John Through Old Testament Eyes - (Paperback)

About the Book

Through Old Testament Eyesis a new kind of commentary series that illuminates the Old Testament backgrounds, allusions, patterns, and references saturating the New Testament. These links were second nature to the New Testament authors and their audiences, but today's readers often cannot see them. Bible teachers, preachers, and students committed to understanding Scripture will gain insight through these rich Old Testament connections, which clarify puzzling passages and explain others in fresh ways. In John Through Old Testament Eyes, Karen Jobes reveals how the Old Testament background of the Gospel of John extends far beyond quotes of Old Testament scripture or mention of Old Testament characters. Jobes discusses the history, rituals, images, metaphors, and symbols from the Old Testament that give meaning to John's teaching about Jesus--his nature and identity, his message and mission--and about those who believe in him. Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates to concentrate on Old Testament influences, volumes in the Though Old Testament Eyes series combine rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text. $c --From publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

A New Testament commentary steeped in the Old Testament

Through Old Testament Eyesis a new kind of commentary series that illuminates the Old Testament backgrounds, allusions, patterns, and references saturating the New Testament. These links were second nature to the New Testament authors and their audiences, but today's readers often cannot see them. Bible teachers, preachers, and students committed to understanding Scripture will gain insight through these rich Old Testament connections, which clarify puzzling passages and explain others in fresh ways.

In John Through Old Testament Eyes, Karen Jobes reveals how the Old Testament background of the Gospel of John extends far beyond quotes of Old Testament scripture or mention of Old Testament characters. Jobes discusses the history, rituals, images, metaphors, and symbols from the Old Testament that give meaning to John's teaching about Jesus--his nature and identity, his message and mission--and about those who believe in him.

Avoiding overly technical discussions and interpretive debates to concentrate on Old Testament influences, volumes in the Though Old Testament Eyes series combine rigorous, focused New Testament scholarship with deep respect for the entire biblical text.

Review Quotes

"I enjoyed reading this book for the same reason that I love to go to Israel. Both teach about the Jewish and Old Testament roots of Christianity and the entire Bible. My eyes have been opened! The highlight boxes of 'Going Deeper and 'What the Structure Means' very much enriched the experience."--Ken Jasko, Pastor, Monmouth Worship Center, Marlboro, NJ (12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Jobes offers readers--especially those who are not familiar with Second Temple Judaism--an entry into that world and it's religious beliefs that were a major influence on the author of the Fourth Gospel."--Leslie J. Hoppe "The Bible Today" (7/2/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"Karen Jobes provides a beautiful portrait of the powerful impact of the Old Testament on John's Gospel. Jobes's writing is both personal and academic, pastoral and historical. This book joins Jobes's depth and richness cultivated by a lifetime of scholarship with her heart that cares for her readers' spiritual growth. Whether a scholar, a pastor, a student, or simply an interested reader, everyone will find something of deep value in this book for years to come!"--Beth M. Stovell, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Ambrose University (12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Karen Jobes skillfully explores John's reliance on the Jewish Scriptures, whether in citation, allusion, or echo. She brings to her analysis a keen understanding of John within the Second Temple Jewish context and shares her insights in compelling prose. Accessible, clearly written, incisive. I heartily recommend this book."--Jeannine K. Brown, Ph.D., Bethel Seminary (12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Karen Jobes, long-time professor of New Testament and Greek at Westmont and Wheaton Colleges, presents here the culmination of a career-long interest in John's writings. Wearing her learning lightly, this very accessible commentary majors on Old Testament backgrounds, the structure of the text, and the significance of both for correctly understanding the Gospel of John. Abreast of the most recent scholarly literature, Jobes judiciously selects what readers most need, and her interpretations almost always make the most sense. She even sneaks in compelling life applications here and there as well. Short enough to be manageable, but detailed enough to be deeply enriching. A wonderful book."--Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary (12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Scholars usually notice the overt and allusive use of the Old Testament in the Gospel of John. Karen Jobes, however, uniquely and comprehensively uncovers the Jewish subtext of this Gospel. Her careful exegesis and powerful suggestions for application are a reliable guide to students, pastors, and Christian leaders as they seek to listen to God's Word in the middle of contemporary contextual realities. This creative book will become an inseparable companion to standard commentaries on John."--Carlos Raúl Sosa Siliezar, Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College (12/10/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"While this is a very scholarly work, it is clearly written in compelling prose and with a pastoral tone that will benefit not only the scholar and the pastor, but also the bible study leader and the interested reader."--Martin Williams "Vox Reformata" (9/7/2021 12:00:00 AM)