Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extension | Additional Materials |
Scripture Central | ||
Follow Him | ||
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament | ||
Unshaken | | |
The Interpreter Foundation | ||
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | 1–3 John; Jude (Not yet posted) | |
Ponderfun | 1–3 John; Jude (Not yet Posted) | |
Talking Scripture | ||
Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
the Johannine Epistles (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John) are attributed to the Apostle John to address theological, ethical, and practical concerns within early Christian communities. The writings bear many similarities to John's other writings, the book of John in the Gospels as well as the Book of Revelation.
1, 2, and 3 John were likely composed in the late 1st century AD, probably around 95-110 AD, although some scholars suggest even later dates. These letters were directed towards a community of early Christians who were facing profound challenges and difficulties. During this period, the nascent Christian church grappled with a multitude of formidable obstacles, including severe persecution, internal divisions, the influence of false teachers, doctrinal confusion, and contentious debates regarding the nature of Christ and Christian conduct.
The backdrop for these challenges was a tumultuous period in history. The Jewish-Roman war had culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, resulting in the deaths of over a million Jews. Christians, too, were not spared from persecution, enduring intense hostility under the reigns of Roman emperors like Nero (54-68 AD) and Domitian (81-96 AD). Numerous campaigns of extermination led to the martyrdom of countless Christians, including prominent figures like Peter and Paul. By this juncture, John stood as the last surviving Apostle, witnessing and addressing the trials faced by the Christian community during this turbulent era.
It is within the sobering historical context of intense persecution that we delve into the writings of John. This backdrop of a challenging social and political climate profoundly shaped the delivery and reception of these writings. Many scholars contend that specific passages in John's works, notably in the Book of Revelation, deliberately employ symbolism and veiled language to communicate messages and prophecies that would have been perilous to articulate openly in the face of Roman persecution.
This is particularly evident in the Book of Revelation, renowned for its pervasive use of symbolism, vivid imagery, and apocalyptic language. A prevailing view among scholars is that John deliberately embraced this symbolic language as a means to convey messages of encouragement and hope to the beleaguered Christian communities, all the while safeguarding the true meaning from the watchful eyes of Roman authorities. In this way, the Book of Revelation served as both a source of spiritual sustenance and a covert source of resistance against the oppressive forces of persecution. Through its intricate symbolism, it offered comfort to those who sought solace in its message and concealed its deeper revelations from potential adversaries, thus allowing messages of faith and endurance to endure in the face of adversity.
Likewise, in his Gospel and epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), John consistently employs metaphorical language and explores intricate theological concepts that invite deep contemplation. It is suggested by some that this deliberate stylistic choice served a twofold purpose. On one hand, it facilitated the communication of profound spiritual truths to the Christian community, nurturing their understanding of essential doctrines and encouraging their growth in faith. On the other hand, this enigmatic approach potentially created a barrier, making it more demanding for outsiders or persecutors to fully comprehend the message.
In a climate where Christian beliefs were viewed with suspicion and hostility, this use of metaphor and deep theology could have acted as a protective veil, shielding the core teachings and beliefs of the Christian community from external threats. While outsiders might have struggled to grasp the full significance of John's writings, the intended audience—fellow believers—could delve into the depths of these spiritual insights and truths, finding solace, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in the midst of adversity. In this way, John's writings not only conveyed theological richness but also provided a means of resilience for a persecuted Christian community while navigating treacherous waters.
Given the challenging circumstances of the time, and the years that have passed between, the writings we delve into throughout the rest of our New Testament can be a lot more challenging to comprehend. Many references and means of communications that were employed by these early Christians remain elusive to us today. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to infer that they drew upon a common pool of writings and examples known to their fellow believers, particularly those found within the realm of scripture.
To decipher the teachings embedded in these writings, a good approach is to carefully examine the references they made. Notably, it is important to understand that not all of these references are included in our current Biblical Canon, some of the sourced texts, particularly those found in Jude, are derived from the Apocrypha and Pseudo-Apocrypha. These texts, while not part of our canonical Scriptures today, held a degree of familiarity and importance within the Early Christian communities.
By examining these references and exploring the context of how they were utilized, one can gain helpful insight into trying to make sense of some of the more cryptic passages. This type of examination can help one to unlock the deeper meanings and intentions behind these writings, even as we acknowledge the inherent historical and textual challenges.
Overview
1 John 1 introduces key Johannine themes like the reality and incarnation of Jesus Christ, the concept of God as light, and the importance of living truthfully in this light. It stresses the necessity of acknowledging sin, the availability of God's forgiveness, and the importance of authentic fellowship with God and fellow believers. The epistle serves as a guide for understanding the Christian life as a balance of divine truth, personal integrity, and communal harmony.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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1 John 1:1-4 | Introduction to the Word of Life |
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1 John 1:5-7 | God is Light and Fellowship with Him |
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1:8-10 | The Reality of Sin and Confession |
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1 John 2 delves deeper into the themes of fellowship, obedience, and love, contrasting the world's ways with God's commands. It warns against antichrists and deceivers, emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, and underscores the new yet old commandment of love.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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1 John 2:1-2 | Christ Our Advocate |
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1 John 2:3-6 | Obedience as Evidence of Knowing God |
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1 John 2:7-11 | The Old and New Commandment |
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1 John 2:12-14 | Addressing Various Groups in the Community | Children, Fathers, and Young Men (2:12-14)
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1 John 2:15-17 | Warning Against Love of the World |
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1 John 2:18-23 | Warning Against Antichrists |
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1 John 2:24-29 | Remain in Him | Abiding in the Teaching (2:24-25)
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In 1 John 3, the apostle explores the profound identity of Christians as children of God, emphasizing its transformative impact. The chapter draws a stark contrast between the righteousness inherent in this divine relationship and the sinfulness of the world. It underscores the critical importance of love, righteousness, and the indwelling Holy Spirit as hallmarks of genuine faith. This section of scripture distinctly separates the godly path of love and moral integrity from worldly ways, calling believers to embrace a life marked by love, righteous behavior, and confident faith.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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1 John 3:1-3 | Children of God and Future Hope |
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1 John 3:4-10 | Sin, Lawlessness, and Righteousness |
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1 John 3:11-18 | Love One Another |
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1 John 3:19-24) | Confidence Before God | Assurance in God’s Presence (3:19-20)
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1 John 4 explores the nature of divine love and its implications for believers. It starts with a call for discernment against false teachings, particularly regarding Christ's incarnation, and emphasizes God's love as both the source and model for Christian love. The chapter vividly illustrates how perfect love casts out fear and underscores the inseparable connection between loving God and loving others. This passage affirms that living in God's love is essential for confidence in faith and in the day of judgment.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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1 John 4:1-6 | Testing the Spirits |
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1 John 4:7-12 | God's Love and Ours |
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1 John 4:13-16 | Assurance of God's Presence |
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1 John 4:17-21 | Love Perfected and Fear Cast Out | Confidence in the Day of Judgment (4:17-18)
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1 John 5 concludes the epistle by reinforcing the themes of faith, love, and obedience. It emphasizes the victory that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and discusses the assurance of eternal life for believers. The chapter also addresses the power of prayer and the understanding of sin, culminating in the assurance of knowledge and relationship with God.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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1 John 5:1-5 | Faith, Love, and Obedience | Belief in Jesus as the Christ (5:1)
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1 John 5:6-12 | The Testimony About the Son of God | Witness of the Spirit, Water, and Blood (5:6-8)
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1 John 5:13-17 | Assurance of Eternal Life and Confidence in Prayer |
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1 John 5:18-21 | Final Affirmations and Warnings |
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2 John is a succinct epistle that encapsulates key Johannine themes of love, truth, and obedience within the Christian faith. It warns against the dangers posed by false teachers and deceivers, particularly those who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The letter urges adherence to the commandment of love and living in accordance with the teachings of Christ. The personal tone of the epistle, coupled with its emphasis on practical Christian living and doctrinal purity, makes it a poignant message for its original recipients and contemporary readers alike.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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2 John 1-3 | Greeting and Affirmation of Love and Truth | Affirmation of the Elect Lady and Her Children (1)
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2 John 4-6 | Joy and Commandment to Love |
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2 John 7-11 | Warning Against Deceivers and Antichrists | Deceivers Denying Christ’s Coming (7)
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2 John 12-13 | Conclusion and Final Greetings |
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3 John, the shortest book in the New Testament, is a personal letter from the apostle John to Gaius, a beloved member of the early Christian community. This epistle focuses on themes of hospitality, truth, and the contrast between godly and ungodly leaders in the church. It commends Gaius for his faithful service and support of Christian missionaries and warns against the domineering and uncooperative behavior of Diotrephes.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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3 John 1-4 | Greeting and Commendation of Gaius |
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3 John 5-8 | Commendation of Hospitality and Support for Missionaries | Praise for Hospitality to Brothers and Strangers (5)
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3 John 9-12 | Condemnation of Diotrephes and Commendation of Demetrius |
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3 John 13-15 | Conclusion and Final Greetings | Desire to Visit and Speak Face to Face (13-14)
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The Epistle of Jude is a powerful and urgent call to defend the Christian faith against false teachings and immoral behavior. Jude uses historical examples to illustrate the dangers of apostasy and highlights the characteristics of false teachers. He encourages believers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and show mercy to those who are doubting. The letter concludes with a beautiful doxology, praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless before His glorious presence.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary |
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Jude 1-4 | Introduction and Purpose of the Letter | Greeting and Benediction (1-2)
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Jude 5-16 | Condemnation of False Teachers | Historical Examples of Judgment (5-7)
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Jude 17-23 | Exhortation to the Faithful | Remember the Apostles' Warnings (17-19)
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Doxology | Doxology: a short hymn of praise to God, "doxa," meaning "glory," and "logia," meaning "word, saying, logic" | Praise to God Who Keeps Us from Falling (24-25)
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Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
Reading Guide
1–3 John; Jude
Lynne Hilton Wilson, "1-3 John; Jude," Come Follow Me: The New Testament, 2019.
Overview of John’s Epistles
W. Jeffrey Marsh, “Twilight in the Early Church,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 319–334.
The Light and Love of God
Matthew O. Richardson, “The Love of God,” in Sperry Symposium Classics: The New Testament, ed. Frank F. Judd Jr. and Gaye Strathearn (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006), 150–161.
John H. Groberg, “The Power of God’s Love,” Ensign, November 2011.
M. Russell Ballard, “God’s Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988.
“Has ‘no man…seen God at any time’?”
Taylor Halverson, “Women in the Scriptures Who Have Seen God,” LDS Living, March 2019.
“How Can I Respond When my Friends Say that no Man Can See God?” New-Era, August 2011.
James Stutz, “Can a Man See God? 1 Timothy 6:16 in Light of Ancient and Modern Revelation,” Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 8 (2014): 11–26.
David Rolph Seely, “Created in the 'Image and Likeness of God': Apprentices in the Master's Workshop,” Religious Educator 14, no. 2 (2013): 29-41.
Overcoming the World through Faith in Christ
Terrance D. Olson, “Agency and Self-Deception in the Writings of James and 1 John,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 290–304.
Neil L. Andersen, “Overcoming the World,” General Conference April 2017.
Jude’s Epistle
Gaye Strathearn, “The Overlooked Epistle of Jude,” Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation, ed. Ray L. Huntington, Frank F. Judd Jr., and David M. Whitchurch (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2009), 227–46.
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Additional Videos & Insights
Early Church History Timeline 0 to 500 AD (PDF version, download)
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