by
Kathryn E. Churchill
The study of John, _Women and the Word: Studies in the Gospel of John_ by
Frances Taylor Gench, published by Horizons Magazine, is good. I hope a
large number of Presbyterian Women’s groups will use it during the coming
year.
The Gospel according to John is unique. Mrs. Gench has moved through it with
skill, and gives a thoughtful presentation. A one?time supplement will be
provided September 1 regarding several of Sarah Covin?Juengst’s suggestions
for leaders.
But a once?monthly visit into this book is not enough. I challenge you to do
more. Go to the PW study, but also study on your own. Every Christian should
and can do independent study. There are several very good commentaries to
take you deep into the marvelous witness to our Savior as written in John.
William Barclay, a 20th century English writer, wrote commentaries on each
book of the New Testament. He writes for the layperson. His idea was that he
would provide small books that could be carried and read by the commuter on
the train. Barclay’s work on John is in two volumes. The fact that he is
British and wrote 50 years ago sometimes is evident, but that is
insignificant as you learn from his extensive background information,
illustrative stories, and sound Biblical knowledge.
Another Englishman, Lesslie Newbigin, brings a unique approach to John in
his book _The Light Has Come_. Mr. Newbigin spent his life as a missiologist
in India. and became a bishop in the Church of South India. This commentary
on the Gospel of John is written with that context. It is the product of 30
years of leading Bible studies for the church. He disclaims that this is a
critical commentary. Newbigin is concerned to make dear to modern Western
culture “the word which is spoken in the Gospel in such a way that it may be
heard in the language of the culture with all its power to question that
culture.”
The Newbigin book is probably not the best choice if this is a first
in?depth journey into the Gospel of John, but it is very readable.
I encourage you to steep yourself in the Gospel of John. Read it daily
through the coming year. Let it speak to you. Trust it. This is scripture ?
the Word of God. Participate in your PW’s study and do some serious study on
your own.
In addition to the commentaries mentioned above, recommended choices for
further study of John would be:
· _The Gospel of John_, by William Barclayt
· _John_, The Layman’s Bible Commentary, volume 19, Floyd Filson, authort
· T_he Gospel According to St. John_, from Calvin’s Commentaries,
translated by Torrance, 2 volumes
· _John_, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Frank Gaebelein, General
Editor, Merrill C. Tenney, authort
· _The Fourth Gospel_, by C.H. Doddt
· _John_, The Communicator’s Commentary. Volume 4, Roger L. Fredrikson,