Review: Farewell Discourse

D.A. Carson, THE FAREWELL DISCOURSE AND FINAL PRAYER OF JESUS, An Evangelical Exposition of John 14-17; Grand Rapids MI, Baker Books, 2017, 236 pages.

I must concede that I was concerned about this book when asked to review it. After his find work on a Commentary on John, I was concerned that it was mainly a repeat of the commentary. That concern was quickly dispelled. While the commentary is academic and technical, this work is the none technical. It is a prime example of Exposition in comparison to the academic work. The author tells us that these were addresses given at several conferences.  They were given not so much to fulfill an academic need, but more for a general audience and to give a basic understanding.

He guides us through the discourse and prayer more as a skilled preacher that a highly required teacher. I found it heartwarming and helpful. It is a very good exposition of the passage. Understandable. Useful. Encouraging.

Dr. Carson does not sacrifice the difficult on the altar of practicality. His chapter of the humanity and deity of Christ is well explained. He warns us not to go outside what Scripture teaches, as well as, things so subline they are outside our theological formulation and our explanation is inadequate. 

If I have a criticism at all of this work it is twofold: (1) It center upon the farewell discourse but is light on the prayer of Jesus. It is somewhat unbalanced between the two. (2) His language is at times difficult for the average person. However, these do not take away from the overall worth of the book.

Anyone looking to study this section without wading through a heavier work, it is would be helpful. Would be ideal for help in a series of sermons or a Sunday teacher who is teaching the subject. It would be good and enjoyable for general reading. Worthy of any library.

Thanks to Baker Books are the cope in return for the review. The review is my opinion.