1, 2, and 3 John: An Introduction and Study Guide: Multiple Readings, Deconstructing Constructions (T&T Clark’s Study Guides to the New Testament)

Warren Carter

ISBN 10: 0567704211 / ISBN 13: 9780567704214

Published by T&T Clark, 2024

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 9780567704214

Bibliographic Details

• Title: 1, 2, and 3 John: An Introduction and Study Guide: Multiple Readings, Deconstructing Constructions (T&T Clark?s Study Guides to the New Testament)
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0567704211
• ISBN 13: 9780567704214
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This insightful study engages the debates and interpretations of the brief and somewhat elusive writings known in the Christian canon as 1, 2, and 3 John. Chapter 1 identifies six unknowns about the origins of the three writings: authors, relationship to John's Gospel, order, date and location of the writings, and their audiences. Chapters 2 and 3 delineate the debate concerning the relationship of these writings to a purported “Johannine tradition” and “Johannine community” in which a schism is claimed to have occurred. An alternative view recognizes that while there are some connections with John's Gospel, it is more compelling to see the writings as independent rather than derivative, as internally not externally directed, as pastoral not polemical, and as schism-free.

Chapters 4-7 discuss important aspects of 1 John. Chapter 4 argues that its structure or organization is based on rhetorical and conceptual links among the writing's small units. Chapter 5 reads 1 John as a pastoral “in-house” writing, rather than a polemical attack on opponents. Chapter 6 identifies the genre of I John as not a letter or sermon but an epideictic speech that seeks to strengthen the identity, commitments, and practices of its believing recipients. Chapter 7 outlines theological understandings that underpin the writing's pastoral work.

Chapters 8 and 9 focus on 2 and 3 John as writings that provide two different approaches to itinerant teachers. The narrative fiction in 2 John presents the elder's warning and skepticism about itinerant teachers whereas the author of 3 John, by contrast, advocates reception and welcome for itinerant teachers.

About the Authors

Warren Carter is Meinders Professor of New Testament, Phillips Theological Seminary Tulsa, USA.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, Professor of New Testament, Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709