Academic Paper
A seminar paper, originally delivered as President of the Wesleyan Theological Society in April 1987 and subsequently published in the Wesleyan Theological Journal, exploring the hermeneutical challenges of preaching the Wesleyan message of holiness. Carver discusses his personal transition from a Methodist/Holiness background to academic New Testament studies, expressing concern over 'holiness hermeneutics' that may manipulate biblical texts. He proposes a foundational presupposition that 'holiness' can be understood as 'integrity,' arguing that biblical holiness involves both a relation of exclusive allegiance to God and a response in life to His revealed moral character. The text also touches upon the necessity of biblical primacy in Wesleyan identity and begins to address the use of the language of the holy in the Old and New Testaments.
Galatians 2:20 · 1 John
Book Chapter
A draft commentary on 1 John 1:1-10, organized into sections titled 'Behind the Text' and 'In the Text.' The author examines the linguistic features of the prologue, specifically the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to suggest a 'Johannine circle' or school of disciples. The text discusses scholarly debates regarding the authorship of the Johannine corpus (John the Apostle, John the Elder, and John the Revelator) and explores the relationship between the prologue of 1 John and the prologue of the Gospel of John. Additionally, the document analyzes the lack of formal Greco-Roman epistolary elements in 1 John, the use of affectionate address, and the theological implications of fellowship and doctrinal integrity.
1 John 1:1-10 · 1 John 1:1-4 · 1 John 1:6
Book Chapter
A draft commentary on 1 John 4:1-21, divided into sections titled 'Behind the Text' and 'In the Text.' The author examines the use of dualistic language (e.g., Spirit of God vs. spirit of the antichrist) in the Johannine epistles, noting connections to the Gospel of John and the shared vocabulary of the Qumran community. The text explores the biblical concept of false prophets, drawing comparisons to Old Testament figures (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and New Testament warnings in the Synoptic Gospels. The commentary further analyzes the Greek imperative to 'test the spirits' (dokimazete), discussing the linguistic nuances of testing and the practical application of Christian love as a means of discerning truth and demonstrating God's presence.
1 John 4:1-21 · 1 John 4:1-6 · 1 John 4:3
Book Chapter 2009
A draft commentary on 1 John 3:1-24, focusing on the themes of Christ-like love, divine identity, and eschatological tension. The author provides an exegetical analysis of specific Greek terms such as 'idete' (see/behold), 'potapēn' (lavish/great), and 'tekna theou' (children of God). The text discusses the concept of prevenient grace, the distinction between 'already' and 'not yet' eschatalogical perspectives in Johannine literature, and the future transformation of the believer to be like Christ. The draft also touches upon the implications of family metaphors in the ancient Near East and the necessity of living holily in preparation for the day Christ appears.
1 John 3:1-24 · 1 John 1:1-4 · 1 John 1:10
Book Chapter
A draft commentary on 1 John 3:1-24, focusing on the themes of Christ-like love, divine identity, and eschatology. The text provides an exegetical analysis of verses 1-6, examining the Greek imperatives 'idete' and 'idou' and the concept of 'prevenient grace' through the lens of God's initiative in loving his children. The author discusses the tension between 'already' and 'not yet' eschatology in Johannine literature, specifically regarding the future appearance of Christ and the believer's transformation. The draft also includes reflections on the believer's confidence in prayer and the pursuit of holiness in preparation for standing before God.
1 John 1:7 · 1 John 2:2 · 1 John 3:1-24
Book Chapter
A draft commentary on 1 John 3, focusing on the themes of Christ-like love, the believer's identity as children of God, and the tension between realized and future eschatology. The text provides an exegetical analysis of verses 1-24, examining Greek terminology such as 'idete' (see/behold), 'potapēn' (lavished/massive), and 'tekna theou' (children of God). The author discusses the implications of divine initiative (prevenient grace) and the ethical obligations of those in God's family, concluding with reflections on the importance of living holily in anticipation of Christ's return.
1 John 3:1-24 · 1 John 1:7 · 1 John 1:10
Devotional
A liturgical program and instructional outline for a Communion service held at SD First Church of the Nazarene on November 2, 2014. The document includes scripture readings from Matthew (26:17-20, 26-28, 30), John (16:13-15), 2 Corinthians (5:17, 19, 21), Hebrews (10:10), and 1 John (1:2, 1:9), as well as a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The text provides specific liturgical instructions for both the 'Both Services' and 'Classic Service' formats, including the distribution of elements, the lifting of the bread and cup, and administrative notes regarding transitions between speakers (Ron Benefiel and Justin) and the collection of the offering.
Matthew 26:17-20, 26-28, 30 · John 16:13-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19, 21
Book Chapter
A draft or review document concerning a commentary on 1 John 4:1-21, titled 'Testing the Spirits and Trusting God’s Love.' The text provides a theological and historical analysis of the passage, focusing on the use of dualistic language (e.g., Spirit of God vs. spirit of the antichrist) and its connections to the Gospel of John and the Qumran community. It examines the rhetorical use of 'false prophets' and 'antichrist' in the context of Old Testament prophetic traditions and the Synoptic Gospels. Additionally, the document explores the linguistic nuances of the Greek imperative to 'test' (dokimazete) the spirits and discusses the practical application of Christian love as a verification of faith.
1 John 4:1-21 · 1 John 4:1-6 · 1 John 2:16-23
Book Chapter
A working draft of a commentary or study guide focusing on 1 John 4:1-21, titled 'Testing the Spirits and Trusting God’s Love.' The document provides a 'Behind the Text' analysis of the dualistic language used in 1 John (e.g., Spirit of God vs. spirit of the antichrist), comparing Johannine imagery to the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran and referencing Old Testament prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and the Synoptic Gospels regarding false prophets. The 'In the Text' section examines the exhortation to 'test the spirits' (dokimazete), discussing the Greek linguistic nuances and the necessity of discerning genuine from false teachers. The text concludes with reflections on the practical application of love within the Christian community.
1 John 4:1-21 · 1 John 4:1-6 · 1 John 4:17
Book Chapter
A scholarly commentary and review of 1 John 1:1-10, focusing on the prologue and its relationship to the Gospel of John. The document examines the linguistic features of the text, specifically the use of first-person plural pronouns to suggest a 'Johannine circle' or school of disciples. It discusses various scholarly theories regarding the authorship of the Johannine corpus (John the Apostle, John the Elder, and John the Revelator) and analyzes the lack of formal Greco-Roman epistolary elements in 1 John despite its personal, affectionate tone. The text also explores the theological implications of the term 'the beginning' (archēs) and the themes of fellowship and theological integrity.
1 John 1:1-10 · 1 John 1:1-4 · 1 John 1:6
Book Chapter
A scholarly commentary and review of the prologue of 1 John (1:1-10). The document analyzes the linguistic features of the text, specifically the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to establish the author's connection to a community of faith. It examines the relationship between 1 John and the Gospel of John, discussing themes of light, life, and the 'beginning' (archēs). The text explores the sensory language of the prologue (hearing, seeing, and touching) and the theological implications of the Greek perfect and aorist tenses. Additionally, the document addresses the debate regarding apostolic authorship and concludes with a reflection on the concept of 'catholic spirit' in relation to theological disagreement, referencing John Wesley.
1 John 1:1-10 · John 1:1-18 · John 1:14
Book Chapter
A draft commentary or review of the prologue of 1 John (1:1-10), focusing on the linguistic and theological implications of the text. The document analyzes the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to establish the author's position within a Johannine 'school' or community. It examines the relationship between the prologue of 1 John and the Gospel of John, specifically regarding the concepts of 'the beginning' (archēs) and the 'word' (logos). The text further explores the significance of verb tenses (perfect vs. aorist) in describing the sensory experience of the gospel, as well as the implications of the text for Christian fellowship and doctrinal integrity.
1 John 1:1-10 · 1 John 1:1-4 · 1 John 2:1
Book Chapter
A working draft of a commentary or study guide focusing on the prologue of 1 John (1:1-10). The text provides a linguistic and theological analysis of the section, examining the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to establish the author's connection to a community of faith. It discusses the relationship between 1 John and the Gospel of John, specifically regarding shared vocabulary such as 'beginning,' 'word,' and 'light.' The document explores scholarly interpretations of the term 'beginning' (archēs), the significance of the Greek perfect and aorist tenses in describing the sensory experience of Christ, and the implications of the author's use of the collective 'we' versus the singular 'I.' The text concludes with a reflection on Christian fellowship and theological steadfastness, referencing John Wesley's sermon 'Catholic Spirit.'
1 John 1:1-10 · John 1:1-18 · John 1:14
Book Chapter
A detailed exegetical commentary and review of 1 John 2:1-29, focusing on the section 'Jesus Our Defender (2:1-6)'. The document analyzes Greek terminology, including 'teknia mou' (my dear children) and 'paraklēton' (advocate/counselor), to explore themes of pastoral concern, the distinction between habitual sin and occasional lapses, and the role of Jesus as the defender of the believer. The text also discusses the linguistic shift from 'we' to 'I' in the epistle and concludes with reflections on the importance of living out kingdom values in anticipation of Christ's return.
1 John 1:4 · 1 John 1:8 · 1 John 1:9-10
Book Chapter
A working draft of a commentary or study guide focusing on 1 John 3:1-24, specifically addressing the themes of Christ-like love, divine identity, and eschatology. The text provides an exegetical analysis of verses 1-6, discussing the command to 'see' (idete) God's love, the implications of being 'children of God' (tekna theou), and the concept of prevenient grace. It explores the tension between 'already' and 'not yet' eschatology regarding the future appearance of Christ and the transformation of the believer. The document also touches upon the necessity of demonstrating love through actions and truth (v. 18) and the assurance found in being known by God.
1 John 1:7 · 1 John 1:10 · 1 John 2:2
Devotional
A devotional study guide for the First Epistle of John, organized by thematic sections (e.g., 'The Life Appearred', 'Forgiveness and Cleansing', 'Antichrists'). The document pairs specific biblical passages from 1 John 1–5 with reflective, interpretive questions intended for meditation. These questions address theological nuances, such as the sequence of cleansing and forgiveness, the interpretation of 'world' and 'antichrist' in contemporary life, and the application of contrasts between light and darkness.
1 John 1:1-10 · 1 John 2:1-29 · 1 John 2:12-14
Lecture 1985
Inductive lecture notes prepared by Frank G. Carver for a course on 1 John, dated Spring 1985. The document outlines a thematic study of the epistle centered on the theme 'Life in the Son' (1 John 5:13). The notes include structural analyses of the text using various scholarly frameworks (including Bultmann, Schnackenburg, and Haering), discussions on the literary genre of the epistle (evaluating it as a treatise or theological tract), and pedagogical instructions for students, such as paragraphing exercises and identifying key theological motifs like Christology, ethics, and assurance. The notes also incorporate quotations from John Wesley and Shirley Cox, and reference various biblical commentaries and scholars.
1 John 1:1 · 1 John 1:5 · 1 John 2:27
Academic Paper
An academic paper exploring the relationship between John Wesley's spiritual experience and the concept of 'dark faith' as defined by the Spanish mystic John of the Cross. The author compares Wesley's use of light and darkness metaphors—which Wesley typically applied to sin and ignorance—with the apophatic tradition of the mystics. The text examines Wesley's complex relationship with mysticism, noting his aversion to 'bad' mystics who bypass the means of grace, while acknowledging his deep engagement with 'practical mystics' such as Madame Guyon and Brother Lawrence. The author suggests that while Wesley avoided the terminology of the 'dark night of the soul,' his personal experiences shared similarities with the contemplative traditions of John of the Cross.
1 John 1:5-7 · Ephesians 5:8
Book Chapter 2014
A lecture or paper titled "John Wesley’s Dark Night of the Soul?" presented between August 4-8, 2014. The text explores the intersection of John Wesley's theology with the mystical tradition, specifically comparing Wesley's use of light and darkness metaphors with the works of John of the Cross. The author discusses Wesley's complex relationship with mysticism—noting his warnings against mystics who bypass the means of grace while acknowledging his use of 'practical mystics' like Madame Guyon—and reflects on a personal scholarly essay comparing Wesley and John of the Cross regarding sanctification.
1 John 1:5-7 · Ephesians 5:8
Academic Paper
A personal study and reflective essay written by Frank G. Carver between 1979 and 1987. The author explores the concept of 'the darkness of God' through a theological and personal lens, specifically examining the Hebrew term 'arafel' (thick darkness) in Exodus 20:18-21 as a symbol of divine presence and hiddenness. Carver connects the biblical narrative of Moses at Sinai to his own spiritual search for the essence of the 'holiness' heritage within the Church of the Nazarene, blending personal confession, devotional essay, and biblical interpretation. The text references various theological perspectives, including the works of T.S. Eliot, Saint Augustine, Blaise Pascal, and Samuel Terrien.
Exodus 20:18-21 · Psalm 97:2 · Hosea 11:1-4
Sermon
An autobiographical presentation delivered by Frank G. Carver at Eastern Nazarene College on October 10, 2001. The sermon, titled 'A Miracle Speech—73 Years in 20 Minutes!', reflects on Carver's spiritual development through various life stages. Key themes include the influence of 1 John 1:5-7, memories of his grandfather's Methodist preaching in Nebraska, his upbringing on a cattle ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills, and his eventual conversion at Taylor University in 1947. The text also touches upon his transition from teaching at Point Loma Nazarene College to teaching at European Nazarene Bible College in Germany.
1 John 1:5-7 · John 3:16 · Exodus 2
Sermon 2001
A sermon delivered by Frank G. Carver at Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Chapel on October 10, 2001. The speaker reflects on his spiritual journey through various life stages, including his childhood in Nebraska, his time at Taylor University, and his transition to living in Quincy, Massachusetts. Using 1 John 1:5-7 as a theological foundation, Carver discusses themes of 'dry faith,' the process of enculturation, and the development of his ministry, while referencing his family history and early religious experiences.
1 John 1:5-7 · John 3:16 · Exodus 20:21
Academic Paper
In this presentation, Frank G. Carver explores the theological concept of 'the darkness of God' as a lens through which to understand the Wesleyan and Church of the Nazarene holiness heritage. Drawing on Exodus 20:18-21, Carver examines the Hebrew term 'arafel' (thick darkness) to discuss the presence and hiddenness of the Divine. He connects Old Testament motifs of divine darkness to the spiritual writings of figures such as T.S. Eliot, St. John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, and Henri Nouwen. Carver uses this metaphor to reflect on his personal religious upbringing in the Methodist and Nazarene traditions and to pose a question regarding the contemporary Church's ability to encounter the transcendent presence of God.
Exodus 20:18-21 · Exodus 28:18-21 · Psalm 97:2