Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel, by Andreas J. Köstenberger. Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2021. xiii + 188 pp. $27.99.
Research professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Andreas J. Köstenberger has long been established as one of the foremost scholars of Johannine literature and theology. Having written an exegetical commentary on John’s gospel (BECNT [Baker, 2004]), a theology of the gospel and letters of John (A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters [Zondervan, 2009]), as well as numerous other works on the fourth evangelist, Köstenberger has made yet another contribution to the studies of John’s gospel. His latest work, Signs of the Messiah: An Introduction to John’s Gospel, has a clear aim to “keep a close eye on the big picture—the main plot line and the flow of argument” of the gospel of John (2). Based on a series of lectures given at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Köstenberger provides a compelling journey through John’s gospel that he states, “can serve as a companion that…will further illumine John’s core message” (3).
True to his stated purpose, Köstenberger—in less than 200 pages—provides an overview of John’s gospel consisting of three parts (i.e., Part 1: The Cana Cycle, Part 2: The Festival Cycle, and Part 3: Conclusion to the Book of Signs and the Book of Exaltation). Each of these parts also consists of three chapters which examine anywhere from one to several chapters of the gospel, keeping focus on the high-level narrative plot that John develops throughout.
After examining both internal and external evidence for Johannine authorship, as well as the prologue of 1:1–18, Part 1 explores what Köstenberger calls “The Cana Cycle” (chaps. 2–4 in John’s gospel). The Cana Cycle derives its name from the fact that this literary unit of John’s gospel starts and ends with signs Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee (cf. 2:1–12; 4:46–54). In between these chapters are two parallel characters, namely, Nicodemus (chap. 3) and the Samaritan woman (chap. 4). Köstenberger argues that “this shows that the earthly church’s mission, as narrated in the book of Acts, is grounded in the mission of none other than the earthly Jesus himself” (47). Beyond this, Köstenberger argues, this Cana frame also serves to “to elicit faith in [Christ] among [John’s] readers” (67), for the miracles performed in Cana provide indisputable credibility for the claims of Jesus to Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman.
Part 2 surveys what is Köstenberger describes as “The Festival Cycle” (chaps. 5–10 in John’s gospel). This is a fitting name for this unit as these festivals serve as a continual structural marker in these chapters. John, the “master storyteller” (69), structured these chapters not only because each chapter is centered around a different Jewish festival but also because “John presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the symbolism inherent in each of these various festivals” (76).
Finally, part 3 unfolds what Köstenberger calls the “Conclusion to the Book of Signs” (John 11–12), as well as “The Book of Exaltation” (John 13–21). Köstenberger points out that after “escalating confrontation” with the Jewish leaders in the Festival Cycle, John 11–12 close “with the Fourth Evangelist’s indictment of the Jewish people, represented by their leaders” (120). This is followed by Köstenberger’s treatment of “The Farewell Discourse” (John 13–17), which he describes as Jesus’s preparation of his new messianic community. Interestingly, Köstenberger presents evidence that the farewell speech of Christ is loosely patterned after Moses’s own farewell speech in Deuteronomy to the people of Israel just before the conquest. After a brief discussion of the structure and themes of chapters 13–17, the book concludes with a final chapter on the “passion narrative” (John 18–21).
Without question, Signs is a welcome addition to Johannine studies. Although primarily intended for an audience with a rudimentary knowledge of Scripture, Signs has great value, both for the beginner as well as the seasoned pastor or scholar. Perhaps the greatest strength of the book is Köstenberger’s continual emphasis on the overarching structure and framework of John’s gospel, as well as its main themes (e.g., the seven signs, the seven “I am” statements, various inclusios, Jewish festivals, etc.). Attention to themes and structure enables the reader to see John’s masterful arrangement and the “big picture” of the gospel. This provides, therefore, a natural platform for more study and meditation of the text at a deeper level. To put it another way, Signs sets the table so that the reader can enjoy the meal.
Another helpful feature is the book’s ability to not just focus on a single element of John’s gospel (e.g., structure, theology, historical background, literary features, etc.) but instead to show how all of these elements are woven together into a captivating portrayal of Christ. Context, history, dates, theology, structure—and even insights into Greek grammar and verb tense (e.g., 42)—are also masterfully utilized to provide a cohesive presentation of John’s argument.
Finally, Signs is a useful tool because of its multifaceted approach. It is theological, pastoral, expositional, apologetic, and even evangelistic. In other words, Köstenberger not only teaches theology but also exposits the text. He not only argues for the truthfulness of Christ and the veracity of John’s gospel, but also exhorts unsaved readers to trust in Christ.
Although there are very few critiques with Signs from the present reviewer, it is worth noting that the discussion of the Passion Narrative (chap. 9) was surprisingly brief—even in a short introductory book like this one. In fact, chapter 21 received almost no interaction. John chapter 12 also received no attention. One would have liked to see (even briefly) how these chapters fit within the arrangement of John’s argument. Likewise, the book felt a little “top heavy,” with much attention devoted to authorship and introductory issues at the beginning, only to be very brief in the discussion of chapters 18–21.
In the end, however, Signs is accessible, insightful, engaging, practical, and edifying. In fact, it almost feels like a conversation with a friend—a friend who just happens to be one of the great experts of John’s beloved gospel. Whether one is a seasoned scholar, experienced pastor, or relative newcomer to the Bible, Signs is a welcome companion to have close by.
