1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd Letters of John

1^st John

Summary – This letter was written to a community who faced heresy. John teaches how to walk in the light and also to keep in remembrance the sacrifice which the Lord Jesus Christ made for them.

The Truth and the ecclesia

Introduction: Why the letter was written – Chapter 1 v 1 to 4

God is Light – Chapter 1 v 5 to 2 v 29

God is love – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 21

God is life – Chapter 5 v 1 to 21

2^nd John

Summary – The letter is addressed to an "elect lady", who is advised to have minimal fellowship with unbelievers. The ideas of love, truth, and obedience are emphasised.

The Truth and the home

Introduction – v 1 to 4

Exposition: love defined – v 5 to 6

Exhortation – v 7 to 9

Application: False charity to be avoided – v 10 to 11

Information – v 12 to 13

3^rd John

Summary – The letter commends Gaius for allowing Christian teachers the use of his home and financial means. He is urged to receive only good men, which were known by their works and to shun evil men.

The Truth and the individual

Gaius: The sincere, dedicated and loveable – v 1 to 8

Diotrephes: The domineering, self–assertive, arrogant – v 9 to 11

Demetrius: of good repute to all – v 12

Last words from John – v 13 to 14