Cornelis Bennema Livres

Focusing on the depth of John's Gospel, this commentary likens the study to an archaeological dig, encouraging readers to uncover its original meanings and contemporary significance. Cornelis Bennema invites those willing to engage deeply with the text to explore the hidden treasures beneath its surface. Written in accessible language, the book aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of God's message, making it suitable for readers seeking a more profound connection with the scripture.

Focusing on the characters within the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema presents a nuanced exploration that counters the common perception of them as flat. He argues that many characters are actually complex and evolve throughout the narrative. By drawing parallels between these characters and real-life individuals across different cultures and eras, Bennema emphasizes the Gospel's challenge to readers regarding their personal relationship with Jesus. This analysis encourages a deeper understanding of character development and its implications for faith.

The book explores the function of the Spirit in salvation as depicted in John's Gospel, drawing connections to intertestamental Jewish wisdom literature. It posits that the Spirit acts as a cognitive agent, facilitating a life-giving wisdom that fosters and maintains a saving relationship between the believer and the Father and Son. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of the theological implications of the Spirit's role in the context of salvation.

Although character has been the subject of focused literary-critical study of the New Testament (and a point of connection with character ethics) since the 1970s, the author observes that there is still no consensus regarding how characterization should be understood in contemporary literary theory or in biblical studies.