Building on the unique format and success of their Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, Includes illustrations and photographs. Malina and Rohrbaugh extend their framework to the Fourth Gospel.
Unlike the usual historical, exegetical, or theological commentaries, this rich and engrossing work assembles and catalogs the pertinent values, conflicts, and mores of ancient Mediterranean culture. Its Gospel outline, detailed textual notes, and "reading scenarios" bring life and light to the social circumstances the Gospel text relates about childhood, money, divorce, military service, farming, family life, cities, demons, patronage, and a host of other aspects of the ancient world. In many ways, the authors disclose, the Fourth Gospel addresses an alienated anti-society, fundamentally at odds with the predominant culture. With its format, charts and photos, this social-science commentary is the ideal companion for the study of the Fourth Gospel.
Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction
The Gospel of John
Outline of the Gospel and Reading Scenarios
Prologue: Presenting Jesus, Israel's Messiah-The Source of Light and Life That Makes us Children of God
Presenting Jesus of Nazareth, Israel's Messiah
Jesus Began Bringing Life to Israel: From Galilee to Jerusalem and Back
Jesus' Bringing Life to Israel Provoked Controversy in Jerusalem and Galilee
Jesus Brought Light and Life to the Jerusalem Temple
Judeans' Reaction to Jesus' Bringing Light and Life to Jerusalem
As His Last Public Act, Jesus Brought Life to a Beloved Friend (Like Us)
The Close of the Story of Jesus' Public Offer of Light and Life to Israel
Passover in Jerusalem: What Jesus Said and Did during His Last Meal with his Friends (Like Us)
Jesus was Lifted Up and Gave His Spirit to Us: His Process of Ascent
God's Vindication of Jesus: Jesus Ascends to God and Descends to His Friends
Addendum: Another Descent and Appearance of the Risen Jesus
Epilogue: Group Attestation to the Author's Veracity
Jesus Rescues a woman Caught in Adultery (7:53-8:1-11)
Appendix: Gospel Notations
Bibliography
Index: Reading Scenarios
