One of the issues consistently plaguing New Testament scholars is the date of the Gospel of John. No consensus exists on this thorny dilemma. Looking at the world around the Bible, extrabiblical testimony often provides evidence for such questions. Insights drawn from Irenaeus are used by Lewis to help shed light on the topic. Noting the extent to which Irenaeus bears on the fourth Gospel, Lewis discusses the potential authors of John that could have been known by Irenaeus. Eventually this comes down to John the son of Zebedee. From antiquity to modernity, Lewis then shifts the discussion to the value of Irenaeus’ testimony to us. Relating Irenaeus’ non-critical outlook to his correspondence, other ancient writers are brought into the discussion. Even the relationships between Irenaeus and unnamed associates are farmed for information on this issue. Ending with modern conclusions to the issue, Lewis provides a useful summary of state of Irenaeus studies around the beginning of the twentieth century.

Frank Grant Lewis (1865-1945) earned a Ph.D. in theological studies at the University of Chicago. He became the librarian at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania.