The Letters of John

This volume provides a new commentary on the Letters of John, demonstrating how a biblical author uses contemporary rhetoric to persuade his audience to believe and behave as he deems advantageous. It explores Johannine literature, rhetorical analysis, the social world of early Christianity, and hermeneutics.

In this commentary, Duane F. Watson provides a careful verse-by-verse interpretation of the Letters of John that foregrounds the author's rhetorical strategy. He emphasizes the means that John uses to persuade the churches he addresses to continue affirming the Johannine tradition and to resist secessionists who corrupt it. While illuminating the sophistication of the author's rhetorical approach, Watson also explores traditional exegetical questions, demonstrating how many issues of interpretation are clarified or resolved by rhetorical analysis. He also sheds new light on the relationship between the author, his audience, and opposition in their original context. This commentary features 'closer look' sections giving more detail on related subjects and 'bridging the horizons' sections that suggest how these epistles address our world. The commentary is aimed at the educated laity, clergy, college and graduate students, and scholars interested in the Letters of John, the history of the churches addressed, and the social formation and location of these early Christians.