1, 2, and 3 John

Jobes combines careful Greek exegesis, literary sensitivity, theological reflection, and practical usefulness exceptionally well. One of the commentary’s chief strengths is her methodological restraint: rather than reconstructing an elaborate Johannine community or identifying the opponents with excessive precision, she allows the letters themselves and their relationship to the Fourth Gospel to establish the interpretive framework. This produces some genuinely fresh readings. Her treatment of 1 John 3:9 is especially noteworthy: she rejects the common grammatical shortcut that the present tense by itself means Christians do not sin “habitually,” gives proper weight to anomia in 3:4, and connects the passage with the “sin leading to death” later in the letter. The ZECNT format also works unusually well here, making syntax, structure, theology, and application readily accessible. Jobes is one of the best choices for readers wanting rigorous exegesis without losing sight of the theological and pastoral purpose of the letters.

Given John’s dense diction which bears painstaking dissection, Jobes’s careful breakdown and outline of each verse and clause are invaluable. Her deft and clear explanations of the sometimes gnarly Greek uncover nuances English translations conceal. She’s in touch with scholarly literature but fresh and independent in her own analysis. [Full Review]

Very insightful. Also: enjoyed using it.

Most up-to-date evangelical commentary on the epistles. [Full Review]