The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Gnostic Library of Nag-Hammadi Have opened new lines of thought about the environment and purpose of the Fourth Gospel, and the last ten years have seen the publication in English of a succession of major commentaries and an impressive list of monographs. Dr Painter sets out to explain the new look in Johannine studies, calling attention to areas of general agreement and, on more controverted matters, laying the various views side by side. He introduces the Gospel and the First Epistle of John in their historical setting, but the core of his book is a clear, comprehensive, and compelling. presentation of their theology.