Series Preface
Author's Preface
Abbreviations
Transliteration
Map
1 John
Introduction to the Johannine Letters
Text
Author
Genre
Setting and Date
John's Epistles and the Seven Churches of Asia
Literary Structure of 1 John
Detailed Outline of 1 John
The Significance of John's Letters
I. Central Burden: God Is Light (1:1-2:6)
A. Announcement of Authority and Purpose (1:1-4)
B. Main Burden of the Epistle: The Character of God (1:5)
C. Implications of God's Character for the Christian Life (1:6-10)
D. Appeal to Readers in the Light of God's Character (2:1-6)
II. Primary Commandment: Embody the Age-Old Message (2:7-17)
A. The Nature and Implications of the Message (2:7-11)
B. Pastoral Appeal in View of the Message (2:12-17)
III. Key Counsel: Abide in His Anointing (Truth) and Receive Eternal Life (2:18-3:8)
A. Three Considerations Informing the Counsel to Abide (2:18-21)
B. The Truth That Abides (2:22-26)
C. The Imperative to Abide (2:27-29)
D. The Glory of Abiding (3:1-8)
IV. Core Teaching: Love, Works, Trust (3:9-4:6)
A. Summons to Love (3:9-18)
B. Confirmation of Love (3:19-24)
C. Summons to Choose (4:1-3)
D. Confirmation of Choice (4:4-6)
V. Foundational Imperative: God's Love (4:7-14)
A. First Exhortation to Love (4:7-10)
B. Second Exhortation to Love (4:11-14)
VI. Illustrative Appeal: Renewed and Expanded Invitation to Love (4:15-5:15)
A. Declarative Invitation with Supporting Warrant (4:15-16)
B. Commendation of Love (4:17-21)
C. Commendation of Faith as fides qua creditur (5:1-5)
D. Commendation of Faith as fides quae creditur (5:6-12)
E. Commendation of the Full Assurance of Eternal Life: Confident Prayer (5:13-15)
VII. Concluding Admonition: Pastoral Counsel, Assurance, and Warning (5:16-21)
A. Counsel Regarding Sinners and Sin (5:16-17)
B. The Tie That Binds: Shared Certainties (5:18-20)
C. Final Pastoral Appeal (5:21)
2 John
Introduction to 2 John and 3 John
I. Greeting: John's Love (1-3)
II. John's Joy Yet Concern (4-8)
III. John's Warning (9-11)
IV. John's Farewell (12-13)
3 John
Introduction to 3 John
I. Greeting to Gaius (1-4)
II. Commendation of Gaius (5-8)
III. Dealing with Diotrephes (9-10)
IV. Concluding Counsel and Commendation (11-12)
V. Farewell (13-15)
Works Cited
Index of Subjects
Index of Authors
Index of Greek Words
Index of Scripture and Other Ancient Writings

"The latest addition to the BECNT series is not narrowly exegetical but is intended to help preachers and general readers apprehend the message of 1-3 John for today. It offers a meticulously detailed study of the Greek text (including special attention to textual variants) that will provide students with ample information on every aspect of the argument of the letters. This commentary well maintains the standards that we have come to expect from this series."--I. Howard Marshall†, University of Aberdeen

"By attempting to read 1-3 John in a fresh way, uncoerced by (though not uninformed by) scholarly tradition, Yarbrough offers a helpful and often different perspective on the Johannine Epistles. I find especially helpful his illuminating engagement with the history of interpretation, his careful attention to textual questions, and his quite insightful appeal to the language of the Greek version of the Old Testament (the background John and his audience shared)."--Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Despite the author's modesty, there is no other commentary like it on these epistles; it relates the Johannine letters to aspects of Jesus's work or teaching and brings into play ancient texts as well as the latest scholarly research. Yarbrough also writes as a seasoned scholar with a pastor's heart and deep cross-cultural concerns. This rigorous yet very readable commentary is for students and pastors alike to guide their study and enhance their preaching."--Graham H. Twelftree, School of Divinity, Regent University

"Yarbrough's fine volume on the Letters of John is a refreshing and well-crafted commentary. I appreciate his informed discussions of the meanings and uses of Johannine terms, his overall canonical approach to these documents in his exegesis, and his concern to address the wider theological implications of the biblical text. This edifying and stimulating commentary encourages the reader to approach the text reverently and to respond positively to the word of God."--Peter T. O'Brien, Moore College, Sydney, Australia (emeritus)

"A model of evangelical scholarship. Yarbrough's thorough interaction with the literature, informative treatment of the biblical text, and clarity of articulation combine to make this commentary one that anyone interested in these New Testament writings will need to consult. This is a significant contribution to the Baker Exegetical Commentary series!"--Philip H. Towner, Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship, American Bible Society