1, 2, 3 John

Bible Commentaries from Muslim Contexts

Elizabeth W. Mburu, Judy Wanjiru Wang’ombe, Caroline G. Seed, Josephine K. Mutuku, Pauline W. Mukuria

• Publisher: Langham Global Library
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9781839734403
• eBook ISBN:
  9781786413031
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Commentary

This unique study on 1, 2, 3 John addresses interpretation challenges that arise for people from Islamic contexts on the East African coast. Exploring questions regarding a relationship with God, the nature of incarnation, sin, sacrifice, forgiveness, the spirit world, and coming judgement, the research process included reader-centered sessions with women from the region, thus addressing the bigger questions of faith while speaking directly to the real-life issues they face. Filled with wisdom for those from the East African coast and beyond, each chapter includes stories from local people, biblical commentary, theological reflection, and practical insights. The authors' unique approach is rooted in current scholarship on the Midrashic exegesis of 1 John, wherein the narrative of Cain and Abel is the central motif. This homiletic framework, which allows deep engagement with Islamic contexts, is extended to 2 and 3 John. Windows on the Text is a ground-breaking Bible commentary series written by followers of Jesus in Muslim contexts. It develops biblical insight in deliberate conversation with the Qur'an, the Hadith, and local Islamic cultures. Confident that the Bible in its entirety speaks directly into Muslim contexts, it opens new windows into the holy word of God to equip and empower believers to live out their faith in loving service and clear communication within their communities.

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright
• Acknowledgements
• Contents
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Prologue: The Way to Joy – 1 John 1:1–4
• Chapter 3: Foundations of Fellowship – 1 John 1:5–2:6
• Chapter 4: A New Commandment to Love Your Brother – 1 John 2:7–11
• Chapter 5: Threefold Testimony in the Church – in Poetic Form – 1 John 2:12–14
• Chapter 6: Do Not Love the World – 1 John 2:15–17
• Chapter 7: The Last Hour – 1 John 2:18–27
• Chapter 8: Practising Righteousness – 1 John 2:28–3:10
• Chapter 9: The Two Brothers – 1 John 3:11–15
• Chapter 10: Practising Righteousness – 1 John 3:16–24
• Chapter 11: Signs of the Last Hour – 1 John 4:1–21
• Chapter 12: Overcoming the World Through Faith – 1 John 5:1–5
• Chapter 13: Threefold Testimony of Theology – 1 John 5:6–15
• Chapter 14: New Commandment to Love the Children of God – 1 John 5:16–17
• Chapter 15: Epilogue: No Fellowship With Idols – 1 John 5:18–21
• Chapter 16: 2 John 1–13
• Chapter 17: 3 John 1–15
• Bibliography
• Author Bios
• About Langham Partnership
• List of Dialogue Boxes and Text Boxes
• Index
• Endnotes