1. Thank you for your interest in our web distributed notes from our weekly bible studies. Some content had to be removed from these slides for copyright purposes, and thus the slides by themselves can be difficult to follow without the original animation sequences, and accompanying notes from the actual study, but we pray that you will still find them useful. You may send any questions to myself at pastorjerry@qrbf.org and I will try and get answers back to you in a timely manner. pastorjerry@qrbf.org You may re-use these slides in your own bible studies, both personal and public, and arrangements can be made for accompanying notes and original slide presentations once copyright issues have been resolved. May God bless your effort, and may you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pastor Jerry Eyers Quinn River Baptist Fellowship www.qrbf.org

3. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John I John First John is a sermon, in written form, written by John and sent to an unknown body of believers. It will deal head-on with the doctrinal problems and heresies we have been looking at so far that were beginning to surface. II John Second John is a letter written to the ‘elect lady’. Most church commentators, for the last two thousand years, have assumed the ‘elect lady’ was the church. There is a problem with that assumption. The ‘elect lady’ has children, and a sister who also has children. The ‘elect lady’ is someone that all the churches show gratitude and respect to, and all the believers ‘know’ who she is. Who could that be? III John Third John is a letter written to Gaius, warning him about providing hospitality, gives an example of someone who doesn’t (Diotrephes), praises the conduct of Demetrius as an example, then tells Gaius to prepare for his arrival, and when he gets there, he will take care of Diotrephes himself.

4. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John Timing of the Writing: - Jesus was crucified in 31 A.D. (Assuming the 2 B.C. Birth date) - Paul was contemporary with Jesus, and may have been one of the Pharisees that were sent to harass Jesus – He was studying under Gamaliel at the time as a student - Gamaliel himself shows up in Acts 5:39, and Paul had become a member of the Sanhedrin by Acts 7:58 (young member). The incident with Stephen happened about one to two years after Pentecost (about 33 A.D.) - Paul’s conversion happens shortly thereafter - When God opens the door to the Gentiles through Peter (Acts 9), Paul is in Tarsus. Paul returns with Barnabas to Antioch and teaches for a year (42 A.D.) - Paul begins his missionary journeys. On his third missionary journey, he stops on his way to Jerusalem (at Miletus) to meet with the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20). There he warns them about false teachers that were to be coming into the flock (55 A.D.)

5. - Book of Revelation – warning to Ephesus about losing their first love, being strict on doctrine, fine, but lacking love. They had swung too far the other way. Patmos happened from 86 A.D. to 96 A.D. - III John is assumed to be written AFTER the isle of Patmos incident in John’s life (96 A.D.) but we are not certain of that - II John contains warnings about these same false teachers that Paul’s warning is about – specifically not to welcome them, or entertain them - I John details indictments against these false teachers and notes that they have been denied access to the churches (commends the church members for doing so) but in II John they seem to still have access. Thus our conclusion is that II John was written BEFORE I John - Since the false teachers are still being dealt with in John’s letters, it is assumed they were written at least several years BEFORE Jesus letter to them was written in Revelation (86 A.D.) I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John Timing of the Writing:

6. Paul’s warning to the Ephesians Act 20:15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. Act 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. Act 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Act 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Act 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: Act 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Act 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Act 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Act 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

7. Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Act 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. Act 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Paul’s warning to the Ephesians Departing: Aphixis – means death – Paul died in 67 A.D.

8. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John Timing of the Writing: That would put the writing of 1 and 2 John between 67 A.D. and 86 A.D. Why is that important?? 2 John is written to “the Elect Lady”… We will explore who that could be, but just to toss this idea out, Mary would have still been alive during that time frame. Early Church writing state that Mary died in Ephesus surrounded by the 12 apostles, and was buried in Ephesus about 40 years after the ascension (72 A.D.). Since the deification of Mary in 431 A.D., all kinds of strange traditions and stories has arisen about Mary, none of which have any grounding in historical fact (i.e. it was her sister that died in 72 A.D., but May had died in 47 A.D. but when the tomb was opened again in 72 A.D. there was no body present, so she must have been taken bodily into heaven, etc.).

9. 300 A.D. Copy of Jonah (on the left) and 1 Peter (on the right) This was a “Codex”, not a scroll. It is the first translation of the New Testament into Egyptian Coptic script, the complete New Testament is present, including the letters from John. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:11-13

10. The third oldest known scroll fragment, from 140 A.D. (+/- 50 years) is shown here. Guess what… It is from John, in this case the gospel of John. This is the second oldest known scroll fragment, and is of John’s first letter, has been dated to around 120 A.D. (+/- 50 years), and is assumed to be either the original in John’s own hand, or an immediate copy of the original St. Justin the Martyr, in his writings from 130 A.D. state that “when they (the Christians) meet together, they read the Memoirs of the Apostles and the writings of the Prophets” in a sermon delivered at Antioch he exhorted his hearers to read beforehand the Scripture passages to be read and commented on in the Office of the day (Sunday)

11. Gnostic Teachings Gnostic teaching had several main points around which they wrapped a wide variety of pagan ideas. - The soul was perfect, without sin - The flesh was what was sinful, not the soul - Since the flesh is going to be destroyed and only the soul saved anyway, there is no problem indulging the flesh – have fun. - The soul can influence the flesh, and build up ‘negative or positive marks’ against itself (Kiarus, where we get ‘karma’ from) - The soul is actually a ‘piece’ of the ‘True Spirit’ and thus we must work to reunite ourselves with the ‘True Spirit’. This efforts is known as ‘yug’ and concentrated on controlling the flesh (where we get the term “yoga” from) - Jesus was sent by the ‘True Spirit’ to help show man the way to reconnect with the ‘True Spirit’, but there are others you can connect with as well through séances, spiritism, etc. - Since Jesus was without sin, he had to be without flesh; therefore Jesus was a spirit only (i.g. he didn’t leave footprints when he walked, etc.). As part of the ‘wheel of life’, Jesus supernaturally had offspring with Mary Magdalene in order to continue to provide guidance for man after he was gone. - If you don’t succeed at first, the ‘True Spirit’ will give you another chance to get it right (reincarnation), this processes is described on the ‘Wheel of Life’ (which is where we get this term ‘the circle of life’ from) - The ultimate goal is to reconnect with the ‘True Spirit’ and achieve perfection so that when you die, the ‘True Spirit’ will take you to be with him, out of the world; you have achieved ‘enlightenment’

12. The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. Many (most) commentators say this is written to the church, not an individual

13. 2Jn 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2Jn 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Many (most) commentators say this is written to the church, not an individual. Certainly, if you want to take it that way, it fits! 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Luk 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Mat 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? Joh 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Joh 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

14. What is the “Truth” referenced here? - Whom I love in (or through) the “Truth” - They that are saved “know” the “Truth” - “Truth” has a personal entity attribute (for the Truth’s sake) - The “Truth” dwelleth in us - The “Truth” will be with us forever 2Jn 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2Jn 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2Jn 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. You must have Grace before you can have Mercy and certainly before you can have Peace! Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, for by grace ye are saved; Grace is getting what we don’t deserve; Mercy is not getting what we do. GRACE = God’s Righteousness At Christ’s Expense

15. 2Jn 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. James and Jude became believers after the resurrection; in fact, they each wrote books in the New Testament that bear their names. Jesus appeared to his half brother James personally after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). It is possible all of his brethren (and sisters?) became believers, but the Greek here in the phrase “I have found of thy children” indicates some, not necessarily all 2Jn 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. This took place in the upper room. John is indicating that the person he was writing to was with them in the upper room and heard this commandment!!!

16. 2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. If he was writing to Mary, this would be a comforting note. He is saying they are false liars that have not the truth! Don’t let them get you down, they are liars!! “This is a deceiver and an antichrist” This is THE deceiver and THE antichrist!! John is attributing these false teachers and Gnostic beliefs directly to Satan. 2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Do all religions lead to God? Do all religions have some truth? Not according to John! Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

17. 2Jn 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: Hospitality was a big deal back then. There were no places to stay as we think of them, inns were nothing more than brothels and dens of thieves. That is why even as far back as Abraham you see hospitality being a big deal. The custom was to take a traveling preacher or teacher into the home of one of the elders of the church to provide a place to stay. But, by doing so, you showed fellowship with that individual. Sharing a meal, for instance, was considered the ultimate form of fellowship among friends. To share a meal meant to become a partner with those sharing the meal, and indicated an ‘endorsement’ of the common beliefs. For someone as prominent as Mary to take in a traveling teacher would lend credibility to the teacher that she may not have intended. John is saying, ‘Don’t even tell him goodbye, or wish him well on his journey!’ 2Jn 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. This applies to ALL your interactions, including your tithe, or donations. Are you sure what you are donating too is a scripturally, doctrinally sound entity? If not, you will be held accountable for their deed because of your support of them. This includes (in my mind) commercial purchases. I am sure there are ministries out there that God would love to shut down if the gullible would let Him!!

18. Macaroni, Cheese... and Sodomy? Kraft Foods Says It Proudly Supports The Gay Olympic Games, an event notorious for its after hours activities. (2005) They have consistantly supported them ever since. Kraft is not alone: Procter & Gamble, Target stores, Abercrombie & Fitch Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Coke, WalMart Ebay, Microsoft ($100,000 at a time!) "In a survey commissioned last year by FH Out Front, Fleishman-Hillard's gay public relations unit, two-thirds of the American adults surveyed said that knowing a company markets to gays and lesbians had no effect on their feelings about the company. The overwhelming majority, 81 percent, said it didn't matter if the products they used regularly were supporting of the gay community.” "Regarding anti-gay boycotts, 45 percent of the respondents said they wouldn't change their purchasing habits if an organization launched an action against a company that reached out to support gays and lesbians." Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

19. 2Jn 1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 2Jn 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. Wow. Heavy, heavy letter with some very pertinent and timely subjects for us today. Things to take away from this letter: - There is only one way – the way of truth (a title of Jesus Christ) - He will be with us forever - Grace, Mercy, and Peace are extended to us from the Father, and from Jesus the Son of the Father - The importance of the commandment – the commandment of Love - The origin of any alteration of the truth – Satan - You can lose your rewards (not your salvation) - Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. - If you entertain or wish someone well on their journey, you are a partaker of their evil deeds – if you support them, you are an accomplice in their actions.

20. Next Week We take the plunge into 1 John!!