John Commentaries

Syllabus said Carson.

So I bought Carson.

What could be better than the Don? First lecture, lecturer announced Kostenberger is a protege of Carson and is better. He's got everything Carson has, but better on narrative.

So I bought Kostenberger.

Lecturer then half-mumbled three lectures later that their secret non-technical commentary which gets to the emotional and theological heart of John was by Lesslie Newbigin.

I'd never heard of him(?), and had already purchased two commentaries, so I borrowed it from the library.

After reading the four pages related to my essay I'd already be willing to trade Carson and Kostenberger for Newbigin. Okay, maybe not. It's an unfair comparison, they're doing different things. But I'll be chasing up Newbigin very soon. Brilliant, simple, heartfelt, engaging, and penetrating analysis.

I am getting plenty from all three, but Newbigin helped me feel the core of my essay question. Take away the Greek analysis and Kostenberger and Carson might do the same, but there's just something about Newbigin. Who is this man? I have no idea.

Perhaps its also a case of a rose by any other name not smelling as sweet? Carson goes for The Gospel According to John. Kostenberger quite simply is titled John. Newbigin - The Light has Come.

Now back to my essay...