The Literary Devices in John's Gospel

"Wead's work was a historic contribution to the field of New Testament studies, one of the very earliest sustained attempts to apply emerging narrative-critical models to established problems in biblical scholarship. Preceding Alan Culpepper's Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel by more than a decade, the book remains essential to any history of research in Johannine studies and also serves as a window into the dawn of literary-critical study of the Gospels."


—Tom Thatcher, Professor of Biblical Studies, Cincinnati Christian University





“This revised and expanded version of Wead’s classic study showcases his prescient insights into John’s connection to ancient methods of communication—particularly Greek drama—as well as how interpretation can be aided by means of more contemporary literary criticism. Propelling his work into a much-deserved place in the continuing conversation, this book shows how students of John’s literary artistry are also in Wead’s debt!”


—Alicia D. Myers, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek, Campbell University Divinity School





“In this important but often overlooked volume, David Wead’s analysis of Johannine literary devices beautifully articulates the Fourth Gospel’s literary and theological distinctiveness while anticipating what would become foundational to Johannine critics working with narrative criticism in the decades that followed. I am delighted to see this revised and expanded edition from the Johannine Monograph series.”


—Christopher W. Skinner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Loyola University Chicago