The Fourth Gospel, caleld the "Gospel of John," has stirred the Christian mind, heart, and imagination for twenty centuries. It was fundamental to the emergence of Christian theologies, both orthodox and heterodox, especially the early debates on christology and the Trinity. First interpreted within the communities for which it was produced (in the letters called 1, 2, and 3 John), it has inspired commentary from then until now. The present work by Francis J. Moloney focuses attention on the narrative design of the Fourth Gospel and traces the influence of this Gospel's story on its readers. It traces the way in which the author has told the story of Jesus in order to bring readers to a point of decision. The Gospel's author has a definite point of view that gives this Gospel its literary and theological unity. By no means limited to its first-century audience, the Fourth Gospel speaks to Christians of all ages and calls them to make, once and for all, life's most important choice. The expression "Sacra Pagina" ("Sacred Page") originally referred to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy. This series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, it is inteded for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, adopting specific methodological perspectives while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. The goal of Sacra Pagina is to provide sound, critical analysis without any loss of sensitivity to religious meaning. This series is therefore catholic in two senses of the word: inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition. The Second Vatican Council described the study of "the sacred page" as the "very soul of sacred theology" (Dei Verbum 24). This series illustrates how Catholic scholars contribute to the council's call to provide access to Sacred Scripture for all the Christian faithful. 616 pages. Also available in softcover.