In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7

In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7 sheds a strong light on the issues radiating from one controversial verse in one of Johns three New Testament letters. Some manuscripts refer to a phrase called the Johannine Commacentering on the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spiritwhile others do not. Chris Pappas, a seasoned pastor steeped in Greek culture, sifts through the scholarly evidence from hundreds of surviving copies of the Greek-language letters. He surveys and analyzes the arguments from biblical scholars who support and who oppose the Commas inclusion. Finally, he presents the reasons for regarding the Comma as a true part of the Word of God in Scripture and for returning it to Johns letter.

Embarking on a survey of the manuscripts, their condition, their roles in the churchs theology, and their place in doctrinal controversies, In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7 makes a thorough and intricate study of the passage. The journey is somewhat demanding, but the reward for persistence is a deeper appreciation for the meaning for wordsthese few words in particular.

When you listen to the churchs present-day conflicts, you may hear trusted authorities undergoing profound questioning and believers facing temptations to doubt those authoritiesincluding the Bible. As an aid, In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7 offers a history of the churchs struggles over biblical authority, a detailed survey of the intricacies of biblical studies, and the wealth of insights residing in one key phrase.

Growing up with parents who emigrated from Greece, C.H. Pappas spoke Greek before learning English. In his mid-twenties, he heard Gods call to serve, leading him to earn a masters degree in theology from Luther Rice Seminary. As a pastor, he has led Collins Road Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, for the past thirty-three years.