This article wants to work towards greater clarity on the meaning of the three clauses found in John 1:3c-4.

A claim is often made regarding the relative unimportance of sexual ethics to Jesus and his apparent silence in relation to same-sex sexual (homosexuality) activity. John Nolland examines and presents a helpful survey of the Gospels’ witness to Jesus’ teaching in this area. He explores the New Testament’s terminology in both the gospels and some of the relevant Pauline material.

Nolland studies Matthew 5:43-48 and other key texts that highlights the command to love our enemies as a priority in Christian discipleship. He further sheds light on Jesus’ teaching by setting it in the wider context not only of Matthew’s gospel but also of the ancient world and the Old Testament. He demonstrates that, without being critical of the Old Testament, Jesus radically extends its teaching.