Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Publication Date(s): 2007

Pages: 462

ISBN: 9780830810994

Faithfulness to the Text: 6.8/10

The extracts honour the passages gravity, but the exegetical path is not always clear. Keep testing conclusions against the flow of John.

Christ Centredness: 9.1/10

The focus on Christ in suffering and triumph is a major strength. It can help sermons stay doxological and gospel centred.

Depth of Insight: 7.3/10

There is real theological depth, especially in the passion and resurrection. The short format means you gain insight in concentrated statements.

Clarity of Writing: 7/10

Many extracts are clear, though some require theological literacy. Reading them with the passage open preserves clarity.

Pastoral Usefulness: 7.7/10

Very useful for preaching the cross, resurrection, and restoration themes. Less helpful for detailed exposition of the long discourses.

Readability: 6.9/10

Readable in small segments, but the volume is large. It is best used passage by passage in sermon preparation.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 462 pages
Type: Theological
Theo. Perspective: Non-Evangelical / Critical
Overall score: 7.5 / 10

This volume gathers early Christian reflections on John 11 to 21, covering Lazarus, the farewell discourses, the passion, resurrection, and restoration of Peter. The extracts are organised by verse, aiming to bring historic theological reading into the hands of todays preacher. The tone is often reverent, doctrinal, and pastoral.

Strengths

The passion and resurrection sections benefit from the devotion and seriousness of older writers. The comments can deepen your sense of the glory of Christ in suffering, the meaning of resurrection, and the pastoral weight of restoration and commissioning. Many extracts also help with application, calling the church to faith, love, and perseverance.

Limitations

As a catena, it does not provide sustained explanation of the discourses or the narrative arc. Historical context and linguistic detail are not its focus. Some extracts reflect theological debates that may be unfamiliar to modern readers, and at times the interpretative move is asserted rather than demonstrated from the passage.

How We Would Use It

Preach John with close contextual reading and a strong modern commentary for structure. Then use this volume to gather theological reflections that enrich proclamation, especially in Holy Week, resurrection preaching, and teaching on assurance and perseverance.

Closing Recommendation

A strong supplementary resource for advanced readers, particularly in the later chapters of John. It will reward careful use, provided you keep the text and its context in command.

Where to buy

Amazon Logos