The Letters of John

Form I John – form of a homily / sermon –No greeting, but concludes as a letter II John- a letter written to a church –“Elect lady” is likely a metaphor for a church. III John – a letter written to a man named Gaius.

All three share similar style and vocabulary. Clearly written by the same person. Likely from the same time period as the Gospel, 80’s-90’s. II John is possibly a cover-letter for I John. III John is sent to a leader in the same congregation.

Situation Addressed Some individuals had left the congregation because they no longer accepted what John had taught them (I J 2:19). They were still having influence on the members. –Causing confusion and uncertainty about their beliefs. –John is writing to reassure them of their salvation.

They had unorthodox views about Jesus: –They did not believe Jesus was the Christ - 2:22. –They may not have believed that Jesus was the Son of God – 2:22; 5:1, 5. –They denied Christ had come in the flesh – 4:2; II J 7. Docetism – a belief that says Jesus only appeared to be human. –A form of gnosticism. Early forms of Gnosticism were developing late in the first century.

Denying that Jesus was the Christ and was not really human seriously alters the apostolic concept of salvation. This denies that Jesus’ death had any significance. Salvation must be by some other means. There is no wonder the congregation was disturbed. Evidently the people who held these beliefs thought they had developed beyond the apostolic teachings and claimed a direct knowledge of God. (gnostic)

Important reminders in 2:18-27: –Not all who appear to belong to the Church really do – 19 –There are two courses to take in life: confession or denial (lifestyle or verbal) – 23 –“remain” expresses a continuing relationship -24 –Promise of eternal life – relates to relationship of v 24. –Eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son – 25 (see John 17:3) –Remain in him - 27

The basic issue was salvation. –Is Christ divine or not? –Is Jesus human or not? –How is one saved – through a special knowledge that only a few have? Assurance is a primary emphasis in I John –2:3, 5, 24; 3:21, 24; 5:13

II John is addressed “the elect lady and her children” – presumably the congregation and its members as a whole. He commends them for continuing to be faithful. –Others “have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” (the antichrists) – v. 7. –They are not to receive into the house or welcome such a one – 10. Likely a cover letter for the sermon (I John)

III John –A letter written to a specific person, Gaius. Most likely a leader in the church. –Commending him for his service to the others. –Mentions Diotrephes, who puts himself first and does not acknowledge John’s authority. He does not welcome the brethren. Has expelled some from the church. –Warns the readers against imitating evil (Diotrephes’ actions?) –Commends Demetrius

John’s Letters for Today Importance of love for one another Value of remaining faithful and consistent Importance of confidence in what God has done through Christ Importance of assurance of salvation