Paul A. Rainbow - Johannine Theology: The Gospel, the Epistles and the Apocalypse

A s far as I am aware, this volume is the only English-language textbook on Johns theology that aims to be both critical and comprehensive. It is critical in that I have tried to be aware of the basis and extent of our knowledge, given the problems inherent in the use of ancient human documents. It is comprehensive in that it includes all the books of the New Testament ascribed to John: the Gospel, the three Epistles and the Apocalypse (the book of Revelation).

By no means are Johannine specialists in agreement that sound criticism allows a comprehensive approach in that sense. Not all believe that John wrote even one of these books. In mainline scholarship the number of hypothetical hands that shaped the Gospel alone keeps growing. Some suppose that each of the three Epistles had a different author, and that the John who wrote the Apocalypse was a fifth (at least!). Even conservative scholars nowadays are less strident in defending the apostolic authorship of the Apocalypse than were their predecessors of a previous generation, and some have gone mute. In harking back to the old solution, I claim no more than to testify to what I myself seecome what may in reviews.

About the steady, mighty river of learned publications on the Johannine literature C. K. Barrett spoke with candor for many when he wrote, Probably no one has read it all; I know I have not. That was back in 1975, before annual output more than doubled to what it is today. Selection is imperative. I have concentrated on works that have proved seminal, become classic or been especially influential and on journal articles and serial monographs since the turn of the third millennium.

Anyone who delves into the theology of John finds the subject inexhaustible. No matter how one shapes the material, the result is but a sketch that captures certain aspects. I have done my best, through prayer and thoughtful labor, to capture some key aspects. Whether the result is serviceable to those seeking further insight into Johns writings is for them to judge.