The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I" by Marcus Dods is a theological commentary written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the Gospel according to St. John, exploring its themes, structure, and purpose, while aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the text. Dods examines important concepts surrounding the Incarnation, Christ’s manifestations, reception, and the dynamics of faith and unbelief. The opening of the text sets the stage by introducing the foundational idea that the Gospel is a deliberate work of art, crafted to evoke faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Dods explains that John's objective in writing was not to provide a comprehensive biography but rather to present significant events and teachings of Jesus that reveal His divine nature and glory. The initial section focuses on the prologue emphasizing the Word's eternal existence with God and His role in creation, alongside the contrasting reception He received from humanity, highlighting the tragedy of their unbelief. This detailed exploration sets the groundwork for the subsequent chapters, which promise to delve further into the narrative of Jesus's life and ministry as presented by John.