30 review for The Gospel and Epistles of John: A Concise Commentary

1. 

   5 out of 5

   Lee Harmon – Jan 29, 2011

   This book is now 23 years old, but it is one that every Bible scholar must read. Raymond Brown is considered by many to be the premier Johannine scholar of the 20th century, and is widely acknowledged by both the Church and by academia. Brown began writing about John and the Johannine community in 1960, culminating a quarter-century later in an exhaustive, 800-page tome on the epistles in 1982. This book brings it all together in one concise commentary. If you fancy yourself a Bible scholar but This book is now 23 years old, but it is one that every Bible scholar must read. Raymond Brown is considered by many to be the premier Johannine scholar of the 20th century, and is widely acknowledged by both the Church and by academia. Brown began writing about John and the Johannine community in 1960, culminating a quarter-century later in an exhaustive, 800-page tome on the epistles in 1982. This book brings it all together in one concise commentary. If you fancy yourself a Bible scholar but you don’t have time to study all of Brown’s works, you must at least read this short book. You’ll find in this book no comprehensive discussion of the Johannine community, of the development and authorship of the Gospel, or even of Johannine theology in general. You’ll find very little about Brown’s contributions to understanding Johannine eschatology or to the identification of the “beloved disciple.” What you will get is a concise verse-by-verse commentary of the Gospel and epistles, which in itself provides a taste of Brown’s thinking. Scripture from the Revised New Testament is printed on the top of each page, with Brown’s commentary on the bottom half. Because it’s a summary only, providing nothing new or provocative, I have a hard time granting it more than three stars, yet it is a must-read.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Jack Stephen Booth – May 30, 2022

   Father Brown is very clear and concise in explaining some of the dense Johannine writings. I enjoyed getting a new perspective on the Bible from this renowned historical-critical scholar. Father Brown always takes care to not contradict any established dogmas (unlike some scholars), however, he is not afraid to get into tough questions like the authorship.

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Kingsley Layton – Feb 08, 2018

   This work, though slightly dated, is a very important to anyone involved in Johannine studies. Definitely worthy of your time and effort.

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Nelson – Oct 26, 2012

   Very fascinating take on Johannine literature from a Catholic perspective. Brown gave special emphasis to sacraments. He ties the water-to-wine and the bread multiplication miracles to the Eucharist, as well Jesus' washing Peter's feet to baptism. Since I also belong to a sacramental faith tradition (Mormon), much of it is directly relevant to me. It's interesting to note that in 3 Ne. Jesus multiplies bread to administer the Eucharist. Brown mentioned nothing about temples, though, other castin Very fascinating take on Johannine literature from a Catholic perspective. Brown gave special emphasis to sacraments. He ties the water-to-wine and the bread multiplication miracles to the Eucharist, as well Jesus' washing Peter's feet to baptism. Since I also belong to a sacramental faith tradition (Mormon), much of it is directly relevant to me. It's interesting to note that in 3 Ne. Jesus multiplies bread to administer the Eucharist. Brown mentioned nothing about temples, though, other casting Jesus' activity at the temple as overturning Jewish traditions. It's pretty well known that the Fourth Gospel is replete with temple symbolism, and Brown fails to tie the symbols to the sacrament. Perhaps an Eastern Orthodox scholar would do better in that regard. Johannine literature is replete with recurrding themes: light, love, water, bread, blood, keep the commandments.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Jeffrey Wetherell – Jul 13, 2012

   A great, concise commentary. While I'm not in agreement with all of his views, I enjoy them and think that they are a good jumping off point for further discussion. A great, concise commentary. While I'm not in agreement with all of his views, I enjoy them and think that they are a good jumping off point for further discussion.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Beth – Apr 29, 2012

   I know that "concise" is the point, and Brown is wonderful, but next time I'll get a less concise commentary. I know that "concise" is the point, and Brown is wonderful, but next time I'll get a less concise commentary.

7. 

   5 out of 5

   Alexis – Mar 04, 2011

   A very good book for someone wanting to try out just one Gospel of the NT with explanations from a top biblical scholar

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Leah –

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Fre –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Jacob Hanby –

11. 

    5 out of 5

    James Violand –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Coady Owens –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Bookworm –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Jean-Paul Marie Justin –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Ryan –

16. 

    4 out of 5

    Katarzyna Balutowski –

17. 

    4 out of 5

    Pete Thomas –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Richard –

19. 

    4 out of 5

    Lucas Dorminy –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Paul –

21. 

    5 out of 5

    Stephanie R. –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Javier Heredia –

23. 

    4 out of 5

    Martin –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Trevor –

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Jim –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Eddie Ruminski –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Melissa –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Brenda Marie Jaeke –

29. 

    5 out of 5

    K B – Mar 22, 2015

    good read

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Ian Spencer –