FREDERICK DALE BRUNER's The Gospel of John: A commentary is a volume of more than 1200 pages for serious students and teachers. Bruner, an American New Testament scholar now in his eighties, offers his own interpretation (and translation), but also concludes each large section with an overview of interpretations by theologians from Augustine to Westcott by way of Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin, and does not ignore more recent scholarship (Eerdmans/Alban, £49.99 (£45); 978-0-8028-6635-6).

In Dying to Live, John Churcher, who describes himself as a progressive Christian, explores St Mark's Gospel, chapter by chapter. He wants his readers to encounter a Jesus freed from the dogma and doctrines that have become church tradition (Circle Books, £12.99 (£11.70); 978-1-84694-715-5).