ST. ANDREW PRESS

In this second volume of commentary on John, William Barclay explores this gospel's implicit statements and clarifies meaning. Often referred to as the spiritual gospel, it is the book on which, above all, people 'feed their minds and nourish their hearts, and in which they rest their souls'.

Mark gives us the most human picture of Jesus, describing him simply as 'the carpenter', and speaks most about Jesus' feelings and emotions. This book builds on the infectious enthusiasm of Mark, adding wonder to the stories behind the text.

When Jesus called Matthew, as he sat in his office where he collected customs duty, he rose up and followed him and left everything behind him except one thing - his pen. Matthew was to become the chronicler of Christ's life and teachings - and, though it is widely accepted that he did not write the gospel itself, his influence is felt throughout.

The anonymous writer of "The Letter to the Hebrews" describes how we can access God through His son, Jesus. In his life his death, Christ delivers the faithful to the very presence of God. Barclay provides us with a deeper understanding of this unnamed author's beautiful and skilled work.

Paul distills the essence of his faith and belief. He writes to the vanguard of the new Christian faith in the heart of the greatest empire the world had ever known. We see how Paul's words are relevant in today's world, showing us that we are not too different from the Romans to whom this letter was addressed nearly 2000 years ago.

It was when he was in Ephesus in AD55 that Paul, learning that things were not all well in Corinth, wrote to the church there. This was to be his call to one of the greatest cosmopolitan cities of the ancient world. This title guides the reader through these letters and the story they tell, showing how they reveal the character of the man.

Revelation is stylistically unlike any other part of the New Testament and is notoriously bewildering and difficult to understand. William Barclay carefully explores its themes in ways that lead us to the revelation that Christians shall know heaven and the true glory of God.

Stylistically unlike any other part of the New Testament, Revelation is also notoriously bewildering and difficult to understand but, with Barclay's help, we are able to unlock its wonders and blessings.