The books traditionally associated with John the Apostle constitute a major portion of the Christian New Testament. The influence of these books, particularly the Gospel according to John and the book of Revelation, has been immense both in Christianity and in Western culture. This study provides a fresh examination of how these books were accepted–or not accepted–in the early Church, and in so doing demonstrates why long-held theories about them must be discarded and replaced.
This is a fascinating overview of all relevant material concerning the question of possible uses of John during the second century. Hill obviously has provided an important and challenging piece of scholarship. Current and future scholars working on the Johannine corpus or on the early Christian reception of New Testament texts definitely will have to refer to Hill’s book.
What a meticulous examination of the evidence for possible use of the Gospel and other Johannine writings. Hill’s careful study is clearly a significant scholarly contribution that any students of the second century will have to take extremely seriously.
Hill’s ambitious project is remarkably successful. It is to be applauded as a timely correction of current scholarship. The bold outline of his thesis is entirely compelling.
Seldom does one encounter a book that both challenges so trenchantly perspectives advocated by so many and makes the case so persuasively.