The Epistles of John: An Expositional Commentary

by D. Edmond Hiebert

Publisher:

Bob Jones University Press

, 1991

Overview

“Throughout the various periods of the Christian era,” writes D. Edmond Hiebert in the preface to this commentary, “devout believers have always cherished the Johannine Epistles as a priceless portion of the New Testament. The grand simplicity of their contents have unfailingly nurtured the faith and stimulated the life of the humblest believer, while the profound depths of their teachings have challenged the most scholarly interpreters. They have been the subject of innumerable sermonic expositions and scholarly treatises; yet their inexhaustible contents continue to spur renewed examination of their God-given truths.”

This commentary on what the author calls “a singular, irreplaceable gem among the books of the New Testament” is written with a balance of theological orthodoxy, reverent scholarship, and evangelical warmth. It is a work which provides the preacher, teacher, and layman with a clear and concise discussion of the meaning of the biblical text yet never ignores the devotional purpose with which the Apostle John wrote.

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Key Features

• Detailed outline of the Johannine epistles
• Interpretation based on an extensive study of the Greek text
• Intended for students who may not be proficient in the Greek language

Contents

• Part 1: First John
  • Introduction
    • An Introduction to 1 John
    • An Outline of 1 John
  • Exposition of 1 John
    • Prologue: The Reality of the Incarnation (1:1–4)
  • Body of Epistle: The Grounds for Christian Assurance (1:5–5:12)
    • Assurance Through the Test of Fellowship (1:5–2:17)
    • Assurance from the Conflicts of Faith (2:18–4:6)
    • Assurance from the Evidence of True Love (4:7–5:5)
    • Assurance Through the Witness of the Spirit (5:6–12)
• Part 2:Second and Third John
  • An Introduction to 2 and 3 John
  • An Outline of 2 John
  • An Exposition of 2 John
  • An Outline of 3 John
  • An Exposition of 3 John

Top Highlights

“The term ‘lawlessness’ (anomia) ‘does not mean a state of being without law, but the assertion of the individual will against and in defiance of the law of God, the refusal to live in accordance with the revealed standards of right and wrong.’” (Page 142)

“The present articular participle pictures the individual as actively engaged in ‘doing’ sin. The reference is not to his being engaged in a definite act of sin but to his characteristic practice of sinning.” (Page 141)

“More probably the present imperative with the negative states a standing prohibition without implying that the action was already in progress, i.e., ‘don’t be yielding to the ever-present danger.’⁵ Let them be on guard against uncritically accepting the message of every spirit speaking through some human messenger. The reality of extraordinary and powerful spirits speaking through human beings as their mouth-piece, proclaiming varied and sundry messages, was well known in the pagan world of John’s day.” (Page 177)

“John sets forth different aspects of the assurance that will arise in the heart of the believer from his practice of love; it is the fruit of the Spirit. The practice of love will produce inner assurance of being in the truth (vv. 19–20), give confidence that prayer will be answered (vv. 21–22), and assure the believer of his intimate union with Christ (vv. 23–24).” (Page 164)

“A prophet is not necessarily one who foretells the future but one who comes as bearing the message of God. These false prophets are not merely well-meaning teachers with an erroneous message; they are individuals who declare their message under the inspiration of evil spirits, the agents of Satan.” (Page 180)

Praise for the Print Edition

The best modern exposition.

—Stewart Custer, professor emeritus, Bob Jones University

Product Details

• Title: The Epistles of John: An Expositional Commentary
• Author: D. Edmond Hiebert
• Publisher: Bob Jones University Press
• Publication Date: 1991
• Pages: 382

About D. Edmond Hiebert

D. Edmond Hiebert (1910–1995) was a noted author, teacher, and Bible commentator. He received his AB in history from John Fletcher College and his ThM and ThD from Southern Baptist Seminary. Before and during his seminary training he served as a pastor; following his graduation from seminary he served as professor of New Testament at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas. In 1955 he became professor of Greek and New Testament at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, CA. He authored 17 books—the majority of them focusing on New Testament books and topics. He has also contributed articles to various periodicals including The Christian Leader, The Defender, The Journal of Church & Society, Bibliotheca Sacra, and Direction.