General Epistle Summaries

Hebrews

Key Facts

Occasion

Paul authored the Epistle to the Hebrews to bolster the faith of Jewish individuals within the Church, urging them to remain steadfast in their belief in Jesus Christ and resist the temptation to revert to their previous practices (Hebrews 10:32–38). It appears that a significant number of Jewish Christians were choosing to leave the Church and instead seek refuge in the synagogue, where they felt safer, as a result of experiencing various forms of hardship (Hebrews 10:25, 38–39). Paul aimed to demonstrate to these Jewish Christians that the Law of Moses indicated Jesus Christ and His Atonement as the genuine means of salvation. Paul explains the current priestly service of Christ within the believer’s life in his Epistle. Paul utilized the letter to elucidate to the Hebrews that Jesus had the divine nature as the Son of God and the fully human nature. Furthermore, in His duty as a priest, He facilitates the path for individuals to approach the heavenly Father through prayer (Hebrews 4:14–16).

Significance

The book of Hebrews holds considerable importance since it expounds upon a profound and intricate understanding of the nature of Christ. It does so by affirming the superiority of Jesus Christ and asserting that He surpasses Moses in greatness. Additionally, the book teaches that Jesus’ ministry introduced a new and superior covenant, beating the previous covenant established under the Law of Moses. Paul’s Epistle is noteworthy for its emphasis on the priestly role of Christ in the believer’s life. Jesus possesses both the divine nature as the Son of God and human nature. In His duty as a priest, He paves the path for humans to communicate with the Father in heaven using prayer (Hebrews 4:14–16). The Book of Hebrews primarily focuses on the concept of covenants and its role in comprehending the new covenant canon. Hebrews mainly emphasize the preeminence of Christ’s covenant, urging readers to refrain from reverting to the sacrifices and customs of the old covenant, as the new covenant is founded upon superior promises.

Concerns

The authorship of the Book of Hebrews has generated significant apprehension among several biblical scholars. Hebrews is included in the New Testament as one of Paul’s letters, however the author of Hebrews is not explicitly identified. Various hypotheses concerning the author’s identity have been put forward throughout the years, although all of them have notable issues. The authorship of the Epistle, once ascribed to St. Paul the Apostle, is now commonly credited to another Jewish Christian. According to certain customs, it is believed that the author of the text could be St. Barnabas or possibly one of Paul’s colleagues or followers from a later time. There are concerns over certain unique characteristics in Hebrews. Some historians argue that the text is more akin to a prolonged sermon, frequently making references to Israel’s scriptures and rituals, rather than a conventional epistle. Early church scholars also acknowledged the stylistic distinctions between the book of Hebrews and the letters written by Paul. Clement of Alexandria, in the early 3rd century, proposed that Paul authored Hebrews in its original Hebrew form and that Luke subsequently translated it into Greek. Origen proposed that Paul likely originated the ideas, but someone individual transcribed and published the text (Andrews 2020).

James

Key Facts

Occasion

James penned a letter to a congregation of Jewish Christians who were enduring tribulations and persecution, urging them to exemplify their devotion to Jesus Christ via their daily conduct. Faced with the danger of persecution, they were enticed to compromise their dedication to Christianity and revert back to conforming to the ways of the world. James addressed his friends, who were experiencing persecution, in his role as a pastor and encouraged them to cultivate their spiritual endurance. He also acted as a prophet to others who were considering compromising their faith and challenged them to demonstrate its authenticity.

Significance

The book of James holds great significance due to its unwavering emphasis on practical action in the context of faith, which is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature found in the Old Testament. It serves as an encouragement for believers to conduct themselves in a manner that aligns with their identity as God’s chosen people. James provides explicit directives to the readers, asking them to actively seek a life characterized by moral purity. He underscores the notion that faith without of tangible transformation is devoid of value (James 2:17). The text also ascribes James as the sibling of Jesus, so emphasizing his significance in the early church. The absence of the Epistle would result in the absence of theological issues, such as Consummation. The book holds great significance as it enlightens Christians on the cruciality of demonstrating their faith through their acts, as stated in James 2:14–26. Moreover, it serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for the “crown of life” promised by the Lord to those who love Him, as mentioned in James 1:12. James has been referred to as “the Proverbs of the New Testament” by several scholars due to its abundance of citations and allusions to the teachings of Jesus. Additionally, it contains a higher number of imperatives per word compared to any other book in the New Testament.

Concerns

Biblical academics express apprehension at the divergent interpretations and teachings found in the epistles of James and Paul. Regarding the subjects of works, justification, and faith, James asserts that faith lacking in works is devoid of value, and that performing good acts is essential for demonstrating the authenticity of our faith (James 2:14-26). Meanwhile, Paul firmly asserts that “a man is justified by faith without the need to follow the law” (Gal 2:16; Rom 3:28; 9:23). Nevertheless, other academics have contended that the two writers are not in opposition, but rather catering to distinct readerships and circumstances.

Contemporary interpreters have expressed concerns about the planned compositional framework that governs the letter of James. Jackson-McCabe (2014) asserts that by examining the formal textual elements, thematic substance, and rhetorical function, it becomes evident that the letter was written as a cohesive and comprehensive exploration of the ethical implications arising from the underlying dichotomy between logos and desire. The Epistle is often categorized as wisdom literature, akin to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, due to the author’s vibrant and innovative writing style.

1st Peter

Key Facts

Occasion

The Epistle of Peter, directed towards Christians facing persecution residing in five provinces of Asia Minor. Peter penned a letter with the intention of equipping his readers for an impending and challenging ordeal, referred to as a “fiery trial” (1 Peter 4:12). Additionally, he sought to provide them with motivation and fortitude during the testing of their faith (1 Peter 1:7). Peter’s message also instructed people on how to react to persecution, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:14–15, 2:19–23, and 4:13. Peter’s Epistle urges the readers to imitate the suffering of Christ throughout their times of hardship, while keeping in mind that Jesus, after his suffering and death, was resurrected and is now in a state of glory. In 1st Peter 1:2, Peter referred to his readers as the “elect” of God and discussed the topic of persecution, foreshadowing the hardships that he and fellow Christians would face during the later years of Nero’s rule. When Peter wrote, he had not yet been apprehended, which ultimately resulted in his martyrdom between AD 66-68. Peter’s Epistle implores Christian adherents to counteract malevolence with benevolence and to exhibit affection towards one other. He also advises them to protect their status as virtuous members of society, so eliminating any uncertainty over the unfairness of their afflictions.

Significance

The significance of 1st Peter lies in its emphasis on the crucial role of believers in enduring unjust suffering while maintaining a virtuous way of life (1 Peter 2:20). 1 Peter might be likened to the Book of Job in the New Testament, offering encouragement to genuine believers to persevere in the path that Jesus has prescribed for all His disciples. Peter asserted that this exemplified the genuine tenacity that God anticipates from His followers. Peter exhorted these believers to exhibit the same fortitude of Job, a virtuous man who endured great suffering.

The book is significant because it emphasizes the experiences of the initial cohort of believers. Following Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, Peter assumed the role of the inaugural Pope of the newly established church. As the inaugural Pontiff, he assumed the duty of disseminating the teachings of Jesus and structuring his disciples into an organized ecclesiastical institution. Peter’s advice was particularly opportune as the members of the Church were on the verge of encountering an intensified phase of persecution (Neill 2023). The Epistle highlights the divine selection of apostles to disseminate God’s Gospel. Consequently, the oppression faced by apostles and the early church can be regarded as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate to other believers the remarkable benevolence and affection of Jesus, which is motivated by the anticipation of his imminent return and triumph over malevolence.

Concerns

Biblical scholars have expressed diverse critiques regarding the first letter of Peter. In the first Epistle of Peter, Peter asserts his role as a “witness of the sufferings of Christ”. Nevertheless, Peter was absent during the crucifixion of Jesus. Although Peter did not personally witness the Crucifixion, the author’s assertion of being “a witness of the sufferings of Christ” aligns with Peter’s actions after the Resurrection. Following the Resurrection, Peter fearlessly testified about the suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, as documented in Acts 2:22–36.

The issue of subjugation and obedience of enslaved individuals to their owners has posed a challenge for readers of 1. Peter has expressed multiple ethical considerations. The book’s exhortations to slaves were regrettably employed to rationalize the institution of slavery across various historical periods and locations. The sensitivity of the genre of 1st Peter is a significant matter of concern. Peter exclusively focuses on Old Testament prophecy, namely in multiple passages found in 1 Peter 1:10-12. He cites predictions, as well as references to the Law and wisdom literature. The hermeneutic employed for the wisdom and Law literature in the letter differs from that used for prophecy and serves as a paradigm for Christians to understand biblical texts in accordance with their respective genres.

2nd Peter

Key Facts

Occasion

In 2 Peter 1:1, Peter clearly stated his intention to address individuals who have acquired a comparable and highly esteemed belief system, suggesting that his audience likely consisted of the same Gentile Christians who had previously received his First Epistle. The substance of 2 Peter 1:12–15 indicates that Peter intended for this letter to serve as a valedictory communication to his readers. Recognizing the limited time available to him (2 Peter 1:13-15) and the imminent threat faced by these churches (2 Peter 2:1-3), Peter urged the readers to actively recall and engage with his teachings in order to strengthen their understanding (2 Peter 1:15; 3:1-2). In 2 Peter 1:5-9, Peter urges the believers to enhance their faith by cultivating specific characteristics associated with Christianity. This will enable them to be more proficient and fruitful in their understanding of Jesus Christ.

In contrast to the First Epistle of Peter, which provided guidance to the Saints in coping with external persecution, Peter’s Second Epistle focused on addressing the internal apostasy that posed a threat to the Church’s destiny. Deceptive prophets and teachers were disseminating destructive false beliefs, and even rejecting the Lord who purchased them (2 Peter 2:1). Peter composed the letter with the intention of motivating the Saints to enhance their understanding of the Lord and to solidify their “calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10).

Significance

In addition to contending with persecution and suffering, the churches in Asia Minor were also grappling with internal discord and conflict, as mentioned in Peter’s initial Epistle. Peter underscored the significance of acquiring and adhering to accurate knowledge of God in order to counteract the spread of heresy and erroneous teachings within the Christian community. Second Peter explores various topics that are also discussed in other parts of the New Testament, including the concept of the Word of God, the idea of a renewed celestial realm and earth, and the divine capacity to both rescue and pass judgment (Lockett 2021).

The Epistle also conveys Peter’s last call for the Saints to “develop in grace and in the understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), which holds significance for Christian believers in the present day. In 2 Peter 2, Peter draws a clear distinction between the genuine knowledge of Jesus Christ and the deceptive information and teachings propagated by apostates. He emphasizes that this contrast serves as a valuable reference for subsequent apostles in their leadership of the church. Christians have the ability to cultivate stronger belief in Jesus Christ and gain enlightenment and guidance that can assist them in emulating His character.

Concerns

In recent years, certain scholars have contested the attribution of authorship to Peter for the books of 1st and 2nd Peter. While there has been ongoing debate about the authorship of 2 Peter since the early days of the church, it is only in the last century that the majority of scholars have agreed that the letter is pseudepigraphal. Both ancient and contemporary scholars have observed the distinct disparities in style and terminology between 1 Peter and 2 Peter. For some individuals, the two letters exhibit such disparities in terminology and style that they are deemed incompatible in terms of authorship. The two letters also vary in their utilization of the Old Testament. First, Peter exhibits a significant reliance on the Old Testament, explicitly referencing or indirectly referring to the Old Testament approximately forty-six times. In contrast, Second Peter appears to make minimal use of the Old Testament, potentially including only five allusions.

1st John

Key Facts

Occasion

The First Letter of John was specifically sent to a collection of churches where individuals known as “false prophets,” who were condemned as Antichrist, rejected the belief in Jesus’ Incarnation. Their actions led to a significant division within the community, resulting in a regrettable decrease in the number of orthodox believers. During this period, deceitful instructors had caused a rift or separation among the devout individuals in the area, and a widespread abandonment of religious beliefs was occurring within the Church (1 John 2:18–19). John penned a letter to provide solace and support to devoted Christians who were facing challenges, reminding them of their commitment to the truth and urging them to remain steadfast, even when others had succumbed to deceptive doctrines. Docetism was an ideology that was becoming increasingly popular. Docetism was a constituent of the broader Gnosticism movement. One fundamental doctrine of several Gnostic beliefs was the notion that the spirit was entirely virtuous, whereas everything, including the physical body, was entirely malevolent. Despite the Apostle John’s efforts to disprove these erroneous doctrines in 1 John, they continued to exist and infiltrated the Church community.

Significance

The primary significance of 1st John lies in its role of providing guidance to Christian believers regarding proper fellowship and deepening their understanding of the immense love that Heavenly Father has for each of His children. This love is exemplified by the sacrificial gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of all humanity. Firstly, the book of John makes a valuable addition to the biblical canon by providing a distinct portrayal and understanding of God. It reveals that the eternal life that existed with the Father has been manifested in a tangible and perceptible manner, capable of being observed, heard, and physically experienced. In 1st John, God is portrayed as Light, and it is emphasized that darkness cannot coexist with Him. Hence, if we claim to have experienced companionship with him yet continue to lead a morally corrupt life, we would be engaging in deceitful behavior both in our words and actions (1 John 1:6). The Epistle is significant in that it imparts to the early church the significance of confession, as stated in 1st John 1:9. John The author directs his letter to individuals who assert to have a close relationship with God, but are engaging in sinful behavior.

Concerns

Although the style of theology, vocabulary, and writing closely resemble the gospel of John, contemporary researchers reject the prevailing consensus and assert that the authorship of these texts remains unknown. These scholars argue that the letters are anonymous since the text of the letters does not explicitly include the name of the author. Conversely, each ancient copy of these letters that we possess is labeled with the name “John” in its titles or subscriptions. Moreover, the author explicitly states that he personally witnessed the ministry of Jesus (1st John 1:1–3) and talks with a sense of authority that he anticipates will be acknowledged. Additionally, some academics contend that the Gospel’s language and sophisticated theology imply that the author may have lived at a later time than John and drew inspiration from John’s teachings and experiences. Furthermore, the presence of various occurrences in the life of Jesus being narrated in a different order compared to the Synoptic Gospels, along with the indication that the final chapter might have been added at a later time, implies that the book could be a compilation of different sources.

2nd John

Key Facts

Occasion

The Second Epistle of John was addressed to the chosen woman and her offspring (2 John 1:1). It is uncertain if John was directing his words at his family, a particular group, or using metaphorical language to address the Church as a whole. John penned a letter to caution a religious institution against erroneous doctrine and to implore them to persist in the virtues of affection and veracity. John’s second letter contained a fervent appeal to Christians, urging them to demonstrate their devotion to God and Jesus by adhering to the commandment of loving one another and leading a life of fidelity to the Scriptures. The second letter of John serves as a stern cautionary message, urging vigilance against individuals who spread false claims that Jesus Christ did not truly resurrect. They claimed that his resurrection resembled a spectral apparition, a manifestation of a spiritual Jesus. John unequivocally stated that their doctrines were erroneous and that Christians should completely disassociate themselves from them.

Significance

The significance of Second John lies in its explicit guidance on how we should approach those who oppose the truth. While 1 John emphasizes our communion with God, 2 John centers on safeguarding our communion from others who propagate deception. The apostle explicitly cautioned his readers against welcoming false teachers into their homes or even extending them a greeting (2 John 1:10). These behaviors bring the believer into alignment with the evildoer, and John was determined to ensure that the believers remained untainted by deception and heresy.

The Second Letter of John urges a church, metaphorically referred to as “the chosen woman and her offspring,” to abstain from associating with the docetic heretics (opposed in 1 John), who reject the actuality of the Incarnation. Second, John serves as a reminder of the perils of deviating from the truth and emphasises the significance of prioritising obedience in our own lives, as well as for others who hold great importance to us. In John’s second Epistle, the transformation of water into wine serves as evidence of Jesus’ divinity and emphasizes to Christians that only God possesses the ability to create anything out of nothing (John 2:3). John enumerates eight miracles in his gospel that serve as “signs” or affirmations of Jesus’ identity. Each of the eight miracles exhibited distinct characteristics. John employs miracles as a means to instruct Christians about Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and to symbolise his divine qualities of flawlessness and excellence.

Concerns

The primary issue in 2nd John that has sparked extensive disputes and deliberations among biblical scholars is the accurate identification of the intended recipients of the Epistle. John corresponded with the elect lady and her offspring” (2 John 1:1). It is uncertain whether John was directing his words towards his family, a particular group, or using figurative language to address the Church as a whole. Alternatively, it is plausible that “the elect lady” in this context denotes a Christian assembly, as indicated in 2 John 1:13. The Greek term for church is of feminine gender, and it was customary to anthropomorphize the Church as a female entity (Ephesians 5:25–27).

A further problem arises over the authorship of this letter, as well as the letter of 3 John, which shares the same addressee. It is uncertain whether the author is John the Elder or if John the apostle adopted a different designation for himself. Nevertheless, the oldest church tradition from the second century onwards unanimously attested that this Epistle, together with its companion, 3 John, were authored by the apostle himself, rather than by an enigmatic and unidentified elder. Indeed, it was not uncommon for an apostle to refer to himself as a “elder.” Peter, in his initial letter (1 Peter 5:1), did exactly that.

3rd John

Key Facts

Occasion

The Third Epistle of John was addressed to Gaius, a devoted member of the Church whom John commended for demonstrating selfless dedication to the mission of Christ by offering lodging for God’s itinerant messengers (3rd John 1:5–8). John corresponded with Gaius in response to a report detailing the challenges instigated by an individual named Diotrephes. John’s purpose in writing was to emphasize to Gaius the correct approach for handling these issues. Diotrephes openly confronted Apostle John and other Church authorities, impeding local Church members who desired to receive them from participating in Church gatherings (3rd John 1:9–10). John urged Gaius to persist in righteousness and expressed his anticipation of visiting Gaius in the near future (3 John 1:11–14).

John commended Gaius for his commendable actions of supporting and encouraging the visiting instructors that came his way, urging him to persist in this generous hospitality (3rd John 1:5-8). In addition, he penned a letter urging Gaius to emulate virtuous behaviour, praising Demetrius as a commendable role model, and expressing his disapproval of Diotrephes for rejecting John and others whom he should have welcomed (3rd John 1:11-12; 1:9-10).

Significance

The third Epistle of John is noteworthy for its emphasis on the obstacles faced by Presbyters, which offers Christians vital proof of the adaptable and individualistic nature of leadership in the early church. The letter also provides a concise insight into the challenges faced by missionary endeavors and the quest for local independence within the early church. Unlike the other two letters of John, this particular piece of writing was directed towards a single man named Gaius. John’s intention in his letter was to secure a cordial reception from the churches for those who were spreading the gospel, by urging them to extend hospitality and bid them farewell in a manner that reflects the dignity of God (3 John 1:6).

Amidst Gaius’ challenges in his region, John sought to provide guidance to him, not just in navigating the difficulties, but also in establishing meaningful connections with others who advocate for the truth. John’s three epistles primarily address the concept of fellowship, encompassing one’s relationship with God, adversaries of the gospel, and, specifically in 3 John, individuals who declare the truth. The Apostle John commended Gaius, a devoted member of the Church, for his unwavering loyalty during a period of insurrection against Church authorities. The significance of John’s teachings for Christians lies in their ability to enhance comprehension of the apostasy that transpired inside the New Testament Church and to instill a sense of steadfastness in adhering to Church leaders while encountering opposition.

Concerns

The textual variance in John’s epistles has prompted significant issues over the authorship of the letters.

References

1. Köstenberger, Andreas J., L. Scott Kellum, and Charles L. Quarles. The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown. B&H Publishing Group, 2009.
2. Rothschild, C. K. (2009). Hebrews as Pseudepigraphon: The History and Significance of the Pauline Attribution of Hebrews (Vol. 235). Mohr Siebeck.
3. Andrews, Edward D. THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS: Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?. Christian Publishing House, 2020.
4. Jackson-McCabe, Matt. “Enduring Temptation: The Structure and Coherence of the Letter of James.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 37, no. 2 (2014): 161-184.
5. Neill, Stephen. Jesus through many eyes: introduction to the theology of the New Testamen ISD LLC, 2023.
6. Lockett, D. R. (2021). Letters for the Church: Reading James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude as Canon. InterVarsity Press.
7. Carson, Donald A. The gospel according to John. Inter-Varsity Press, 2020.
8. Reynolds, B.E., 2022. 1–3 John by Thomas Andrew Bennett. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 84(4), pp.680-682. https://doi.org/10.1353/cbq.2022.0140
9. Jackson, Kent P. “King James Bible and the Restoration.” (2016).