The Word from the Beginning: The Person and Work of Jesus in the Gospel of John

by Bruce G. Schuchard

Publisher:

Lexham Academic

, 2022

“And the Word became flesh”

John’s Gospel famously opens with a poetic prologue about the Word. However, after these initial verses, the theme of God’s Word incarnate seems to fade.

The silence is only apparent. In The Word from the Beginning, Bruce G. Schuchard reunites John’s prologue with the rest of his Gospel. What Jesus does in the Gospel embodies who Jesus is in the prologue. Jesus’s words and actions reveal and unfold his unique identity as the Word. Jesus is indeed God’s Word enfleshed.

This theological reading of John’s Gospel unifies Jesus’s identity, words, and work, opening up implications for Johannine Christology.

Praise for The Word from the Beginning

Bruce Schuchard has written a beautiful little book that is succinct, insightful, and imminently readable. Schuchard’s deep understanding of the Fourth Gospel is obvious on every page, as he guides his readers through the unfolding story of the Word made flesh. After you read this book, you will want to buy a dozen copies to give as gifts to family and friends.

—Craig A. Evans, John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins, Houston Baptist University

From its first word the Gospel of John calls its readers to the Word—and not just the Word, his life and actions, but the word of the Word, the revelation of God to people. Bruce Schuchard’s The Word from the Beginning zeroes in on this cardinal motif as he explains how the speech of Jesus shapes his actions as well as those around him. I heartily recommend The Word from the Beginning as an aid to hear the word of the Word in John’s Gospel—a word we must hear and embrace.

—Douglas Estes, associate professor of biblical studies and practical theology, Tabor College, editor, Didaktikos

Reading John’s Gospel around the central theme of the Word, Bruce Schuchard shows how God’s communication informs each part of the narrative that follows. His text is theologically rich and invites readers into deeper reflection about the significance of the Word that Jesus embodies and conveys. Clear and accessible, this volume will appeal to a broad audience, offering insights useful for preaching and study.

—Craig Koester, Asher O. & Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary

Contents

• Introduction
• The Prologue
• A First Journey to Jerusalem in Anticipation of the Coming of His Hour
• A Second Journey to Jerusalem in Anticipation of the Coming of His Hour
• A Third Journey to Jerusalem in Anticipation of the Coming of His Hour
• A Troubled Thomas and a Dead Man Rises
• The Beginning of the Final Week and the Arrival of His Hour
• The End of the Final Week and the Accomplishment of His Hour
• A Dead Man Rises and a Troubled Thomas
• The Epilogue

Product Details

• Title: The Word from the Beginning: The Person and Work of Jesus in the Gospel of John
• Author: Bruce G. Schuchard
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2022
• Pages: 160
• Format: Logos Digital, Hardcover
• Trim Size: 6x9
• ISBN: 9781683596028

About Bruce G. Schuchard

Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Dean of Graduate School and Advanced Studies University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (B.S. 1979); Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana (M.Div. 1984, S.T.M. 1985); Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Richmond, Virginia (Ph.D. 1991); pastor, St. James, Victor, Iowa (1990-97); assistant professor, Concordia Seminary (1997-2003); associate professor since 2003; dean of the Graduate School (2002-06); dean of the Graduate School and advanced studies since 2006.