Eschatology and Dualism in the Johannine Epistles

W. Elliot Luo explores fresh interpretations of familiar eschatological topics in the Johannine Epistles, such as the true image of the Antichrist, the essence of eternal life, the possible scene of afterlife, and how understandings of eschatology shape our present life.

Eschatology, the study of "end times" or the last things, plays a significant role in both Johannine theology and the Gospel of the Epistles of John. However, in the study of Johannine eschatology, the focus is usually on the Gospel, and the Epistles are often viewed as secondary. Some scholars argue that eschatology is not prominent in the Epistles because there are only a few passages with eschatological connotations. W. Elliot Luo argues that the eschatology of the Johannine Epistles is more prominent and displays distinct features. The dominant eschatology is realised rather than futuristic, characterised by dualistic features, such as light and darkness, while significant eschatological concepts, like the Antichrist, have been underestimated. The author thoroughly examines key eschatological passages and motifs in the Epistles and reaches the conclusion that realised eschatology has the more prominent status in the Johannine Epistles.