OPENING UP JOHN

Description

ANDREW PATERSON

Right at the end of his Gospel, John tells us why he wrote it: that we may ‘believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name’. John therefore filled his Gospel with carefully selected evidence to encourage our belief in Jesus. In this detailed yet easy-to-read commentary, Andrew Paterson examines the eyewitness evidence John provided concerning Christ’s power and authority, showing us that John wanted this evidence to result not merely in intellectual assent to these truths, but rather in ‘life’ in Christ’s name.

For over twenty years Andrew Paterson has headed up the leadership team at Kensington Baptist Church in inner-city Bristol. A former President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (2001–2004), Andrew has spoken at conferences around the world. He has worked extensively in Christian radio and on the BBC. He is married to Kath and they have two adult children.

Opening up John’s Gospel is a brilliant, concise guide to John’s Gospel. It helps the reader to understand John’s profound revelation of Jesus the divine Messiah by vividly bringing to life the Jewish world of the first century and explaining the Old Testament background to so much of Jesus’s teaching. It ably guides the reader through the narrative structure of the Gospel so that its overall message is grasped, rather than just favourite texts being appreciated. Many contemporary illustrations and practical applications help the reader to respond rightly to Jesus today. The questions for further study at the end of each chapter are really helpful and will enable readers to think more deeply for themselves. Although this book is short, the author has clearly drawn deeply on the very best biblical scholarship and makes judicious judgements when interpreting difficult or disputed passages. This book will inspire any Christian reader to know, love, worship and obey Jesus better, and there are many ideas to stimulate preachers. It would also be suitable for serious inquirers who are interested in finding out more about Jesus. All in all, an excellent book.
—John Stevens, Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), UK

Highly accessible and exceptionally practical.
—Jonathan Stephen, Principal, Wales Evangelical School of Theology (WEST), UK

A reliable, accessible, and practical guide to this wonderful gospel.
—Christopher Ash, Director, Cornhill Training Course, London