This is a published version of a thesis written under the supervision of Dr J. Lieu. It is a technical work and will be of most use to those who have completed several years’ training in biblical studies and the biblical languages. Griffiths argues that the conclusion of 1 John, and particularly the warning about idols, is the hermeneutical key which enables the reader to interpret the document. He believes that 1 John is primarily a pastoral document which call its readers to confess Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God; to obey the command to love one another; and to avoid idols.

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