John's Gospel & Letters

How did Frank Carver read the Gospel and letters of John?

Frank G. Carver approached the Gospel and letters of John through linguistic and theological analysis, often examining Greek terminology and verb tenses to explore themes of identity and eschatology. His work investigates the relationship between the Johannine corpus and the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the concept of a 'Johannine circle' and the role of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete. Additionally, he explored the tension between 'already' and 'not yet' eschatological perspectives and the implications of divine initiative through prevenient grace.

Bible Studies 11

Bible Study

Isaiah 7-12

A lecture or study guide titled 'Children, Signs of God’s Presence (7:1—9:7),' focusing on the theme of trust in the face of political instability. The document examines the historical context of King Ahaz of Judah, Israel, and Syria during the expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The author explores the theological significance of children mentioned in the text (Shear-jasub, Immanuel, Maher-shal-hash-baz) as signs of God's presence and as a divine perspective contrasting with human political scheming. The text includes references to the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6, and draws parallels to the Sermon on the Mount regarding worry and trust.

Isaiah 7:1-9 · Isaiah 7:14 · Isaiah 8:3

Bible Study

Isaiah Four

A Bible study lecture or sermon notes dated May 22, 2005, focusing on Isaiah 5:1-30. The document explores the theme of God as 'the Holy One of Israel' through an analysis of the 'Song of the Vineyard' (vv. 1-7). Carver interprets the parable of the vineyard as an oracle of judgment, comparing the farmer's failed expectation of good grapes to God's expectation of justice and righteousness in Israel, contrasted against the reality of bloodshed and cries of distress. The text discusses the concept of divine judgment as 'divine neglect' and includes references to Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12, the story of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21, and commentary by scholars such as John Oswalt and Brevard Childs.

Isaiah 1:4 · Isaiah 2:1-4:6 · Isaiah 5:1-30

Bible Study

James 2 vv 14-26 Works Carver Three

A study guide or lesson plan focusing on the relationship between faith and actions in James 2:14-26. The document addresses the apparent theological contradiction between Paul's teaching on justification by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and James's assertion that a person is justified by works (James 2:24). The text incorporates commentary from Jeanne Serrãos to explore historical perspectives, including Martin Luther's critiques of the Epistle of James and his views on the necessity of charity. The author divides the passage into three parts, analyzing the themes of 'action-less faith' and the use of Old Testament examples to demonstrate how true faith is evidenced by deeds. The document also notes the use of the term 'actions' as a contemporary alternative to 'works' and references the 'royal law' of loving one's neighbor.

James 2:14-26 · James 2:24 · Ephesians 2:8-9

Bible Study

James 3:1-12 The Tongue

A Bible study manuscript focusing on the themes of speech and self-control in James 3:1-12. The author explores the dangers of an unbridled tongue, categorizing harmful speech into lying, unnecessary, and unkind words. The text incorporates references to the Desert Fathers, Gregory the Great, and the Psalms to discuss the virtue of silence. The study provides an exegesis of James 3, examining the heightened accountability of teachers (vv. 1-2), the uncontrollable nature of the tongue (vv. 3-6), and the inconsistency of praising and cursing from the same mouth (vv. 7-12).

James 1:19 · James 1:26 · James 3:1-12

Bible Study

James 4 vv 1-10 Greater Grace Carver Five

A study outline and lecture notes focusing on James 4:1-10, with references to James 1, 2, and 5. The document includes a series of rhetorical questions regarding the oppression of the poor by the rich (citing examples such as bankers, CEOs, and politicians), a scriptural text of James 1:2–5:22, and a structural outline of the Epistle of James. The notes also incorporate commentary on the themes of partiality, the tongue, and the relationship between faith and works, alongside references to Robert Wall's structural analysis of the book.

James 1:2-27 · James 2:1-13 · James 2:14-26

Bible Study

Job2

A lecture or study notes dated September 1, 2001, focusing on Job 1:1-5 and the concept of 'perfection.' The document begins with an outline of the Book of Job's structure and includes a discussion of a Newsweek article by Kenneth Woodward regarding the modern decline in the doctrine of hell. The author explores the biblical meaning of the word 'perfect' (tam/teleios), drawing connections between the character of Job, the Wesleyan doctrine of 'entire sanctification' as defined in the Church of the Nazarene Manual, and various New Testament uses of the term. The text also references scholarly commentary by Hartley and Fokkelman, and compares the KJV translation of 'perfect' to 'blameless' or 'guiltless.'

Job 1:1-5 · Job 1:11 · Job 2:5

Bible Study

Job4

A lecture or study notes dated September 22, 2002, focusing on the prologue of the Book of Job (1:6-12), titled 'The Wager.' The document outlines a structural breakdown of the prologue, contrasting the heavenly dialogue with the earthly narrative. It examines the figure of 'the Satan' (hassatan), analyzing the Hebrew term as a title meaning 'the accuser' or 'the adversary' rather than a proper name. The text explores the role of the Satan within the Divine Council as a legalistic figure or public prosecutor, drawing linguistic connections between the Hebrew 'stn' and the Greek 'kategoreo' in the New Testament. The author incorporates perspectives from various scholars, including Gustavo Gutierrez, Gerald Janzen, Bernard Anderson, and G. B. Caird, to discuss themes of suffering, justice, and the heavenly court.

Job 1:1-5 · Job 1:6-12 · Job 1:33-22

Bible Study

Job5

A lecture or study guide titled 'From Heart to Heart,' dated October 13, 2002, examining the prologue of the Book of Job (1:1–2:13). The text provides a structural analysis of the narrative, contrasting the heavenly and earthly dimensions of the drama. Key themes include the 'two sides of one question' regarding the suffering of the righteous and the nature of disinterested piety. The document details the sequence of Job's losses, noting a chiastic reversal in the order of calamities compared to his initial blessings. Carver also explores the literary use of repetition, the symbolic significance of the fourfold origin of disaster, and the function of ritualized grief (referencing Janzen and Underhill) in maintaining sanity during trauma. The text concludes with an analysis of Job's response of worship and his refusal to charge God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:1-5 · Job 1:6-12 · Job 1:13-22

Bible Study

Job6

A lecture or study notes prepared by Frank G. Carver, dated October 27, 2002, focusing on Job 3:1–26. The document begins with an outline of the first cycle of dialogue in the Book of Job (Job 3:1–14:22). Using an analogy of a 2002 World Series baseball play involving Steve Kline, Carver explores Job's 'self-curse' and his desire to reverse the day of his birth. The text examines Job's use of 'counter-cosmic incantation'—language that seeks to undo the stages of creation to achieve death—and compares his lament to the prophetic language of Jeremiah. The document concludes by discussing Job's transition from a quest for death to a quest for meaning through a series of 'why' questions.

Job 3:1-26 · Job 2:10 · Jeremiah 20:14-18

Bible Study 2016

John and the Holy Spirit--SS

A study titled 'I AM COMING TO YOU: The Johannine Witness,' which explores the person and work of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) in the Gospel of John. The document includes an introduction in which the author reflects on the publication history and commercial failure of his 1996 book, 'When Jesus Said Goodbye: John’s Witness to the Holy Spirit,' citing issues with Nazarene Publishing House marketing and the text's perceived theological abstraction. The author also provides a preface that outlines the study's aim to examine the Johannine witness to the Spirit in relation to Jesus and the Church, referencing scholars such as B.F. Westcott, Robert Browning, and Amos Wilder.

John 1:1-21:25 · John 16:13-15 · John 20:31

Bible Study

T Grace Wesleyanism

A study titled 'The Essence of Wesleyanism,' originally delivered as a talk at a 1993 Wesley Festival at Point Loma Nazarene College and later published in The Preachers’ Magazine (1996). The author explores the theological foundations of Wesleyanism, focusing on the concept of 'free grace.' The text examines John Wesley's dual understanding of grace: as God's undeserved favor and as the power of the Holy Spirit enabling human participation and renewal. Key theological themes include prevenient grace (described as 'free in all and free for all') and the relationship between grace, faith, and holiness. The document includes references to Wesley's sermons, the 1745 Conference Minutes, and H. Ray Dunning's work on Wesleyan systematic theology.

Ephesians 2:8 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · Hebrews 4:16

Book Chapters 12

Book Chapter

Commentary 1 John 1 Chapter for Review May 2009

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 2009

Commentary Draft 1 John Chapter 3 11-4-09

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

Commentary Draft 1 John Chapter 3 after response by Rick

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

Commentary Draft 1 John Chapter 3 for submission to Rick

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

Book Chapter

Final Review 1 John Chapter 1

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

Final Review 1 John Chapter 1 after response by Rick

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

Final Review 1 John Chapter 1 before submission to Rick

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

Final Review 1 John Chapter 1 working copy after response by Rick

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

Final Review 1 John Chapter 2

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

Final Review 1 John Chapter 3 working copy after response by Rick

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

Book Chapter

John's Witness revised mss

This document contains the front matter, table of contents, and preface for Frank G. Carver's book, 'When Jesus said good-bye: John's witness to the Holy Spirit,' published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City in 1996. The text includes copyright information, ISBN, and a list of Bible versions used in the work. The table of contents outlines eleven chapters focusing on various passages in the Gospel of John concerning the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete). The preface describes the book's aim to explore the Johannine witness to the Holy Spirit and recounts the author's personal inspiration for the study, which originated from a teaching assignment at Pasadena College. The document also includes a dedication to the author's wife, Betty, and fragments of bibliographic citations.

John 1:29-34 · John 1:33 · John 14:12

Book Chapter 2014

Lodahl - Wesleyan Theology and Contemporary Ministry - 8 - 4-14

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

Devotional 1

Devotional

P T Forsyth--The Soul of Prayer (3)

A devotional study titled 'From Bethel to Peniel: A Study of Jacob (Genesis 25:19--35:29),' specifically focusing on 'Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:1-22).' The text examines Jacob's reaction to his dream at Bethel, analyzing his sense of awe, fear, and the recognition of the site as the 'house of God.' The author draws parallels between Jacob's experience and Moses at the burning bush, references Rudolf Otto's concept of the 'mysterium tremendum,' and incorporates personal reflections on experiencing the holy in a small church in Valentine, Nebraska. The document also discusses Jacob's transition from verbal realization to physical ritual through the setting up of a stone pillar.

Genesis 25:19-35:29 · Genesis 28:1-22 · Genesis 28:16-17

Academic Paper 1

Academic Paper

John Wesley and Dark Faith

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