The Epistles of John

by Joel R. Beeke

No other epistle or letter in the New Testament begins more abruptly than the first Epistle of John. It has no formal salutation, no personal words of greeting, and no concluding benediction. After a brief prologue (1:1-4) the writer goes directly to what is on his heart, the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1:5). Second and Third John are similar in structure, style, and theme. In both letters John introduces himself as the elder. In both letters John offers commendations for good behavior and rebukes for bad conduct. And in both letters his major theme is the truth, for in both John is determined to warn believers against false teachers and to protect from errors that are infiltrating the church of God.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, New Testament

250 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.

Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid exposition of the epistles of John. Very readable and applicable to daily living. I read this while attending a Bible study group which was working through John's epistles.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, devotional, experimental and well-structured commentary on the Epistles of John. As you'd expect from Joel Beeke, he applies the text to our hearts. Solid food for the soul, rather than chicken soup. Terrific.

[Dane Jöhannsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great commentary. Doctrinally rich, concise, experiential, practical. It was constantly by my side as I preached through First John.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and digest. Beeke insightful as usual

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good fly-by introduction to the epistles of John. Most of the book is devoted to first John, with one short chapter devoted to each of second and third.

Beeke is thoroughly Reformed and writes in a very applicable and searching style that is reminiscent of some of the Puritans. Probably my favorite modern, popular author.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and a helpful, practical resource covering and applying the Epistles of John.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good - although the writing was a little simplistic, there was very little to disagree with and much good to be got.

[Rodney Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Commentary...!

[Calvert Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Beeke is an excellent guide through the epistles of John. I recommend it not only as a commentary for sermon preparation but as a devotional read for edification and personal growth.