While a case can be made for taking this paragraph unit as extending to 2:2, given the use of the vocative in 2:1, I think it best to begin a new paragraph at that point. Verse 5 functions as the basis for two appeals which John makes in verses 6–10. The bas... Read More »

Verses 1–4 of chapter one constitutes the prologue to the letter. Its unusual structure can be confusing. Notice after verse 1 there is a dash in the ESV translation, followed by another dash at the end of verse 2. Verse 2 is a parenthetical statement. Verse... Read More »

Dr. Steven Smith’s Dealing with Difficult Texts lecture at the 2014 Expository Preaching Workshop. Read More »