1–3 John: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary | CC)

by Bruce G. Schuchard

Publisher:

Concordia Publishing House

, 2012

Overview

These epistles represent the singular voice of an extraordinary theologian. John, the last living apostle, writes to his “children.” For decades he has served as the elder father of the house churches of Asia Minor, but during his exile, false teaching has persuaded some to abandon the faith and the life in the community of the beloved. At least one church’s leader has presumed to advance his own teaching at the expense of the apostle’s instruction. Knowing that his days are numbered, John sends a general epistle, 1 John, together with its introductory cover letter, 2 John. In order to address the errant leader’s conduct, he also sends a situation-specific, personal, and pastoral addendum, 3 John. Rallying the faithful so that none would be lost to the ongoing threat of deception, John urges his children to confess by the Spirit in this last hour the man Jesus as the Son of the Father, come in the flesh in truth and love. The fulfillment of God’s historic dealings with his people of old is Jesus’ atoning sacrifice of himself. Through his shed blood, a cleansing flood, God confers the life of the age to come.

Key Features

• Treats all the elements of traditional exegesis
• Compares the original context and the contemporary context
• Engages contemporary life and culture
• Analyzes Scripture’s language, imagery, and themes
• Pays special attention to the original Hebrew and Greek

Contents

• John’s Location
• John’s Occasion
• John’s Response
• John’s Reception
• John’s Legacy
• 1 Jn 1:1–4 Prologue
• 1 Jn 1:5–3:12 Body of the Letter, Part 1
• 1 Jn 3:13–5:12 Body of the Letter, Part 2
• 1 Jn 5:13–21 Conclusion
• 2 Jn 1–13 To the Elect Lady and Her Children
• 3 Jn 1–15 To Gaius the Beloved

Top Highlights

“Christians are those whose foundation is love, and not just any love, but the love of God in Jesus, from which and for the sake of which we live, breathe, and have our being through Christ our Lord.” (Page 474)

“used here in its classical Johannine sense as the realm of unbelief hostile to the community.” (Page 319)

“God loves the sinner, not because He is drawn to him by his lovableness, but because, in spite of man’s unloveliness, God sets His mind and will on seeking man’s highest good. This is what is amazing about God’s love. ‘God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’ (Rom. 5:8).” (Page 317)

“highlights three striking and informing themes: ‘life’ (1:1d, 2a, 2d), ‘fellowship’ (1:3c–d), and ‘joy’ (1:4b)” (Page 62)

“ His question is ‘How can we know that we know God when they seem to think that they know God?’” (Page 181)

Product Details

• Title: 1–3 John
• Author: Bruce G. Schuchard
• Series: Concordia Commentary
• Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Pages: 800
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. 1 John › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 2 John › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 3 John › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:CONCOM83JN
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-06T18:10:50Z

About Bruce G. Schuchard

Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Dean of Graduate School and Advanced Studies University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (B.S. 1979); Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana (M.Div. 1984, S.T.M. 1985); Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, Richmond, Virginia (Ph.D. 1991); pastor, St. James, Victor, Iowa (1990-97); assistant professor, Concordia Seminary (1997-2003); associate professor since 2003; dean of the Graduate School (2002-06); dean of the Graduate School and advanced studies since 2006.