King of the Jews review

Margaret Barker is one of today’s foremost experts on Temple Theology. In this 600+ page book that is largely, for want of a better description, a commentary on the Temple Theology, of and in, each chapter of John’s Gospel, she demonstrates that expertise. She clearlypicks up on key themes and motifs which might otherwise be missed if the work is not viewed in reference to the fact that only in John’s Gospel do we meet ‘Jesus the Nazarene’, and the supposed gnostic elements of his gospel that actually demonstrate a much stronger reference to the Moses traditions and temple theology. This is a really insightful commentary with a brilliant introduction to Temple Theology. In one book you get oversight and detail, almost two books in one. There in part is the one problem. At £50 this is a hefty price which sadly is going to make it one that only the exceptionally keen are likely to invest in, even if it is worth it.