eBook
John, 1-3 John eBook • $8.99Book Description
John’s distinctiveness may be why it’s one of the most treasured books in the New Testament. Although it contains fewer miracles than the other Gospels, and almost none of the parables, John expands our understanding of who Jesus is, beginning with the very first verse: “In the beginning was the Word . . . .” So too do three letters attributed to the same author call the worshiping church to reconsider the meaning of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. With critical interpretation and relatable language, Prince Raney Rivers and Abby Thornton Hailey delve into each of these four New Testament books, examining themes of truth and love, light and darkness, belief and life.
Each volume of the Preaching the Word series consists of a collection of sermons preached through a book or books of the Bible. As in other commentaries, the author analyzes and seeks to interpret each passage. But Preaching the Word also exists as a testament to the Word preached, a homiletical commentary unfolding within a community of faith. Thus, this series allows us to approach the letters and histories of the New Testament as the first recipients did: as hearers of God’s Word.
Book Reviews
Prince Raney Rivers and Abby Thornton Hailey are gifted pastors and wise, trusted interpreters of Scripture. In this volume they offer profound insights into some of the most important yet challenging texts of Scripture: the Gospel and Letters of John. Their insights are illuminating for laity and clergy alike, and careful study of the biblical texts and this volume together will draw us all closer to the God of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. An impressive accomplishment!
—L. Gregory Jones
Dean of Duke Divinity School,
Williams Distinguished Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry
In this fine volume, Prince Raney Rivers and Abby Thornton Hailey explore the content of the Johannine corpus with insightful commentary and pastoral response. The book offers careful exegesis of the texts and their essential role in shaping Christian religious experience, discipleship, and ministry in the Church and the world.
—Bill J. Leonard
Professor Emeritus,
Wake Forest University
The Johannine literature represents a poetic and theological alternative to the majority of the New Testament writings and therefore presents a special challenge to the preacher. Out of their evident devotion to Scripture and extensive pastoral experience, Prince Rivers and Abby Hailey have produced an incisive and timely guide for both preacher and student alike. Everyone, including attentive congregations, will benefit from this book.
—Richard Lischer
Duke Divinity School,
Author of Reading the Parables
There might be better preachers out there than Prince Rivers, but I don’t know any. To sit in on his sermons to his beloved church as he gazes at Jesus through John’s prism is a delight—it makes me want to preach, shout, believe, and live.
—Jason Byassee
Vancouver School of Theology
Birthed from the heart of two pastor-preacher-teacher-scholars, Prince Raney Rivers and Abby Thornton Hailey’s commentary on the Gospel of John and John I, II, & III is an exceptional volume that is fresh, provocative, and faithful. Rivers and Hailey combine insights gained from their experience as faithful pastors and skilled preachers with the best of biblical scholarship to produce an accessible guide for anyone wishing to venture with confidence into the theological world of the Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles. Preaching the Word’s sermonic form makes this commentary an invaluable resource for pastors, preachers and teachers endeavoring to nurture loving, Christ-centered, boundary-less communities in which all are known as sisters and brothers in the household of faith. Whether you are a veteran preacher, a student in theological education, or a person in the pew seeking to learn more about the Johannine corpus, this commentary will light the way.
—Veronice Miles
Associate Professor of Preaching,
Wesley Theological Seminary
A tremendously alive, engaging, fresh, practical, and preachable approach of the books of St. John: laced with scholarly integrity and pastoral stories which calls and causes one to desire to embrace the abundant life through Jesus Christ as Lord.
—Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr.
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church