Other Epistles: (Letters by men other than Paul)
1 Peter
Peter wrote this letter to a number of people who were scattered over a wide area. In his writing, Peter gives encouragement and direction to Christians in living for Christ. He also gives instruction regarding suffering for the cause of Christ, and what our attitude towards it should be.2 Peter
In this letter, Peter gives wisdom and instruction in the difference between God's word and messengers and false teachers. He also gives information on the destruction of the world. It is “bookended” by admonishments to live a proper Christian life.1 John
John's first letter is largely focused around the theme of love. He addresses the love God has for us. He addresses the love we, as Christians, should have for God. He addresses the love we should not have towards the world and the things of the world. And he addresses the love we should have for each other.2 John
The addressee of this letter is either a specific woman, or the church (with “the chosen lady” used metaphorically). This short letter admonishes the reader to adhere to God's word and not deviate from it. John also warns of those who will teach other than the gospel of Christ.3 John
John writes this letter and speaks of three people. Gaius, to whom the letter is addressed, is commended for his faith and works. Diotrephes is condemned for his pride. And Demetrius is stated as being praised by many.Jude
This letter is written by Jude, apparently the Jude who was brother to Jesus. He writes warning of men who have entered among them and have been both living sinful lives and teaching sin. He then encourages the reader to persevere and remain faithful to Christ.Revelation
John writes this last book in the New Testament. It is the revelation of Christ, addressed to seven churches. Each of these churches is commended and/or condemned for their actions. The majority of the book is highly figurative, and deals with what is to come. It ends with several chapters on judgment and eternity. It is perhaps the most difficult of the books of the Bible to study, and is easily (and often) twisted.It is my hope that these very, very, very brief overviews of each book will help us in remembering where things are at in the Bible, and in how the Bible is organized. I realize that much has been left out, but nonetheless I hope it has been beneficial.
Moreover, I hope that this will be used as preparation for reading through the Bible in a year, starting January 1. Beginning the week of Dec. 28, I will be placing a weekly schedule for Bible reading on the back of this bulletin that I hope we can all follow.
1 comment:
I really like these summaries you've put together on the books of the Bible. Very concise and helpful in introducing the books for further study. Good job.
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