This is a much-needed book on the fourth Gospel and the Scriptures of Israel. Through considered and careful analysis of quotation and allusion, Allen clearly demonstrates the essential place of scripture in the Johannine passion narrative. However, this volume goes beyond evaluating the texts themselves to provide a compelling account of the relationship between John’s Gospel and scripture, both in terms of John’s understanding of the Scriptures of Israel and John’s understanding of his own writing. Allen’s discussion is engaging and insightful making this a must-read volume for anyone wanting to understand this Gospel.

Steve Smith, Lecturer in New Testament Studies, St. Mellitus College, London

David Allen offers a rich and compelling account of the profound indebtedness of the Johannine Passion narrative to the Scriptures of Israel. With great clarity and insight, the study explores how the Jewish Scriptures shape and are also understood to be shaped, even “perfected,” by John’s narration of Jesus’ death, and thus how both, symbiotically, play an integral role in the Gospel’s own claim to the status of “Scripture.”

Catrin Williams, professor, University of Wales Trinity Saint David