An innovative study showing how literary methodologies such as structuralism, narrative criticism and deconstructionism can be used to illuminate biblical texts. A detailed introduction makes it accessible to the non-specialist.

"John's Gospel" is an innovative study of the fourth gospel. It shows how the current pluralism of literary methodologies can be used to illuminate Biblical texts. Mark W. G. Stibbe, a leading authority on St. John, uses the methods of structuralism, deconstructionism and narrative criticism in his interpretation.
Stibbe examines the character of Jesus using reader response criticism then analyzes the plot using structuralist literary criticism and the genre using archetypal criticism. He discusses the structure of the gospel using the methodology of deconstructionism. He also interprets the polemic against the Jews by drawing on the ethics of reception. The book contains a detailed introduction which puts readers in touch with recent research and a conclusion which points forward to future areas of development. A comprehensive bibliography is also included. "John's Gospel" is an invaluable work for all those interested in the Bible as literature.

` ... well-written and contain indexes of texts and authors as well as useful bibliographies ...' - Regents Reviewsthis is a lively, well-written study, which I shall recommend to students as an excellent exposition and application of innovative methods of literary study to biblical texts. Ruth B Edwards, Expository Times'This book offers a clear and useful introduction to modern literary approaches to biblical texts, and undoubtedly yields many stimulating insights into the meaning and interpretation of the Johannine narratives and discourses.' - Catrin H. Williams, Epworth Review