Homilies on John

Augustine’s homilies are one of the great sustained theological readings of John. They do not offer modern historical, grammatical or textual criticism, and individual interpretations sometimes depend on linguistic assumptions that cannot be defended today, but Augustine’s instinct for John’s Christology, Trinitarian theology, love, grace, ecclesiology and spiritual significance has exercised an extraordinary influence on subsequent Christian interpretation. His exegesis frequently moves canonically and theologically in directions that no modern technical commentary attempts. As a representative of patristic reception and as a theological conversation partner, Augustine is difficult to surpass.