament background and specific O.T. references. Three types of insets are also offered: “Through Old Testament Eyes” offering chapter or section overviews noting Old Testament themes and motifs; “What the Structure Means” which notes the structure of passages and how the authors convey meaning through the passage structure; and “Going Deeper” which explores both implications of the text for early readers but also contemporary applications. One overall observation: using a lighter shade of grayscale for these insets would enhance readability.

Jobes breaks John into four parts: Prologue (1:1-18), Book of Signs (1:19-12:50). Book of Glory (13-20), and Epilogue (21). She affirms the purpose of the gospel stated in John 20:30-31 and shows how this gospel reveals him as the long awaited Messiah and the Son of God Incarnate. She provides a helpful discussion of authorship and the relation of John to :the beloved disciple.

Jobes highlights the echoes of the creation account, the theme of light, and the backgrounds of the rejection of Jesus in the Prologue. She offers helpful background on John’s use of “signs” and the seven signs that make up the Book of Signs. In John 3, Jobes proposes on the basis of OT backgrounds that “water and Spirit” together refer to God’s restoration of right relation as a single concept, not two separate things, Her treatment of Jesus sheliach or “sent one” emphasizes his plenipotentiary power of speaking for God.

Throughout she shows the importance of the Feasts as signifiers of his ministry, particularly the Passover, which he would fulfill on the cross. She shows how the extended debates of John 5-10 laid the groundwork for his execution. In John 9 she develops the theme of Jesus as both the light by which men see and the division between those receiving light and life versus spiritual blindness and death. John 10 reveals Jesus as the good shepherd king of Messianic expectation. She helps us see how the resuscitation of Lazarus and the anointing of Jesus are a pivot into the passion narrative of John.

Her coverage of the upper room discourses focus on the call of the disciples to love, serve, and abide, and what the hope of a “place prepared for them” means. I appreciated the very helpful material on the gift of the Spirit as well as the concise explanation of the filioque controversy as it relates to these verses. Finally, she shows Jesus consciousness of how he would reveal God’s glory in the cross and how the disciples would glorify him as they believe and obey. Her Going Deeper on The Resurrection as New Creation is a must read! Finally, in the Epilogue she deals with both the restoration of Peter and speculates on possible tensions between Peter and John reflected in Peter’s “what about him?”

I hope this sampling of insights demonstrates the usefulness of this commentary for both personal study and for teaching and preaching. Jobes offers both granular detail in the running commentary and larger perspective on how particular sections fit into the overall book and its themes. I’m delighted to add John to the volumes on Mark (review) and Revelation (review) already in my library!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. ( )