Page 42 - C059_Letters 3
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I John
The epistles 1, 2, and 3 John were penned by the apostle John, who also wrote the
Gospel of John. Because there was no New Testament available to believers, false
spiritual teachers were a big problem in the early church. One particular philosophy held
that matter is evil and spirit is good which led to false theories about the person of
Christ. John wanted his readers to re ect on their faith, and ask if they really were
believers.
Key verse:
"No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either
seen him or known him" (1 John 3:6).
II John
In the Book of 2 John, the Apostle John is urging his readers to show their love for God
and his son Jesus by obeying the commandment to love each other, and to live their
lives in obedience to the Scriptures. The book is also a strong warning to be on the
lookout for deceivers who say that Christ has not actually risen in the esh.
Key verse:
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from
the beginning, his command is that you walk in love" (2 John 6).
III John
In his last epistle, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of walking in the truth of
the Gospel. He points out that hospitality, support, and encouragement for our fellow
Christians are some of the main teachings of Jesus Christ. This epistle also reminds us to
be careful to follow the example of those whose words and actions are in line with the
Gospel but to be discerning about those whose words and actions are not in line with
the Gospel.
Key verse:
"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is
good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God" (3 John 11).
Jude
The Book of Jude was written by Jude, who like his brother James, was a half-brother of
Jesus Christ. The book is written about the end times and prepares Christians for living in
the last days where much evil and false teaching will abound. He encourages followers
of Christ to contend for the faith because of the many false teachers in the church.
Key verse:
"But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They
said to you, ‘In the last times there will be sco ers who will follow their own ungodly
desires.’ These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do
not have the Spirit” (Jude 17-19 ).