Paul and John in Harmony: A Theological and Historical Exploration - Hardcover

by Michael J. Gorman (Author)

Since the earliest days of the church, scriptural interpreters have noticed similarities between the writings of Paul and John. These similarities have become a topic of intense debate among biblical scholars.

In Paul and John in Harmony, world-renowned New Testament scholar Michael Gorman looks in depth at significant parallels between the Gospel of John and 1 John and the Pauline letters. Gorman explores texts such as Philippians 2, John 13, and John 15 and themes such as participating in Christ and the Father's double sending of the Son and the Spirit, Gorman argues that the similarities in these writings express some of the most important aspects of New Testament theology and spirituality.

Although most modern scholars claim that Paul and John represent independent traditions, some have recently argued that Paul's letters influenced the later Johannine writings, while others contend that there was mutual influence. Gorman considers these proposals in light of the parallels he has examined and offers a proposal of his own that rethinks the relationship between John and Paul: Could John have influenced Paul?

Back Jacket

"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

Author Biography

Michael J. Gorman (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he has taught since 1991. A specialist in the Pauline and Johannine writings, Gorman is the author or editor of more than 20 books, including Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross, Abide and Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John, Elements of Biblical Exegesis, Participating in Christ, and Scripture and Its Interpretation.