Contents Introduction: Why John? Why Now? John 1:1-18 The Unsurpassable Horizon: God and All Reality, Jesus and Us, Ultimate Mystery and Intimacy John 1:19-51 The Formation of a Learning Community John 2:1-25 Signs of Glory and New Life John 3:1-36 Astonishing Teaching John 4:1-54 Two Surprising, Life-Giving Encounters John 5:1-47 Into Controversy John 6:1-71 Food in Abundance: Three Dramas and Four Courses John 7:1-52 Danger and Division, Identity and Desire John 8:1-59 A Drama of Bitterly Contested Identities John 9:1-41 "He Opened My Eyes" John 10:1-42 Wonderful Shepherd, Abundant Life, Father and Son John 11:1-57 "The Dead Man Came Out" John 12:1-50 "The Hour Has Come": Ultimate Glory, Attraction, and Decision John 13:1-38 Love like Jesus--Utterly, Intimately, Vulnerably, Mutually John 14:1-31 Comfort and More: Trusting, Dwelling, Praying, and Loving John 15:1-27 "Abide in Me" John 16:1-33 The Final Realism and Encouragement John 17:1-26 The Summit of Love John 18:1-40 Arrest and Trial John 19:1-42 Condemnation and Crucifixion John 20:1-31 "Mary!"--The Free, Surprising Presence of the Crucified and Risen Jesus John 21:1-25 The Ongoing Drama Epilogue Indexes

"A commentary of rare value"

Leading theologian David Ford invites us into a fresh, profound encounter with Jesus through the Gospel of John in this comprehensive theological commentary.

"In this commentary on John, Ford communicates his love of Scripture, his passion for allowing John's Gospel to teach us, and his immense learning and profound commitment to the church. This is a commentary of rare value. It feeds the mind, informs the thoughts, and is fruitful in one's own thinking and praying. It is a truly Christ-centered and Spirit-breathing work."
--Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

"This beautiful, generous commentary is the fruit of many years of 'reading, thinking, trusting, praying, and living John.' It acknowledges the wounds of John's reception history and the darkness that continues in the community gathered around Jesus. Yet it confidently welcomes readers into the 'deep plain sense' of John's Gospel, where they can continue to be challenged and abundantly fed."
--Amy Plantinga Pauw, Louisville Presbyterian Seminary

"With wonderful use of music and poetry, Ford reintroduces us to the unequaled excitement of the Jesus John wanted us to know, to love, to follow, to hope in. Just as the evangelist is a passionate and credible guide to the Jesus he was persuaded by, so Ford is a comfortable and yet challenging guide to Jesus in our time. A magnificent commentary on a magnificent Gospel."
--Mary McAleese, president of Ireland, 1997-2011

"The fruit of twenty years of studying and living with John, this theological commentary is vintage Ford: wise and erudite, never squeezing the polyphonous text of Scripture into neat theories, and always seeking to honor the diverse ways in which our lives are lived before God. Reading it, you taste something of the abundance of life Jesus came to bring."
--Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School

"Here is a lyrically written reflection on a centrally important text of the Christian faith. Ford's interpretation is both academically rigorous and deeply true to the abundance of spirit in John's Gospel. This is a book not only for Christians but for all who are serious about the place of religion in a human life."
--Laurie Zoloth, University of Chicago

"The fruit of a lifetime of patient and careful study, this text is saturated with insights about God's desire and plan for life's abundance. It will be an essential guide for biblical scholars, theologians, and laypeople for generations to come."
--Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School