Abstract
This study demonstrates that the repetitive and emphatic nature of 1 John is explained by the author's use of recognized techniques of amplification common to Graeco- Roman rhetoric as a major part of his inventional strategy. Part 1 defines ampli fication and describes specific techniques used in 1 John. Among others, these include strong words, augmentation, comparison, accumulation, expolitio, reflexio, regressio, conduplicatio and distributio. Part 2 explains the author's use of ampli fication in the context of the rhetorical species of the letter. The repetitive and amplified nature of 1 John is an integral part of the author's use of epideictic rhetoric to increase his audience's adherence to the traditional truths of the Johannine Community in the face of secessionist challenges. Amplification clarifies the author's themes and topics, as well as the distinctions between Johannine tradition and its aberrant forms.