1, 2, 3 John

Word Biblical Commentary #51

by Stephen S. Smalley

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction

386 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 1984

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This commentary was originally published in 1983 and was overdue for updating. It appears that revision took place in 2008 and yet we have another new edition coming out at this time with a superior binding. Years ago the WBC series printed nice hardbacks with dust jackets and a few years ago changed to a more case-bound style with some of the earlier reprinted volumes having what would best could be called a shabby cover that simply would not last. I’m happy to see this binding that appears will hold up much better.

At this point, most Bible students are familiar with the WBC format. You either love it or you hate it and it falls on the more scholarly end of the spectrum. It is known, additionally, for its depth of exegesis. That is clearly true in this volume. The most scholarly comments that might not be interesting to pastors or students is in a note section. A section on form, structure, and setting has some interesting help, but the actual commentary is the best section in the book. There is some Greek, but the English is nearby and with just a little effort any serious student can use this book.

The introduction has real depth, though I can’t really follow his description of the Johannine Community. That was something of a fad for a few years and he probably explains it as well as anyone if you would like to understand it. Nevertheless, he digs in on many issues making this an important contribution.

This commentary falls more on the critical side of the scale. For example, this publisher, Zondervan, has a book in its ZECNT series that is much more conservative. On the other hand, Smalley has more evangelical beliefs than many of his fellow critical counterparts. This commentary is by no means the most critical commentary in this series. I would go so far to say that this would be the commentary I would recommend if you preferred conservative commentaries and yet wanted to have one quality more critical commentary just to cover your bases. Smalley reads well even if your own sensibilities run another direction.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[John Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just 2 John

[Olivia Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly thorough and analytical commentary that effectively takes one through the process of understanding the intents behind the authorship of the Johannine epistles. For other fellow translators and other scholars of the Greek New Testament, it comments on the Greek text verse by verse, and also makes critical notes on the grammatical constructions of the Greek as well. Thusly, I would recommend adding this to your collection of Greek tools for becoming a sharper interpreter of His word.

[Adam Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

An absolute slog. Terribly written, and definitely aimed at those who can speak ancient Greek. What he said wasn't horrible, once he got to the point, but I wouldn't say it impressed me greatly either.

[Matt Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first volume of the Word Biblical Commentary series that I read in full. This is a very technical series that I really enjoyed, but readers beware. If you are not looking for a deep sophisticated dive into the text then this is probably not the commentary series for you.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ...