Endorsements for 1, 2 & 3 John

1, 2 & 3 John (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary). By Peter Rhea Jones. (Smyth & Helwys, 312 pp., $50.00)

This fine commentary seeks to bridge “the gap between the insights of biblical scholars” and lay readers. Along with interpretative insights, it uses sidebars on contextual, cultural, and homiletic matters to lead readers to connections with the contemporary church.

-- Robert Kysar
Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament
Candler School of Theology, Emory University


This is the work of a mature scholar, and it shows. Only a writer with a seasoned love of the Bible and biblical scholarship, the eye of a critic, the ear of a student of language, and the heart of a pastor could produce such a rich and multi-faceted commentary. Those who take Peter Rhea Jones as their guide to the wonders and mysteries of the Johannine Epistles will find their own skills and faith maturing as they read.

-- R. Alan Culpepper
Dean
McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University


Back in the 70’s, when Peter Rhea Jones and I were both serving on the faculty of Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, I remember discussing with him about how few commentaries were then available on the Johannine Epistles. That situation has changed significantly today with the release of a number of fine commentaries on those writings. Not least among them is this new volume by Dr. Jones himself. It is a well-balanced, exegetically and theologically solid treatment of the text of the epistles and is particularly noteworthy for its contemporary application, which is replete with a veritable treasury of illustrative material.

-- John Polhill