The World of St. John: The Gospel and the Epistles

by E. Ellis

Book Overview

Who was John? What was his world? What was his purpose in writing? In this brief but helpful survey of the background, purpose, plan, and teaching of the Johannine literature, E. Earle Ellis guides the reader to a better understanding and a fuller appreciation of the Gospel and the Epistles of John.
Ellis shows that John was a "theologican in his own right with roots in primitive Christianity as deep as Paul's." He sees John as an "inspired interpreter"...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0819196835
• ISBN13: 9780819196835
• Release Date: November 1994
• Publisher: Rlpg/Galleys
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

One of the greatest theologians of our time!

Dr. E. Earle Ellis is research and teaching professor of theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. He is a prolific writer, which is reflected in the many books that he has authored throughout the years. In "The World of St. John: The Gospels and the Epistles", Ellis gives a summary of the gospel and epistles of John in the New Testament. He also looks at the culture of John's day that can help the student in his/her endeavors as a Christian worker. Ellis says the book is not a commentary, and therefore, should be looked upon as a supplement to commentaries and other works that might help the student learn more about the Gospel and letters of John. Ellis begins his book with a look at John's world in terms of culture and religious background, moves on to the purpose and character of John's Gospel, looks at the content of the gospel and the letters, and ends with an application of both for today's world. His book is divided into 6 chapters. Ellis discusses how modern archeology has helped to establish Johannine authorship and reviews the role of the religious environment of the day and its relationship to the gospel and letters of John. He says that John is addressing Christians in his writing, however, concedes that non-Christians may be in mind too. He says that John's interest in Jewish heritage, attention given to the church's problems, and the structure of the gospel all point to a Gentile Christian audience. I believe that Ellis' understanding of the Johannine corpus is commendable and gives tremendous insight into that world, not only expositionally but also culturally. I believe his strong points are his comments on the eschatological principle of "this age and the age to come." His eschatology is seen in all of his teaching and his books. His grasp on the background of different religious groups and historical aspects are strong and helpful in trying to study and exegete any given text. I also believe that, although his work is academic, there is a side of discipleship that comes out in this book. One wants to follow Jesus more because of the truths that are present in the book. The very applicable stories from history are exceptionally inspiring as he relates these to the different aspects of his theological points and principles. I very much enjoyed the book and will use it as a valuable reference for my studies in the book of John.