What Should a Commentator Aim to Do,for Whom,and Why? Introduction to a Discussion Focused on Andrew Lincoln’s Commentary on the Gospel of John

Abstract

These five short essays, by John Nolland, Margaret MacDonald, John Riches, Wendy North, Adele Reinhartz and Andrew Lincoln, together offer reflections on the task of the commentator. The first three (Nolland, MacDonald, Riches) provide general comments based on their own experience of writing commentaries about the different ways in which the task might be conceived. North and Reinhartz focus their essays on Lincoln’s new commentary on John’s Gospel, offering critical reflections both on points of exegesis and interpretation and on broader issues concerning the commentary genre. Finally, Lincoln provides his own reflections on the task of the commentator, and a response to the issues and criticisms raised by the reviewers.