Social-Science Commentary on the Gospel of John

Building on the unique format and success of their Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, Includes illustrations and photographs. Malina and Rohrbaugh extend their framework to the Fourth Gospel.

Unlike the usual historical, exegetical, or theological commentaries, this rich and engrossing work assembles and catalogs the pertinent values, conflicts, and mores of ancient Mediterranean culture. Its Gospel outline, detailed textual notes, and "reading scenarios" bring life and light to the social circumstances the Gospel text relates about childhood, money, divorce, military service, farming, family life, cities, demons, patronage, and a host of other aspects of the ancient world. In many ways, the authors disclose, the Fourth Gospel addresses an alienated anti-society, fundamentally at odds with the predominant culture. With its format, charts and photos, this social-science commentary is the ideal companion for the study of the Fourth Gospel.

Bruce J. Malina is professor of new testament at Creighton University, Omaha, and author or coauthor or editor of many influential volumes in New Testament, including several recent Fortress Press titles: Social Science Commentary on the Book of Revelation (2000); Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels (2nd edition 2003); Social Science Commentary on the Gospel of John (1998); and The Social Gospel of Jesus (2001).

Richard L. Rohrbaugh is Paul S. Wright Professor of Christian Studies at Lewis and Clark College (Portland, Oregon). He is co-author, with Malina, of Social-Science Commentary on the Gospel of John (Fortress Press, 1998).