I spent two years of my life writing my book St. John’s Gospel: A Bible Study Guide and Commentary. It was one of the “richest” periods of my life and I put on scuba gear and dove into that profound Gospel written by the very old man (almost 100 years old) who had laid his head on the breast of Our Lord at the Last Supper. After 70 years of being malleable to the promised Holy Spirit he wrote this profoundly deep, theological, personal and eternal story of Jesus and the Church.
Here is a letter I just received from a friend who purchased the book and used it to study the Bible. It might be a good book to purchase for family or friends who love the Bible. Each copy is autographed before shipping. Each copy sold also helps my daughter who handles my web store while homeschooling her five wonderful children (I am biased). Click on the book cover to right to order. Hi Steve, I bought an autographed copy of “St. John’s Gospel” around the time of our “Footsteps” pilgrimage back in April of 2010, and it somehow sneaked away into my bookcase (not anything like your own library, but pretty substantial nonetheless). I came across it again at the beginning of August, while looking for some good summer spiritual reading. I was immediately “hooked,” and resolved to tell you upon finishing it what an amazing book you had written! (that is, as soon as I “blew through it,” I’m usually through a book in just a few days)
John and Peter Running to the Tomb However, already enamored of your habit of adventurously forging ahead until you’ve connected all the dots, I resolved to be a good “student” and chase down every scriptural and catechism reference and study them. Well…. I read it faithfully six days a week for well over an hour, and a few minutes ago, –on November 22nd (!), –I finished your “Concluding Thoughts.” What I thought would take a week or two at the most lasted nearly four (wonderful) months!
I wore out 3 highlighters on the book and the catechism, both of which look like they’ve been through a war! (and I suppose in a very real way they have been). My Bible, an RSV-CE version, is on my iPad, (I’m a gadget freak like you) It has the ability to “highlight” electronically, and I cannot believe how much of the Bible I have “turned yellow” from the references in your book! What you’ve written is far more than a study on St. John’s Gospel, you’ve created a wonderful portal into understanding the entire Bible in a very deep and thorough way. Knowing what it took just to read and study it carefully, I can only begin to imagine the time and care it took you to write it. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much this study has deepened my understanding of our dear Savior, and of the beautiful church He started. I’m so grateful for the diligent and strenuous effort I’m sure it had taken you to put it together. Just a couple days ago, my first graduate course from Franciscan University’s Distance Learning program arrived. “Principles of Biblical Study I.” I think you’ve more than adequately “warmed me up” for the course. Like the beloved disciple, you’re a man after the Lord’s own heart, and a big part of the inspiration for my beginning work on a Master’s degree in Theology –at the tender age of 54 no less. Thank you for the wonderful journey through St. John’s Gospel!
Scott Hahn is currently using your book on John as the text for his class at St. Vincent Seminary. The seminarians love your book. Scott does, too. —Mike AquilinaThere is no greater guide to St. John’s Gospel than this utterly outstanding offering from the heart of one of the most gifted converts to the Church in recent years. This is simply the best, most thorough, practical, and intensely Catholic Bible study I’ve seen. Rosalind MossStephen Ray presents a readable and intelligent interpretation of the Gospel of John. His approach is simple, clear, yet profound and discerning. For those who seek the truth and understanding of St. John’s Gospel, this book is a must reading. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal
Archbishop of Cebu, PhilippinesSteve Ray’s St. John’s Gospel is a welcome addition to the blossoming field of Scripture studies written by and for faithful lay Catholics. His research is sound, his style accessible, and his insights are solidly Catholic and biblical. May he write many more! Mark Shea, Author
Making Senses Out of ScriptureSteve Ray’s teaching of the Bible has inspired many in the parish we both belong to. I’m happy to hear that these teachings will now be available in book form so that many-more can benefit. Ralph Martin, Author
Renewal Ministries
Steve Teaching at John's Tomb in Ephesus After they had been Protestants for three decades, Steve Ray and his wife, Janet, were converted to Catholicism in 1994. He now spends much of his time in research, writing, and teaching. He serves on the Board of Directors of Ave Maria College. His “thoroughly Catholic” commentary on John’s Gospel features archaeological, theological, cultural, religious, and historical information, and quotations from a wide range of scholars. He includes a bibliography and two indexes Theology Digest Book Survey
Summer 2003, pg. 181 As for St. John’s Gospel, I’m still on the second chapter but have taken so many notes that I am awe struck. I would have never correlated these things. As a “Revert” to the faith, you have made me realize just how true our faith really is. I can’t thank you enough. Cyndi Buckley We used your commentary on the Gospel of St. John and it was the best commentary I have ever seen on John!!!!! I have them all – and the best of the best – until I became Catholic – and then I found yours. We used it in our class 4 years ago when we began CSS.Terry
