A Grammar of the Ethics of John

Book excerpt: Jan G. van der Watt analyses in detail the ethics of John's letters against their respective socio-historical backgrounds. He then compares the ethics of the Gospel and Letters, showing that the basic core narrative overlaps in these writings, althoiugh some ethical matrial is applied in different ways to different situations. A rich ethical landscape is revealed, addressing issues like the importance ofinterpersonal relations, which results in co-operation through mutual love. The author shows that the focus in 1 John is pastoral, aiming at convincing the addressees not to be deceived by their schismatics but to strengthen their relationships with the eyewitness group. In 2 John, advice is given about visitors who threaten the church with false teachings, while 3 John deals with a conflict about receiving travelling missionaries. In both cases ethical guidelines are given which aim at protecting the group. -- Volume 2 Dust-Jactet Inside front Flap.