Paul and John in Harmony: A Theological and Historical Exploration

"Challenges long-standing assumptions while offering life-giving reflections" World-renowned New Testament scholar Michael J. Gorman looks in depth at significant parallels between Paul and John. "Scholars have long studied John and Paul as though they inhabited mutually exclusive theological worlds. But recent work on both writers is now raising afresh the possibility that they are in fact closely related, even mutually dependent. Gorman is one of the wisest and most seasoned guides in these areas, and this book will open the eyes of a new generation of scholars and preachers to exciting and fruitful study and proclamation." -- N. T. Wright , Wycliffe Hall, Oxford "Gorman has produced another scholarly masterpiece. The importance of this groundbreaking book cannot be overstated. While Gorman's explanation of the commonalities in the theologies of John and Paul is pioneering, it is his innovative explanation of this phenomenon--namely, that John influenced Paul--that is truly revolutionary. This magisterial book is poised to challenge several long-standing scholarly consensuses." -- Cornelis Bennema , London School of Theology "In this stimulating and provocative book, Gorman brings a lifetime of careful scholarship to bear on the intriguing question of the relationship between Paul and John. Attentive to both textual detail and the big picture, engaging a wide range of scholarly literature, and demonstrating theological sensitivity and historical reflection, Gorman's proposals will push readers to rethink their assumptions about, and reframe their answers to, a number of vexed questions, including not only the relationship of Paul and John but also the dating of the Gospels and the theological coherence of the New Testament." -- Marianne Meye Thompson , Fuller Theological Seminary (emerita) "In this creative volume, Gorman advances a bold thesis: Paul knew and relied upon the Fourth Gospel's presentation of Jesus for the development of his own Christological vision. Whether or not you agree with Gorman on the dating of these texts or the direction of their influence, this book has the potential to challenge current scholarly boundaries. The strength of this work is Gorman's careful attention to the nuances of and significant thematic overlap between Johannine and Pauline Christologies. A must-read." -- Christopher W. Skinner , Loyola University Chicago