Recommended Books and Commentaries on the Gospel of John

MGVHoffman at CrossMarks
Here are some books and commentaries I recommend related to the Gospel of John. I have not read them all, but my suggestions here are based on my respect for the expertise of the authors and quality of their other works I have read. Further, these books reflect my particular interest in socio-rhetorical and narrative approaches to the gospels. I think they are the most helpful perspectives for understanding and subsequently teaching and preaching on the gospel texts. My suggestions are scholarly works, but they are not technical. They are intended for pastors and serious students of the Bible. (mgvhoffman)

INTRODUCTIONS TO JOHN
COMMENTARIES ON JOHN

What Are They Saying About John?		 I have found books in this WATSA series to be very helpful introductions to biblical topics or books. This one by Gerard S. Sloyan is no exception.

The Gospel According to John
 Though now getting a little old, these volumes in the Anchor Bible series by Raymond E. Brown are classics in the Johannine field. Volume 2 here.

John: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist 		I've appreciated Warren Carter's work which attends to narrative aspects.
This book examines three aspects of John's Gospel: John's telling of the story of Jesus, his interpretation of Jesus for his readers, and his formulation of all of this into the Gospel of Jesus. Carter surveys the central issues of this Gospel and engages with narrative and historical approaches, the two dominant methods used in interpreting John's Gospel. In addition, he introduces his readers to a consideration of the Gospel's negotiation of the Roman imperial world. (from Amazon)

The Gospel of John (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)
 Jerome H. Neyrey: This 2007 commentary differs from most others in that it does not attempt to repeat all the critical materials which can be found in the larger, major series. Rather it brings to the interpretation of John, materials more literary and rhetorical in nature. It presents full paragraphs on passages, key terms and major motifs. One might say that the 'big picture' is more important here than exacting detail. ... In particular this commentary brings readers into the cultural world of the gospel by presenting materials such as honor and shame, challenge and riposte, gossip, secrecy, and sectarian character of the group. (from Amazon)

Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of John
 By Cynthia Kitredge: For contemporary Christians, John’s gospel is a paradox. On the one hand, it stresses boundaries: “No one comes to the Father except through me,” while on the other it stresses community: “I have no longer called you servants, but friends.” This book encourages readers to draw out the tensions between these two perspectives to make the gospel more meaningful to their lives. (from Amazon)

John for Everyone		 N.T. Wright always has something worthwhile to say. While this For Everyone series is geared for laypersons, it is useful for a wide range of readers.

Part 2 here  -  Bible study guides here.

History and Theology in the Fourth Gospel
This book by J. Louis Martyn has been very influential in my understanding of John's gospel, and I think it has held up well.


The New Interpreter's Bible: Luke - John (Volume 9)
 By Gail O'Day: The NIB series is a reliable resource that is geared toward pastors, and it has all the information needed for the study of John.

Social Science Commentary on John 		A very useful resource, it's organized by book:chapter:verse and describes significant social and cultural issues related to that verse or pericope. Key points are highlighted and linked to longer articles at the end of the book.


John (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)		 By D. Moody Smith: The Abingdon series provides a good blend of scholarship and pastoral sensibilities in a concise package.


John: A Commentary		 This book by Marianne Meye Thompson is a theological commentary that attends to narrative strategy and cultural context.



For more commentaries to consider, especially if you are looking either for something more technical that references the Greek more closely or something more pastoral or devotional, look at the suggestions at Best Commentaries on John.

Note: All the Amazon links are my Associate links from which I may earn a small commission.

Other lists: