Seeing and Believing

Surprising as it may seem, parable is dominant in the fourth gospel, although there are no story parables as in the synoptic gospels. Often it is the contemporary culture, customs, religious life and the general background of first century Israel, highlighting the parable or giving greater understanding of the spiritual. These details are of particular interest, often forming the major part of the chapter because of their spiritual relevance. Seeing and Believing commences with four chapters which clarify the concept of parable; the gospel is then unfolded in the many parables, each with its own chapter, in the gospel order, with a brief introductory heading.