Unmasking the Beloved Disciple: The Startling Case for Lazarus as an Eyewitness in the Composition of John’s Gospel
About this audiobook
What if the man Jesus raised helped tell the story of who he is?
In Unmasking the Beloved Disciple, renowned New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III explores the hidden origins of the Fourth Gospel, inviting readers into a deeper, more personal encounter with one of Christianity's foundational texts. Witherington presents a bold and compelling case: the mysterious "Beloved Disciple" is none other than Lazarus—the man Jesus raised from the dead—whose eyewitness testimony stands behind the Gospel of John. Seen through the perspective of someone who experienced resurrection firsthand, the story of Jesus takes on fresh depth and transformative power.
- A groundbreaking proposal that identifies Lazarus as the Beloved Disciple, reshaping how the Gospel of John is understood.
- A fascinating exploration of authorship and origins, uncovering how eyewitness testimony and early Christian communities shaped the Gospel.
- A striking "Easter-eyed" reading of John's narrative, revealing how resurrection transforms the telling—and meaning—of Jesus' life.
Blending careful scholarship with engaging insight, Witherington offers readers a provocative and illuminating perspective that will challenge and enrich both study and faith.
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About the author
Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and emeritus doctoral faculty at University of St Andrews in Scotland. Widely regarded as one of the leading evangelical New Testament scholars, he is a member of Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and the Society of Biblical Literature. Witherington is the author of more than sixty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both named top biblical studies books of the year by Christianity Today and his book Biblical Theology: The Convergence of the Canon has won the national Prose prize award for best philosophy or religion book. He is also a frequent contributor to Patheos and Biblical Archaeology Review. A retired clergy member of the United Methodist Church, he continues to lecture, write, and lead study tours in the biblical world.
