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 John's three New Testament letters. Some manuscripts refer to a phrase called the Johannine Comma--centering on "the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit"--while 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 Comma's 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 John's letter.
Embarking on a survey of the manuscripts, their condition, their roles in the church's 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 words--these few words in particular.
When you listen to the church's present-day conflicts, you may hear trusted authorities undergoing profound questioning and believers facing temptations to doubt those authorities--including the Bible. As an aid, In Defense of the Authenticity of 1 John 5:7 offers a history of the church's struggles over biblical authority, a detailed survey of the intricacies of biblical studies, and the wealth of insights residing in one key phrase.
