Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong advanced guide that serves careful exegesis and clear preaching in 1 John.

Publication Date(s): 2020

Pages: 320

ISBN: 978-1789742572

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10

We find close attention to the flow of the passage, with context doing the governing work rather than later assumptions.

Christ Centredness: 8.3/10

Christ is kept central in a way that arises from the letter’s purpose, shaping both doctrine and the life of faith.

Depth of Insight: 8.6/10

We are helped by clear engagement with key interpretive questions and the theological weight of the argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.2/10

The writing is organised and readable, making it realistic for sustained sermon preparation.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.3/10

The exposition supports proclamation and discipleship, helping us move from meaning to faithful application.

Readability: 7.8/10

Substantial in places, but accessible with steady reading and easy to return to during a series.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 320 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Strength: Serious engagement with the text that still serves preaching and teaching.
Limitation: Most useful when we can give it time, it is less suited to rapid reference.

We find this volume helps us read 1, 2, and 3 John as letters that hold truth and love together, guarding the gospel while nurturing assurance and obedience.

Kruse keeps the argument clear and shows how tests of faith are meant to steady believers, not crush tender consciences.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching assurance with precision and warmth. It is careful on key terms, and it clarifies how the letters expose false teaching while strengthening the church’s confidence in Christ.

It also serves us well in 2 and 3 John, where hospitality, truth, and church relationships are treated with simple, searching clarity.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching the Johannine letters, particularly for pastors who want clear guidance on assurance, holiness, and truth shaped love.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

Amazon Logos