"The Gospel of St. John" by J.B. Lightfoot. A Review
“The Gospel
of St. John: A Newly Discovered Commentary”
The
Lightfoot Legacy Series, Volume 2
J.B.
Lightfoot
Editors, Ben
Witherington II and Todd D. Still
IVP Academic (InterVarsity Press)
PO Box 1400
Downers Grove, IL 60515
ISBN: 978-0-8308-2945-3; $40.00; November
2015
Reviewed by Rev. Dr. Michael Philliber for
Deus Misereatur
Long forgotten,
lingering on the dust coated back shelves of the Durham Cathedral Library in
the Monk’s Dormitory, there appears to be a treasure trove of works, files, and
folders, along with blue boxes that contain unpublished material from the classic
19th Century New Testament scholar and Bishop of Durham, J.B.
Lightfoot. The blue-box material is lecture notes on Acts, the Gospel according
to St. John, 1 Peter and 2 Corinthians.
They are now being published by IVP Academic as “The Lightfoot Legacy
Set” in three volumes and edited by Ben Witherington III and Todd D. Still. The
newest work is the 371 page hardback, “The Gospel of St. John: A Newly
Discovered Commentary” which is the second installment in the set.
The book begins
with a short background forward by the editors, then picks up with the editors’
introduction where they describe Lightfoot’s work and methodology. Next the manuscript includes a lecture
Lightfoot gave on the “External and Internal Evidence of the Authenticity and
Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel.” Here he goes toe-to-toe with the Tubingen
School, and especially F.C. Baur, countering the charges made against the
authenticity of John. Afterward comes Lightfoot’s commentary notes on the
Gospel according to John, where he scratched out technical linguistic notes on
the Greek and grammar. There are excurses where the Bishop delved deeper on
subjects like the authenticity of John 7.53-8.11, as well as the authorship of
the Gospel. It was interesting to read Lightfoot’s perception of the
relationship of John to the Synoptic Gospels, penned in his own words; “The
Synoptics are to be interpreted by St. John and not conversely, for St. John is
precise and definite” (123). The one disappointment is that the commentary segment
abruptly ends with his analysis of chapter 12.1-8. One wonders what else he
would have said if he had been ale to complete the rest of his commentary. The
book includes three appendices, the first two by Lightfoot that delve deeper
into the authenticity of John. And the final piece is by Martin Hengel on “Lightfoot
and German Scholarship.”
“The Gospel of St.
John: A Newly Discovered Commentary” is a voice from the past to help
interpreters of the present to speak to a world moving forward into an unknown
future. Though Lightfoot was dealing
with an older incredulity and skepticism, nevertheless his observations and evaluations
are helpful as we face similar suspicions and cynicisms. And his commentary
shows the value of thoughtfully reading passages from the original languages.
This would make a great addition to the library of your favorite seminarian or
pastor. I heartily recommend the volume for more than just its historical
value.
My gratitude to
IVP Academic for the free copy of the book used in this review.
Comments