John 1:1–7:1: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)

by William C. Weinrich

Publisher:

Concordia Publishing House

, 2015

Overview

In this exhaustive commentary on the first six chapters of the Gospel of John, prominent Lutheran scholar William C. Weinrich gives a thorough analysis of the lowly and simple majesty of John’s language that calls the reader to become a disciple of the Word. The Gospel invites us to see and hear Jesus, who is the true and divine son. Weinrich draws upon his vast knowledge of patristics to help readers dig deeper into the Gospel and learn more about Jesus.

Key Features

• Contains over 800 pages of commentary on the first six chapters of John
• Features illuminating theological exegesis of the text from a seasoned scholar
• Explores authorship, purpose, and major themes

Contents

• The Origin of John’s Gospel: Some Patristic Testimony
• The Uniqueness of the Gospel of John
• Why Was the Gospel of John Written? Purpose and Major Themes
• Where Was the Gospel of John Written?
• When Was the Gospel of John Written?
• Who Was the Author of the Gospel of John?
• Literary Characteristics and Vocabulary
• A Word on Commentaries
• 1:1–18—The Prologue
• 1:19–4:54—“He Must Increase; I Must Decrease”: From the Baptism of John to the Baptism of Jesus
• 5:1–7:1—“My Father Works and I Also Work”: Healing and Bread from Heaven

Top Highlights

“To put this forthrightly, the Gospel text demands a sacramental reading because otherwise there is no-thing to which the narratives refer so that one may ‘see,’ and in seeing, believe, and so that one may ‘hear,’ and in hearing, receive eternal life. The story of Christ is the story of the life of the church.⁸³ If the story of the Christ does not remain in the life of the church, then there is no Word made flesh among us whom we may see and hear. All Christology is ecclesiology. ‘ ‘As the Father has sent me, in the same manner do I send you.’ … ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ ’ (Jn 20:21–22). The church takes its beginning as did the story of the Christ (Jn 1:29–34): at Baptism.” (Pages 309–310)

“However, in context the words concerning ‘water and the Spirit’ (Jn 3:5) do refer to Baptism, namely, to the Baptism of Jesus at the hands of John, when the Spirit came down and remained on him (Jn 1:32–33). This Baptism, perfected and proffered to us for the forgiveness of sin in the death of Christ, is the Baptism to which all at the time of Jesus were invited to enter.” (Page 388)

“According to Jn 20:30–31, the Gospel was written with the goal to create faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, for those who believe ‘have life in his Name.’ This purpose statement suggests that Jn 1:12 is the center of the Prologue: ‘to them [those who believe in his Name] he gave the authority to become children of God.’ To be sure, the creating of children of God and their life of faith is the guiding theme and purpose of the Gospel.” (Page 84)

Praise for the Print Edition

I esteem Dr. William Weinrich as one of the most remarkable and trustworthy Lutheran theologians of our times. Firm rootedness in the Scriptures, rare knowledge of early church fathers, and deep understanding of the ecclesial nature of Christianity allow him to present biblical theology in the richness of its genuine form. . . . The balanced approach of an academic scholar and of a practical theologian makes this book a truly valuable resource.

—Janis Vanags, archbishop of Riga, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia

Product Details

• Title: John 1:1–7:1
• Author: William C. Weinrich
• Series: Concordia Commentary
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 917
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. John 1:1-7:1 › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM64JN1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-01-07T23:27:41Z

About William C. Weinrich

William C. Weinrich is the professor of early church and patristic studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he has taught since 1975. During his tenure at the seminary, he has served as supervisor of the STM program, dean of the graduate school, and academic dean. He also served the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia as rector of its theological school, the Luther Academy. He served The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as third vice-president and as fifth vice-president. He is also the editor of the volume on Revelation in the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series.

Sample Pages from John 1:1–7:1: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)