Overview

In this volume, Alicia Myers applies a narrative approach to the theology of the Gospel of John, which presents Jesus's coming as the climactic and transformative revelation of God in the world. Placing her study in the context of past and current approaches to John's theology, she explores theological themes with an eye toward the rhetorical categories and aims of the Gospel. These themes include: John's use of Scripture in its presentation of God, Jesus's characterization as the unique one who reveals God's will, the presentation of the world in need of rescue through purification and exorcism, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit among the community of believers. Myers argues that John reframes other Gospel traditions and provided important fodder for early Christians debates. Contemporary readers inherit John's complicated legacy, including its apocalyptic view of liberation that relies on and undermines Jewish perspectives that do not recognize Jesus as God's Son and Christ.