The Theology of the Johannine Epistles

by Lieu, Judith

• ISBN13: 9780521358064
• ISBN10: 052135806X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781316039335
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1991-07-01
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

The Johannine Epistles have long been recognised as contributing a vital element to the theology of the New Testament. Usually it is to the Gospel that the reader turns first in order to explore that contribution; the First Epistle is treated as a supplement, while 2 and 3 John - on account of their brevity - receive little attention. This book allows the Epistles to speak for themselves, and shows that they sound a distinctive note within Johannine theology, in particular, and the thought of the New Testament, in general. Dr Lieu carefully outlines their most important theological themes (comprising, for example, tensions-in-unity between confidence and imperative, individual and community, and faith and tradition) which - when understood in their original setting - are seen to have rich potential for the continuing theology of the Church. By focusing on the Johannine Epistles in their proper context and in their own right, the author of this book thus provides a timely reassessment of the substantial theological contribution they have to make.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

1. Introduction

2. The theology of the Johannine Epistles

3. The Epistles within the Johannine tradition and the New Testament

4. The significance of the Johannine Epistles in the Church

Select bibliography

Index of references

Index of names

Index of subjects.