Reviews

Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community by Craig R. Koester

revbeckett's review against another edition

5.0

One of the factours that sets the Gospel of John apart from the Synoptics is the evangelist’s extensive use of symbolism, often in juxtaposition: light vs. darkness, belief vs. unbelief, knowing God (through Jesus) vs. not knowing God, water, bread, and others. Koester presents an impressively detailed explication of these symbolic motifs. Koester argues that the question John aims to answer is: How do people know God? He pedantically details John’s presentation of who Jesus is as the light of the world that enlightens the reader (pun intended) of who Jesus is as the Son of God. He defines a symbol as “an image, action, or a person that is understood to have transcendent significance” and are “things that can be perceived by the senses, such as light and darkness, water, bread, a door,” etc. (p. 4). These are understood through two types of symbols: core symbols, which occur most often, and “contribute most to the Gospel’s message” (p. 5); and supportive symbols, which “help to reveal the significance of the core symbols” (p. 6). For example, Jesus as the light of the world is a core symbol and Nicodemus is a supporting symbol of this motif.

Bottom line, the symbols he covers are extremely edifying especially when he provides valuable historical background to specific events. I often refer to it in my sermon prep work when I’m preaching from John’s Gospel, and I recommend it for any intrigued by hermeneutics.

jaelynnc's review against another edition

5.0

This book was great. There were several sections that dove deep into different symbols in John. ie- symbolic figures, symbolic actions, light and darkness, water, crucifixion, and community. It was very insightful! I never knew that there were so many symbols in the 4th gospel!