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The Letters of John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) Hardcover – March 11, 2000

by Colin G. Kruse (Author)

4.7 75 ratings

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This Pillar commentary seeks to clearly explain the meaning of John's letters to teachers, pastors, and general readers looking for a reliable resource for personal study. Colin Kruse introduces the important issues involved in interpreting the Johannine letters, gives verse-by-verse comments, and provides extensive discussion of John's major theological themes, including the real humanity of Christ, atonement, the role of the Spirit, Christian assurance, the meaning of koinonia, Christian love, and eternal life.

Designed both for serious students and for general readers of the Bible, the PILLAR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY volumes seek to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture as we have it. The scholars writing these volumes interact with the most important, informed contemporary debate yet avoid undue technical detail. Their ideal is a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and to the contemporary relevance of the Bible.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Review & Expositor
"Kruse reflects a studied intention to reflect the facts objectively without indulging a fanciful imagination. . . A worthy contribution."

The Bible Today
"Kruse, an Australian biblical scholar, is obviously in command of the current literature on the letters of John and writes with a lucid and well balanced perspective on the origin and context of the letters. His commentary is enriched with frequent extended notes that delve into some of the key concepts or more debated aspects of the letters."

The Clergy Journal
"The exegesis is thorough and convincing. This commentary will serve the parish preacher. It will enlighten epistles that the church does not often ponder enough."

Southwestern Journal of Theology
"Those specializing in Johannine studies, as well as pastors and students, will welcome this latest contribution to our (better) understanding of the letters of John."

About the Author

Colin G. Kruse is senior lecturer in New Testament at Melbourne School of Theology, Australia. His other books include the Tyndale New Testament Commentary volumes on John and 2 Corinthians and the Pillar New Testament Commentary volume on the letters of

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eerdmans (March 11, 2000)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080283728X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802837288
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #482,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,593 in New Testament Commentaries

Customer Reviews:
4.7 75 ratings

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4.7 out of 5

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David A. Bielby

Great Commentary With A Load of Extras

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2008

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I'm very happy to have this commentary in my library now. It is in line with the rest of the emerging series (PNTC), possessing excellent and readable comments.

One pleasant surprise that I really enjoyed with this commentary is the 'Appendix' in the back. He has a compilation of all the citations dealing with Cain in ancient near east Jewish literature. This is relevant to 1 John because of John's citation about Cain in 1 John 3:12 regarding why we ought to love one another.

Another excellent feature in this commentary that you do not see often in other commentaries are scores of what I call mini-excursions. These short articles are placed in context as he works through the text. So for example he has a mini-excursion on Koinonia in the midst of the notes on 1 John 1 as well as a mini-excursion on Light and a number of other crucial concepts. He's very very helpful for a pastor trying to prepare a sermon. It's becoming my favorite commentary on John's letters as I work through this part of scripure again this year.

The Appendix simply lists all references to Cain, including the Genesis text in its entirety and all Jewish literary references in every known case no matter how insignificant. These references are in clear, readable English. I really enjoyed this feature and cannot recall seeing it in any other commentary before.

Another feature of this commentary is the rich blend of exegesis, exposition and application. Many commentaries are so thick with exegesis and thin on application or so focused on application and thin on exegesis, that you have to use multiple sources to really achieve your goal if you are exegeting, and developing preachable points. This commentary should be at the top of any serious preachers list of Johannine resources.

9 people found this helpful

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Brian G. Hedges

Very good

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2004

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This is a very good commentary on the letters of John, which I referred to often when I was preaching through 1 John last year. The commentary reflects competent scholarship (but without being cumbersome, e.g. Greek words are transliterated) and a conservative theological perspective. Of special help are the many theological excursions spread throughout the text (A Note on the Meaning of 'Fellowship,' A Note on Hilasmos, A Note on Antichrist, A Note on Sinless Perfectionism, A Note on Sins that Do and Do Not Lead to Death, etc.) Kruse gives a good survey of various interpretations, but also grounds his own conclusions in solid exegesis of both text and context. This is, without doubt, one of the best commentaries on John's letters available today.

20 people found this helpful

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David S. Horton

Great textual analysis!

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2017

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Great textual analysis, and ease of use! I bought this for my daughter to use in her discipleship group. She and the two young ladies that she disciples love the insights gained.

One person found this helpful

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Douglas Lee Korner

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2015

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A very thorough and thoughtful commentary.

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Mark J. Richardson

Thorough conservative study and commentary.

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018

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I really appreciated the numerous addendum studies on key words and the balanced verse-by-verse commentary with Greek words addressed. The Pillar series commentaries are excellent.

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H C

a little more historical background beyond what is re-constructed from the text will be great, although that is quite challengin

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2014

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clear and concise. a little more historical background beyond what is re-constructed from the text will be great, although that is quite challenging to do.

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2017

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Great, in depth commentary on John's Epistles. Exactly as advertised.

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2014

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Have you checked out your library lately? Try purchasing the Pillar NT Set you you can not go wrong at all!

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Top reviews from other countries

Juan Gomez

Excellent commentary

Reviewed in Mexico on October 10, 2019

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It doesn't go around with every unimportant detail, but carefully explains what is important to understand the text! It's easy to follow. It briefly explains alternative points of view and why he thinks they are not likely. It refers to a wide range of resources and authors for further reference. It's been of great help for preaching these amazing letters!