Fourth Gospel Introductions Getting a Makeover

Two really fine introductions to John's Gospel are coming out with second editions courtesy of Baker Academic.

Gary Burge's Interpreting the Gospel of John, originally published 21 years ago (1992) is coming out with a second edition. Here is the description:

This tried and true classroom favorite by respected New Testament scholar Gary Burge has been praised for its usefulness. The expanded second edition has been revised throughout to take account of current scholarship and introduces software tools that have become available since the original edition was published. Combining original insight with how-to guidance, this up-to-date introduction to the Gospel of John helps students interpret the text and apply it in teaching and preaching.

In addition, Andreas Köstenberger's Encountering John: The Gospel in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective, is receiving a second edition some 14 years after its initial publication (1999).

Here is the description:

In this updated edition of his successful textbook, leading evangelical New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger offers a guide to John's gospel that is informed by current scholarship but written at an accessible level. The book has been revised throughout and features a new interior design. Photos, sidebars, and other pedagogical aids are included.

They will both be due out in November, in time for SBL, and I would recommend both, although I might give a slight edge to Köstenberger's Encountering John in terms of thoroughness, and from a visual standpoint. But anyone who is a student of the Fourth Gospel would do well to get both.