Elijah Slavit
- How in the world can there be a Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John? Sophia, the Greek term for Wisdom, isn't even mentioned in the fourth Gospel! Yet, Dr. Dustin Smith's compelling research reveals that the concept of wisdom forms the very essence of John's testimony. Smith does an excellent job of connecting the Jewish wisdom literature and the Gospel of John for all persons to understand, as well as offering valid reasons for the Jewish author to draw upon the Septuagint as influence for his writing the Gospel. Pulling from the rich Wisdom traditions of Proverbs, Job, Psalms, and intertestamental texts like Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach, Smith demonstrates that by the first century, God's word and wisdom were considered synonymous. This equivalence is crucial to understanding how John presents Jesus, not as a pre-existent divine figure as has been the popularized view since early Christianity, but as the incarnate expression of God's creative and guiding wisdom. While much of Christianity has understood Logos as it relates to Hellenism, Smith offers a stronger case for the background of John’s Gospel, rooting the author’s purpose in the Judean background. This perspective challenges traditional interpretations and does a great job inviting readers to see the Gospel of John through the eyes of a first-century Jew. I have found Smith's work to offer a treasure trove of insights for my own life. John's depiction of Jesus aligns with the personified Wisdom that guided, taught, and revealed God's ways to humanity, and for all believing Christians, Wisdom is present today through understanding the person and work of Jesus found in the fourth Gospel. For anyone grappling with the distinctiveness of John's Gospel or seeking a deeper understanding of its theological meanings, Smith's book is an essential read. Whether you're a scholar, a lay reader, or someone with a keen interest in early Christian thought, Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John will undoubtedly offer great insight into the heart of the fourth Gospel. Be sure to grab a highlighter, pen, and a comfortable seat as you unpack the rich intertextual play of John’s Gospel as it relates Lady Wisdom.