#229 - 1 John 5:7, and the Story of the Johannine Comma

Show Notes for Episode: "The Printing Press, 1 John 5:7, and the Story of the Johannine Comma"

Episode Overview:

In this episode of The AL Pastor Podcast, we journey back to the 16th century—a pivotal moment in history when the printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge. This technological leap played a significant role in shaping debates over textual variants like the Johannine Comma in 1 John 5:7, a phrase found in the King James Bible but absent from most modern translations.

We’ll explore:

• The revolutionary impact of the printing press and its parallels to modern technological advances.
• The origins and historical journey of the Johannine Comma.
• Erasmus's role in the debate over its inclusion in the New Testament.
• A theological interpretation of 1 John 5:7-8 in its authentic form.
• The lessons this historical and textual journey teaches us about the preservation and reliability of Scripture.

Drawing insights from respected commentaries and theological resources, this episode offers a comprehensive look at one of the most fascinating passages in biblical history.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Printing Press as a Catalyst for Change:

   • The printing press democratized access to books and knowledge, akin to the internet in our time.
   • It enabled scholars to compare manuscripts and engage in widespread theological debates, bringing textual issues like the Johannine Comma to the forefront.

2. The Origins of the Johannine Comma:

   • The phrase first appeared in 4th-century Latin writings and was later incorporated into the Latin Vulgate.
   • It is absent from all early Greek manuscripts and was likely a marginal gloss mistakenly copied into the main text.

3. Erasmus and the Printed Bible:

   • Erasmus initially excluded the Johannine Comma from his Greek New Testament, sparking controversy.
   • Under pressure, he included it in his third edition after being presented with a suspicious manuscript, cementing its place in the Textus Receptus and later the King James Bible.

4. Interpreting 1 John 5:7-8:

   • The authentic reading emphasizes the testimony of the Spirit, water, and blood, pointing to Jesus Christ’s identity and mission.
   • The doctrine of the Trinity, though central to the Christian faith, is affirmed elsewhere in Scripture without relying on the Johannine Comma.

5. Lessons for Believers Today:

   • Textual criticism strengthens our trust in Scripture by ensuring fidelity to the original text.
   • The Johannine Comma reminds us to study Scripture with humility and diligence, focusing on its authentic message.

Resources and Recommended Reading:

1. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (TNTC) - 1 John by John Stott:

   • A concise and insightful exploration of the Johannine Comma and its textual challenges.
   • Offers theological reflections on the broader message of 1 John.

2. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT) - 1 John by Karen H. Jobes:

   • Provides a detailed, scholarly analysis of 1 John, with particular attention to its textual and theological nuances.
   • An invaluable resource for understanding 1 John 5:7-8 in its historical and literary context.

3. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT):

   • Explores the key terms and concepts related to the Johannine Comma, such as "witness" (μαρτυρία) and "Spirit" (πνεῦμα).
   • Offers deeper theological insights into the themes of testimony and truth.

4. Bruce Metzger, The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration:

   • A foundational resource on textual criticism, including the history and authenticity of the Johannine Comma.

5. Ben Witherington III, The Indelible Image: The Theological and Ethical Thought World of the New Testament:

   • Contextualizes the themes of witness and testimony in Johannine literature, providing a broader theological framework.

Bibliography:

• Stott, J. (1988). The Letters of John (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). InterVarsity Press.
• Jobes, K. H. (2014). 1, 2, & 3 John (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament). Zondervan Academic.
• Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (Eds.). (1964–1976). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (10 vols.). Eerdmans.
• Metzger, B. M. (2005). The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Witherington III, B. (2009). The Indelible Image: The Theological and Ethical Thought World of the New Testament. InterVarsity Press.