Recognizing the central importance of the Fourth Gospel in any series on the New Testament, Morris devoted more than ten years to preparing this volume. Written with considerable acumen and a thorough knowledge of the previous scholarly work on the Johannine text, The Gospel according to John is one of the largest and most comprehensive commentaries ever to come out of the evangelical community. This revised edition includes significant modifications and additions made in the light of more recent writings on John's Gospel. While maintaining substantially the same stance taken in his original work, Morris here references important secondary sources and studies that have appeared over the last two decades. The commentary is now also based on the New International Version.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
76 of 79 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have over 100 commentaries on the Gospel of John and none of them even comes close to this volume. Critical and exegetical issues are treated fully and fairly. Footnotes are jam-packed with excerpts from numerous authors holding differing viewpoints. Evaluations of other positions are peacable yet thorough. Morris brings out the richness of John's message on every page. I recently preached on John 1:1 and this commentary was eminently useful for understanding the background and meaning of the text. Massive conservative scholarship, a lucid and penetrating style, profound insight and, above all, spirtual depth make this volume a masterpiece! Morris is not the only commentator on I consult, but he is always the first and usually the most rewarding.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Leon Morris, principal emeritus of Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia) and author of over forty books, masterfully comments on St. John's Gospel.
The two aspects of this commentary I most appreciate are the conservative nature of the commentary and its high readability. In this commentary, the reader will find no historical-criticism. Rather, the author has faith in the inerrancy of Scripture and treats this portion of Scripture accordingly. Happily, when difficulties arise between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel according to John, he acknowledges these difficulties, lists several possible ways in which they can be reconciled, then ends with a statement reminding the reading not to be unreasonably dogmatic about such a difficult thing. Morris' conservatism and respect for the text is refreshing. Morris also writes in a very readable, fluid style. I found myself reading the nearly 800 pages of text much quicker than I expected to, mainly because the narrative structure was captivating and a joy to read. Morris frequently ties John's writings to the other Gospels, the Old Testament, Jewish/Roman history, and the post-Ascension church. He also has helped my understanding of John by pointing out his unique writing style (double meanings, playing loose with quotes, fondness for numbers, time, and geography, etc.)
There were aspects of this book that I did find frustrating. The most frustrating for me was Morris' anti-sacramentarian treatment of John 6 and the account of blood and water flowing from Jesus wound. Morris argues that John 6 should be read primarily as Jesus "teaching about spiritual realities...but...there may be a secondary reference to the sacrament(313)." However, he spends the following pages arguing against each and every perceived reference to the sacrament. I have strong beliefs that Jesus teaches primarily about the sacrament in these verses--that is my bias and I would like it do be shared by Morris--but the fact that he promises to address the sacramental teachings of Christ,then argues against his own stated view! I have a similar problem with Morris' treatment of blood and water flowing from Jesus' post-death wound as he barely addresses the belief that it is some reference to Communion and Baptism. A second issue I have with this book is the poor copy editing. The final pages of this book especially have frequent misspellings, misplaced commas, and extra letters inserted within common words ("nthe").
Overall, the weaknesses of this book do not even come close to overcoming the many, many positive aspects. I feel as if my insight into the writing style and theology of John has greatly increased because of Morris' book. Furthermore, I am anxious to continue my studies of both John and the Synoptics as a result of Morris' work. Highly recommended.
The two aspects of this commentary I most appreciate are the conservative nature of the commentary and its high readability. In this commentary, the reader will find no historical-criticism. Rather, the author has faith in the inerrancy of Scripture and treats this portion of Scripture accordingly. Happily, when difficulties arise between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel according to John, he acknowledges these difficulties, lists several possible ways in which they can be reconciled, then ends with a statement reminding the reading not to be unreasonably dogmatic about such a difficult thing. Morris' conservatism and respect for the text is refreshing. Morris also writes in a very readable, fluid style. I found myself reading the nearly 800 pages of text much quicker than I expected to, mainly because the narrative structure was captivating and a joy to read. Morris frequently ties John's writings to the other Gospels, the Old Testament, Jewish/Roman history, and the post-Ascension church. He also has helped my understanding of John by pointing out his unique writing style (double meanings, playing loose with quotes, fondness for numbers, time, and geography, etc.)
There were aspects of this book that I did find frustrating. The most frustrating for me was Morris' anti-sacramentarian treatment of John 6 and the account of blood and water flowing from Jesus wound. Morris argues that John 6 should be read primarily as Jesus "teaching about spiritual realities...but...there may be a secondary reference to the sacrament(313)." However, he spends the following pages arguing against each and every perceived reference to the sacrament. I have strong beliefs that Jesus teaches primarily about the sacrament in these verses--that is my bias and I would like it do be shared by Morris--but the fact that he promises to address the sacramental teachings of Christ,then argues against his own stated view! I have a similar problem with Morris' treatment of blood and water flowing from Jesus' post-death wound as he barely addresses the belief that it is some reference to Communion and Baptism. A second issue I have with this book is the poor copy editing. The final pages of this book especially have frequent misspellings, misplaced commas, and extra letters inserted within common words ("nthe").
Overall, the weaknesses of this book do not even come close to overcoming the many, many positive aspects. I feel as if my insight into the writing style and theology of John has greatly increased because of Morris' book. Furthermore, I am anxious to continue my studies of both John and the Synoptics as a result of Morris' work. Highly recommended.
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Leon Morris commentary on the Gospel of John is a must have for anyone building a library of Biblical commentaries. I have taught through this gospel on several occasions and have collected many great works on John. However, I always find myself comming back to this commentary by Leon Morris. It is not the only commentary to have of this great book but it is one that will contribute to your insight and understanding of John's message and meaning. Other key Bible commentaires on John are the classic by Godet, Beasley-Murray in the Word Bible Commentary and Ridderbos' theological commentary on the gospel of John. If you are just beginning to build your library, start with Morris. He covers all the major issues, doesn't hide from difficult questions and fairly present alternative positions. As a supplement to this work pick up Leon Morris' "Reflictions on the Gospel of John". More devotional in nature, it was originally written to compliment his NIC commenatry on John. However, last I checked this work is out of print but it can still be found via Amazon's out of print service. Morris' commentary on John and the Reflections offer the reader a great one-two punch. Either work can stand alone. These works make great gifts for the Bible student or your pastor if he doesn't already have them. You won't be disappointed!! Enjoy!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great commentary - highly recommended - while it lasts . . .
First off, the Amazon information lists this as 1971, but it is the revised version from 1995. Now to my review. Read more
Published 22 months ago by David Kilpatrick
Back in the 1970's ...
... I had the honor of taking a class in which Dr. Morris taught an overview of the Gospel of John. It was after this commentary had been published. Both hearing Dr. Read more
Published on April 15, 2008 by LEE OKELLEY
A Good Treatment of the 4th Gospel
Morris' insights into John's text are, for the most part, extremely helpful. Although there are other commentaries on John that are more comprehensive, Morris doesn't get lost in... Read more
Published on May 19, 2007 by Chris Coleman
Great extensive Commentary on John
Not only is this a great commentary that can be easily read and understood, but it's footnotes take you even deeper and enrich the commentary for those who really want a scholarly... Read more
Published on February 13, 2007 by CPG3
Review of Leon Morris' Commentary of John' s Gospel
I highly recommend this commentary for in-depth study of John's Gospel. Morris cites numerous authorities for insights into the material and then provides his own thoughtful... Read more
Published on January 9, 2007 by Walter E. Winston
A good commentary flawed by the zwinglian heresy
I read the commentary of John 6:52-53 and he says that the phrases "eat my flesh" and "drink my blood" can't be an alussion to the Eucharist, because both verbs are in aorist and... Read more
Published on September 11, 2006 by looking for Sara
The Gospel of John
This commentary on the Gospel of John is absolutely outstanding.
It reveals guidelines for teaching, preaching and for the avid student interested in they deeper... Read more
It reveals guidelines for teaching, preaching and for the avid student interested in they deeper... Read more
Published on July 10, 2006 by Carol W. Rich
The Bomb!
Well Im not going to get many votes here :) as it wont be theologically deep but I have this volume and his Thessalonians and in both I see Leon Morris striving to not allow... Read more
Published on November 9, 2005 by C. Light
A Great Combination
Morris' commentary was all I expected it to be, and much more. Before purchasing this commentary I was told to expect a top-notch work of scholarship in the evangelical tradition. Read more
Published on November 13, 2003 by Thomas W. Queen
Decent, but not challenging
It has some info, but I feel it lacks outstanding coordination and structure, besides Leon's own opinion on the scriptures lacks fire. Read more
Published on January 8, 2003 by ForexTech
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
The first eighteen verses of this Gospel form a Prologue to the whole. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
introducing slight variations, simple credence, strong adversative, continuing attitude, apostolic band, fourth gospel, emphatic contrast Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Grand Rapids, Last Supper, Simon Peter, Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, Holy One, Sea of Galilee, Spirit of God, Joseph of Arimathea, Twentieth Century, Vincent Taylor, Caesarea Philippi, Jewish Passover, New York, Dead Sea Scrolls, Early Christian Worship, God's Son, Gospel John, Judas Iscariot, New Documents New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
The first eighteen verses of this Gospel form a Prologue to the whole. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
introducing slight variations, simple credence, strong adversative, continuing attitude, apostolic band, fourth gospel, emphatic contrast Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Grand Rapids, Last Supper, Simon Peter, Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, Jesus of Nazareth, Mary Magdalene, Holy One, Sea of Galilee, Spirit of God, Joseph of Arimathea, Twentieth Century, Vincent Taylor, Caesarea Philippi, Jewish Passover, New York, Dead Sea Scrolls, Early Christian Worship, God's Son, Gospel John, Judas Iscariot, New Documents New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 75
books:
See all 75 books this book cites
100
books
cite this book:
See all 100 books citing this book
- Priority of John by J.A.T. Robinson on 5 pages
- He That Cometh by S. Mowinckel on 4 pages
- Bread from Heaven: An Exegetical Study of the Concept of Manna in the Gospel of John (Novum Testamentum , Suppl. 10) by P. Borgen on 4 pages
- Essays on John by C.K. Barrett on 4 pages
- The Scrolls and Christian Origins: Studies in the Jewish Background of the New Testament (Brown Judaic Studies 48) by Matthew Black on page 414, page 691, and page 694
See all 75 books this book cites
- The Missions of Jesus and the Disciples According to the Fourth Gospel: With Implications for the Fourth Gospel's Purpose and the Mission of the Conte by Mr. Andreas J. Kostenberger on 10 pages
- The New American Commentary Volume 25 B - John 12-21 by Gerald L. Borchert on 9 pages
- The Johannine Exegesis Of God: An Exploration Into The Johannine Understanding Of God (Beihefte Zur Zeitschrift Fur Die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft Und Die Kunde Der Alteren Kirche) by Daniel Rathnakara Sadananda on 8 pages
- Preacher's Commentary - Vol. 27- John by Roger L. Fredrikson on 7 pages
- The Supremacy of Christ by Ajith Fernando on 6 pages
See all 100 books citing this book
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