1st John recipients

Mark Wilson emory2oo2 at hotmail.com
Thu Oct 12 11:01:51 EDT 2000



>I have been looking at each group with their corresponding
>characteristic(s). Any suggestions as to why John uses these various 
>groups?


To which Jim West wrote:
-----
because John wishes to address each member of the congregation.  the 
youngest (spiritually speaking); those with some skills, those who are 
adults (again, spiritually speaking).  In short, from the youngest to the 
oldest believers, all are included....

again, because John wishes to inform all, leave none out, and give none any 
reason for saying, "but he didnt say that I should...."  Its a very pastoral 
and practical approach.
-----

Based on my research, this is the most held position to my question. And it 
very well may be the best explanation. But let me follow-up.

Not only does John not follow any logical sequence, (he does not go: 
children -> young men -> fathers), he leaves out women, except possibly 
within the "immature" group. Surely this would have been most offensive "if" 
John were trying to "include everyone."

This is what prompted my question to begin with. Also, very little is 
addressed to the "young men" and "fathers." Why the disproportionate 
allotment?

What does lend some support to this view, however, is that fact that John 
writes this epistle to: hUMIN hINA EIDHTE hOTI ZWHN ECETE AIWNION. The 
fathers and young men would have settled this issue long ago, and perhaps 
that is why there appears to be a disproportionate amount of the letter 
addressed to the children.

Does anyone see any other possible explanation for the various groups, and 
the omission of women?

Regards,

Mark Wilson

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