Intro to John's Epistle: Notes

Background:

·      Written by The Apostle John

o   John was found mending his nets. Suites Him as a pastor as he mends the lives of Gods people. He brings back those who have drifted.

·      At this time he was probably the pastor of Ephesus after Paul started it. (Acts 9)

·      Written approximately four years after the book of Revelation

·      Church was made up of Jews and Greeks (Gentiles)

o   Jews – More legalistic- Saw Jews as a human but difficulty seeing him as Divine.

o   Greeks – Mystical – Saw Jesus as Divine but difficulty seeing Him also as a human (Fleshly Body).

·      Family:

o   James’s Brother (Matt 4:21, 10:2, 17:1)

o   Son of Zebedee (Matt 4:21, Mk 10:35)

o   Both James and John were disciples/apostles of Jesus (Matt: 10:2)

Purpose:

·      To bring Joy 1:4, Jn 16:24

·      Empower you not to sin    2:1, 3:4-9

·      Give you the assurance of your salvation 5:13

·      Promote each other in love

·      Restore Fellowship with God and others 1:3

·      Not to be deceived 1 Jn 2:26

·      Re affirmation of basic gospel truths.

Theme:

·      Jesus is our example  (1:7, 4:17, 3:23, 2:6)

·      Chapter one:

o   Putting the Flesh under

o   Bringing balance to the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ

·      Chapter two:

o   Knowing Him and Loving Him

·      Chapter three:

o   Pretenders, counterfeits, False- prophets.

·      Chapter four:

o   Growing up

·      Chapter five:

Gospel of John was written to show His divinity and teach sinners concerning salvation.  The epistles of John emphasis His humanity and teach Christians of there salvation.

Most intimate letter in the N.T.  This letter brings the Child of God and all his problems right into the Fathers lap.  This letter is not intended to be a formal address. 

The issue of this epistle we must not forget is that John is speaking to Christians concerning their Fellowship (1:3, 1 Jn 2:12-14) not their salvation.

Study Words:  Sin, Forgiveness, know