In this first of three volumes on the writings of John (two on the Gospel and one on the letters of John), Raymond E. Brown introduces the reader to the beauty and complexity of the fourth Gospel. His translation of the Greek into ordinary English makes good common sense of the text. Patiently sifting through and weighing all the ancient sources and modern theories, Brown addresses with clarity the major issues surrounding the writings of John-questions of authorship, composition, date, and John's relation to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Unlike other commentaries on the Gospel of John, this one analyzes and presents the scholarly debates in a form that the interested layperson can appreciate. Whether discussing John's version of miracle stories found in the other Gospels, explaining the meaning of obscure Greek words, or pointing out the relevance of Jesus words and deeds, Father Brown speaks to scholars and laypeople alike. Raymond E. Brown, the foremost New Testament scholar in the U.S., is Auburn Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He holds over twenty honorary doctorates from Catholic and Protestant universities. He is author of over twenty-five books on the Bible, including the acclaimed volumes The Birth of the Messiah and The Death of the Messiah.