John's Gospel: Recovering Authorial Intent

In this book, Fr. Peter Grover, OMV, introduces an innovative intratextual methodology to interpret the Gospel of John as a cohesive literary work, focusing on the author's intent. He argues that the Prologue (John 1:1-18) serves as a theological blueprint for the entire Gospel, outlining the divine plan to create "children of God" through revelation and belief in Jesus Christ. In so claiming, he systematically analyzes the Gospel's themes, highlighting the centrality of belief, the contrasting responses of acceptance and rejection, and the transformative power of divine truth. He critiques traditional historical-critical methods that isolate texts or rely on external sources, advocating instead for a text-centered approach. By tracing thematic links and patterns, he reveals the intentional structure and theological unity of John's Gospel. This book, then, ultimately balances scholarly rigor with accessibility, aiming to inspire seminarians, students, and general readers. It challenges readers to see John's Gospel as a masterpiece of theological storytelling, with the Prologue as its guiding thread. Ultimately, the author offers a fresh perspective on John's portrayal of Jesus as the divine agent of creation, revelation, and redemption.