John's Apologetic Christology: Legitimation and Development in Johannine Christology

by James F. McGrath

Overview

James McGrath offers a convincing explanation of how and why John arrived at a christological portrait of Jesus that is so different from that of other New Testament authors, and yet at the same time clearly has its roots in earlier tradition. McGrath suggests that as the author of the Fourth Gospel sought to defend his beliefs about Jesus against the objections brought by opponents, he developed and drew out further implications from the beliefs he inherited. The book studies this process using insights from the field of sociology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521803489
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/06/2001
Series:	Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series , #111
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	5.79(w) x 8.86(h) x 0.83(d)
Lexile:	1870L (what's this?)

About the Author

James F. McGrath is Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Emanuel University, Oradea and the University of Oradea, Romania. He has published articles in NTS, Irish Biblical Studies, Irish Theological Quarterly, Religion and Theology and Koinonia Journal.

Table of Contents

Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction: the development of Johannine christology; 2. A conflict setting and a distinctive christology: setting the stage; Part II. Jesus and God: 3. '... Those who say 'there are two powers in John'...'; 4. God's equal or God's agent? (John 5); 5. 'I obey, therefore 'I am' ' (John 8.12-59); 6. 'You are Gods' - but who are 'you'? (John 10.22-39); 7. In the bosom of the Father (John 1.1-18); 8. Conclusion to Part II; Part III. Jesus, Moses and Torah: 9. The word and the glory (John 1.1-18); 10. Descent and ascent (John 3.1-21); 11. Bread from heaven (John 6); 12. Legitimating signs (John 9); 13. Conclusion to Part III; Part IV. Other Issues and Conclusion: 14. Other possible issues; 15. Putting the pieces together; 16. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"...McGrath's volume is a welcome addition to Johannine studies. It provides a clear and reasonable context for the development of John's christology." Journal of Religion

"This scholarly work is a fine study of Johannine christology.... thorough and fair..." The Bible Today

"McGrath's book, a revision of his Ph.D. dissertation directed by Professor James D.G. Dunn, endeavors to make a contribution to our understanding of the Christology of the Gospel of John....he is to be commended for identifying and redressing the relative neglect of social-scientific tools in the study of this subject." The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

From the Publisher