1. General Epistles

2. Hebrews through Jude To a general audience Longest to shortest

3. Hebrews Author: ? Date: before 70 AD Written to: Jewish Christians (Rome?) Theme: The superiority of Jesus Christ

4. The Superiority of Christ Over OT prophets (1:1-3a) Over angels (1:3b – 2:18) Over Moses (3:1-19) Over Joshua (4:1-16)

5. Superiority over Aaron Christ is eternal Christ is sinless Christ made a once-for-all sacrifice Christ mediates a new covenant Model of Temple in Jerusalem

6. Hebrews 11 Heroes of the Faith AbelJosephSamson EnochMosesJephthah NoahIsraelitesDavid AbrahamRahabSamuel IsaacGideonProphets JacobBarakOthers

7. James Author: James, brother of Jesus Date: before 62 AD Written to: Jewish community outside Palestine Theme: Practical Instructions

8. Practical Instruction Trials and temptations Favoritism forbidden Taming the tongue Wisdom Submission to God Wealth Patience Prayer

9. Faith and Deeds James 2:24 vs. Ephesians 2:8-9 James addressed the error that faith is mere assent to doctrinal truth; his answer was that genuine faith involves action Paul addressed the error that salvation is earned by human merit; his answer was that salvation is by grace through faith

10. 1 Peter Author: Peter (apostle) Date: ~ 64 AD Written from: Rome? Written to: believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia Theme: Encouragement in times of persecution

11. Recipients of 1 Peter Regions of Ancient Turkey; although Asia is not labeled on the map, it, too, was located in Turkey—in the southwest on the Mediterranean coast.

12. Encouragement in Times of Persecution Trials to prove faith genuine Be holy—living stones being built into a spiritual house Submit to human authority to silence the talk of the foolish Christ suffered for us—an example to follow Repay evil with blessing Do not be surprised at suffering Resist the devil, a roaring lion God will restore you after you have suffered

13. 2 Peter Author: Peter Date: ~ 64 AD Written from: Rome? Theme: Warning against false teaching

14. Warning Against False Teaching Eyewitnesses to the truth Prophets spoke from God, carried along by the Holy Spirit There will be false teachers The day of the Lord will come Be on your guard; grow in grace and knowledge

15. 1 John Author: John (apostle) Written to: Believers around Ephesus? Date: Late 1 st century Theme: Genuine Christian teaching (countering false teaching)

16. Genuine Christian Teaching Righteous living Love for other believers Belief in Jesus as the Christ; as the Son of God and human at the same time

17. 2 John Author: John (“the elder”) Written to: The chosen lady and her children Date: Late 1 st century Theme: Christian truth and love

18. Christian Truth and Love The truth lives in us Love one another Do not host false teachers

19. 3 John Author: John (“the elder”) Written to: Gaius Date: Late 1 st century Theme: Christian hospitality

20. Christian Hospitality Gaius commended for hospitality Diotrephes condemned for failure in hospitality

21. Jude Author: Jude (brother of James, Jesus) Written from: Palestine? Date: ? Theme: Warning—false teachers Much in common with 2 Peter

22. Warning—False Teachers False teachers slipped in Character of false teachers Resistance against false teachers God is able to keep us from falling