1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
Overview
First John presents lofty claims: "I write this to you so that you will not sin" (2:1); "No one who is born of God will continue to sin" (3:9); and "Anyone born of God does not continue to sin" (5:18). These must be understood in their original context, without dismissing their enduring spiritual implications. This commentary attempts to balance the scriptural call to holy living with the pastoral call to treat redemptively those who fail.
The letters of 2 John and 3 John offer a significant window into the life of first-century churches. Readers encounter issues of ecclesiology (church leadership, gender issues, and how the churches were interconnected) and social/cultural realities. Here we see especially how hospitality in the early churches was related to itinerant evangelism.
Rick Williamson moves verse-by-verse through 1, 2, and 3 John after providing in-depth introductions to each book.
- The latest scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan tradition
- Convenient introductory material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and more
- Clear verse-by-verse explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage’s original language
- Comprehensive annotation divided into three sections: 1. Background elements behind the text 2. Verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text 3. Significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text
- Insight into theological issues, word meanings, archaeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and more
- Expanded bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themes
Top Highlights
“The Father gave (dedōken) this love; it was not earned. God’s lavish love comes as a gift to us. It is not based on merit, for God takes the initiative. We have opportunity to become true spiritual offspring of God only because divine love has been first offered to us. This initiative by God is often called prevenient grace. The word ‘prevenient’ is formed from two Latin words meaning ‘to come before.’ Prevenient grace makes our coming to God possible, because God has first come to us (see John 6:44).” (Page 110)
“The standard for holiness is quite clear. Holiness is supremely to be like him. Being God’s offspring calls for us to reflect his character. Choices, values, attitudes, lifestyle—all these are increasingly to conform to the image of Christ.” (Page 111)
“That there is a sin that leads to death (v 16), one that is beyond being prayed for, is a frightening thought. Although the complete sense of what the text means escapes us, the warning is clear. Sin is lethal; and some sins kill more quickly than others. No matter what the speed, the road of rebellion against God always has death as its final destination. But letting the nudges of the Spirit, aided by the prayers of God’s people, draw us godward increasingly leads to life.” (Page 171)
“The measure of true holiness is Christlikeness. Holiness is not first and foremost adherence to rules or standards. Rather it is the divine life being lived out through us. The phrase just as (kathōs, used of comparison) he is pure involves the possession of the same kind of character Christ displayed. We will see Christ ‘as he is’ (v 2) and that unhindered seeing leads to a purity of life that is like his.” (Page 112)
- Alex Varughese
- Roger Hahn
- George Lyons
- Joseph Coleson
- Robert Branson
- Jim Edlin
- Kent Brower
- Frank G. Carver
- Title: 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Author: Rick Williamson
- Series: New Beacon Bible Commentary (NBBC)
- Publisher: Beacon Hill Press
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 220