1 John 2.28-3.10
John now turns to a discussion of the nature of the antichrist (2.18-.27), and the character of children of God (2.28-3.10, after which he will give his readers a lesson in love, another context entirely, beginning in 3.10b and ending in 4.21). Below is a summary of the key characteristics of the two groups.
The Book of First John
What better time of year than summer to take some time to discuss the first letter written by the apostle of love? Over the next couple weeks we’ll be looking at the book of First John from a cultural-historical perspective.
Suffering with Rejoicing
Though the believer will point to God when speaking the Word and serving others, unbelievers will prefer to be distracted by the human vessel of God’s grace. For this reason, believers who love and serve as they should will undergo persecution. A literal translation of verses 12 through 19 follows.
The Purpose of Holiness
So far Peter has defined Holiness, showed us what it looks like, explained how it relates to God’s character, and commands us to make it a part of our lives. Now he tells us the purpose.
1 John Chapter 2
Chapter two continues in the same vein. While many scholars have submitted chapter two verses one through 17 are a new context, I suggest otherwise. There is definitely a shift in literary style – a move to a softer tone of voice – but his content hasn’t made the kind of shift we see in verse 18. Chapter one is almost certainly addressing false teachers, Cerinthus in particular, while chapter two addresses true followers of Christ. John is on the offensive in chapter one, and shepherding his children in chapter two. John’s tone in chapter one is almost that of an angry parent addressing a stranger who was teaching the kids to play with matches.
1 Peter the Book
To close this study on 1 Peter I thought it appropriate to pull together all the materials created in the writing of this series and to offer it up as a free e-book. Download, print and enjoy!
The Product of Love
Continuing with the theme of judgment, verse seven warns that the end of all things is near. His warning rings even more loudly today than then. Peter lists for us examples of how we are to live, but none of these examples are new as he has raised them elsewhere within the same letter. In other words, these examples are so important he mentions them twice.
Submission, Part 3
Peter doesn’t stop here. His final urge to the scattered Christians is that they “live in harmony” with each other, that they “love each other deeply” (reference 1.22), to be “compassionate” and “humble.” Peter implores us to shrug off the opposite of these virtues: revenge. Rather than revenge, our every intention must be to bless everyone we meet. This requires honesty (“…must keep his tongue from evil, his lips from deceitful speech…”); being a do-gooder; one who seeks – even pursues – peace. Does this description yet sound familiar? Read on, true to form Peter will provide us with the Excellent Example!
1 John Chapter One
The book of 1 John was written by the apostle John to Christian readers so that their life might change to reflect the nature of the God they serve. It appears that He is writing the letter to clarify the true Christian faith, and to combat some distortions of meaning entering the faith from Cerinthus’ followers. Evidence for this lies in verses 1-7, which is a testimony to the true Christ and His teachings. In verse eight we see a shift from this testimony to a hypothetical situation. Examine the structural layout of the verses below.
Final Exhortations
Peter’s final words appear in a series of instructions and greetings, beginning with those with responsibilities and ending with the common believers. As such, Peter begins with an exhortation to the elders. Peter does so with the appropriate credentials (He is a fellow elder, an apostle of Christ, and one who will share in the glory of Christ at His return). Had the elders been instructed by a younger Christian they would have been dishonored.
Judgment and Reward
There are some passages of the Bible that are difficult to understand or explain. Verse six raises one such mystery. What does it mean that the “gospel was preached even to those who are now dead?”
Submission, Part 2
Men and women, though created equal, were also created different and contrary to popular belief women do not receive the short end of the stick in the Bible. There are some who believe that chauvinism was championed on one end of Christian history by the apostle Paul, and on the other by Bill Gothard. In all truth, however, the Bible doesn’t demonstrate such thinking.