In this book von Wahlde provides an exploration of three distinct cultural and religious backgrounds against which scholars have frequently proposed that the Gospel and Letters of John are to be read and understood.

von Wahlde examines each of these three possibilities in turn, and shows how they may be regarded as plausible or implausible depending upon the evidence available. von Wahlde shows that there are features within the Gospel and/or Letters of John that do in fact suggest that they were influenced either by Gnosticism, Docetism or one of the variant forms of Judaism. However, in each case, while some of the evidence suggests a particular background, von Wahlde shows that it is equally evident that not all of the evidence can be seen to suggest the same background. Through an examination of the origins and purpose of the gospel, and drawing on the conclusions of his well-regarded commentary on the Johannine literature, von Wahlde presents a new way of understanding the Gospel in its wider contexts.

In this book Urban C. von Wahlde examines the Johannine literature in its diverse first-century contexts.

About the Author
Urban C. von Wahlde is Professor of New Testament at Loyola University, Chicago, USA.

Reviews
Well researched and thoughtfully argued, and the breadth of von Wahlde's awareness of the pertinent issues is unassailable. This monograph is recommended for those doing advanced research in Johannine studies. * Religious Studies Review *
The book is an intriguing and insightful view of the Johannine literature that can help to solve some of the more difficult and seemingly insoluble conundrums that the Gospel and the Letters present. I highly recommend it along with the fuller commentary. * Theological Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780567671912
Author Professor Urban C. von Wahlde
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 358g