John (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)

"In this volume, D. Moody Smith views the Fourth Gospel within several contexts in order to illuminate its specific purposes and achievements. With a growing consensus of recent scholarship (Martyn, Raymond E. Brown, Meeks) the roots of the Gospel and its traditions are sought in the conflict between Jesus followers and opponents within Judaism. In their struggles, Jesus' followers are encouraged and strengthened by his continuing presence in the Spirit, which articulates his meaning for new situations, of which the readers get a partial picture in the Gospels farewell discourses, as well as the Johannine letters. Although distinctive, Johannine Christianity does not develop in complete isolation from the broader Christian Gospels. Out of a fascinating, if complex, setting there develops the strikingly unique statement of Christian faith, practice, and doctrine found in the Gospel of John. The purpose of this commentary is to enable the reader to comprehend that statement in historical perspective in order to appreciate its meaning and significance."--BOOK JACKET.