Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective

by Andreas J. Köstenberger

The Encountering Biblical Studies series will never be accused of scholarliness; it does, however, usually offer a solid, easy-to-understand introduction to the matters at hand. Köstenberger’s study of John is no exception.

After a brief introduction to John—a section that addresses each of the three points listed in the subtitle of the book—Köstenberger turns to the text, approaching it one or two chapters at a time, offering overviews of what is covered in it, and providing helpful insights into the episodes contained therein without the exegetical process that slows commentaries. He takes a strongly conservative approach to the Gospel without getting bogged down in the conservative vs. liberal debate, leaving that to the commentators desiring to be more exhaustive in their treatment.

Ultimately, Encountering John is a very helpful book for someone who is studying The Gospel of John for the first time, or is looking for an introductory/overview approach to it. The more serious student looking to delve into the intricacies of the text may not find it quite as useful, but still might use it as a starting point in his extra-Biblical reading.