While the message of the Bible remains the same, different insights may add new light. In this commentary attempt is made to interact with the text of the letters of John, especially as we have it in the Greek New Testament. The meaning of the word is not seen as the end but only as the basis upon which to relate the message to the present needs of the church.

The church is both guardian of truth and instrument of love. These two themes are repeatedly found in the epistles of John, and as they are discussed in this commentary the writer seeks to provoke the reader to reflect on how he/she can keep on improving in them. In our times, with so many displaced persons, hospitality is increasingly becoming an aspect of Christian love the church cannot run away from. These are matters that this book calls attention to, as they are raised by the biblical text itself.

Praise

“Samuel Ngewa’s work on the Johannine letters is a reliable guide to grasping the profound teachings of these beloved NT writings... Ngewa provides the global Christian family the opportunity to benefit from the lifetime of wisdom and learning accumulated in the mind and heart of this devout African teacher. Here we meet an African F.F. Bruce...[whose] work combined sincere faith with meticulous academic scholarship. His writing combined simplicity of expression and clarity with trustworthy exposition of the highest academic standards. Samuel Ngewa is a worthy African heir to that evangelical scholarly heritage.” — George Renner, Lecturer in New Testament and Pastoral Studies, Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology

“I am always excited when a new commentary from Dr. Samuel Ngewa appears. One has come to expect the careful exegesis, the prudent handling of controversial points and the quiet authority with which he writes. But what makes a Samuel Ngewa commentary especially unique is the African cultural touches that season so many of his discussions, the love for the church that emanates from every page, and the passion for the gospel that acts as a faithful sentry guarding against interpretations that may be novel but ultimately neutralize Christ and his saving work.” — Mark Shaw, Professor of World Christianity, AIU

Samuel M. Ngewa is Professor of Biblical Studies at Africa International University, Nairobi. His other writings include Commentary on Gospel of John for Pastors and Teachers (2003), 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (2009) and Galatians (2010) in the Africa Bible Commentary Series. He trained both in Kenya and North America, and holds Master of Divinity from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, and MTh and PhD from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.