Ready to deepen your understanding of the New Testament? Imagine seeing the New Testament as more than a collection of books—it’s the story of faith’s origins. These 27 works, written in Koine Greek, recount Jesus Christ’s life and His powerful mission to transform hearts. The Epistles share real struggles faced by early Christians, while Revelation points toward hope and redemption. With BibleProject’s captivating animations, this journey becomes even more enriching. Start today and let this timeless message bring purpose to your faith journey.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that directs us. Thank You for the wisdom found in 1, 2 and 3 John. These epistles are all filled with truth. And now we pray for your Holy Spirit to illuminate these Scriptures for us. Open our hearts to the lessons of love, friendship, and obedience in these passages. Aid us to make these lessons a part of our lives and share this love with others. It’s where Your due is poured. You are adored there. This truth will help us upraise. It will help us show the grace that came from Thee! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

1-2-3 John~ Chapters 1-5 – 1 – 1

1 John: Chapters Overview

Chapter 1: Walk in the light, confess sins for forgiveness.
Chapter 2: Obey God’s commands, reject worldliness, abide in Christ.
Chapter 3: Live as God’s children, love one another deeply.
Chapter 4: Test spirits, God’s perfect love casts out fear.
Chapter 5: Faith in Jesus brings victory, assurance of eternal life.

2 John: Chapters Overview

Single Chapter: Walk in truth, love one another, avoid false teachers.

3 John: Chapters Overview

Single Chapter: Support faithful servants, avoid pride and divisiveness.

Summary of Themes

The letters of 1, 2, and 3 John center on living in truth, love, and fellowship with God and others. They emphasize obedience to God’s commandments, avoiding false teachings, and maintaining genuine love as evidence of faith. The writings encourage believers to walk in the light. They should show their faith through actions and relationships. Believers must stay vigilant against anything that leads them astray from Christ’s truth.

1-2-3 John~ Chapters 1-5 – 1 – 1

(For Digital Link ~ Click Holy Bible and select your Bible version)

Author: John Date: AD 85-100

Main Characters

1. Jesus Christ: Central figure mentioned; focus of faith, love, and truth.
2. False Teachers: Spreading errors; threaten community unity and faith.
3. John: Author addressing readers; offers guidance and warns of deceivers.
4. Gaius: Recipient of 3 John; commended for hospitality and faithful work.
5. Diotrephes: In 3 John; criticized for arrogance and rejecting authority.
6. Demetrius: In 3 John; praised for his good testimony and character.

About – 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 John

The three Books of John are short letters in the New Testament. They represent the 3P’s of John’s heart. He writes them to early Christians facing issues like division and false teachings. They also need a boost in faith. The letters are highly personal and pastoral. They focus on love and truth. They emphasize the necessity for living faith out in a genuine way.

1 John’s main goal is the assurance of the believers, as they live in love and turn away from sin. John writes against false teachers. These false teachers deny that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. He calls his readers to examine the truth. He emphasizes such themes as the love of God. He also stresses the duty to love one another. Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God commandments.

The second epistle is an abbreviated letter targeting the chosen lady and her children. It is a warning against those who deny Christ’s incarnation and encourages the faithful to persist in their confession. The letter also encourages walking in truth and love.

The most personal of the three is 3 John, which was written to a man named Gaius. It commends Gaius for his faithfulness in supporting traveling missionaries. It compares him favorably with Diotrephes. Diotrephes does not accept the authority of the elders of the community. He also encourages others to refuse them hospitality as well! John speaks well of Demetrius and urges the readers to emulate what is good.

These letters were written when the early church was establishing itself. It faced outside threats and internal conflict. There’s a mix of Greco-Roman ideas with early Christian elements and heretical teachings. For John, these letters stress the importance of keeping the gospel’s integrity. They encourage believers to stay in love and truth.

3 John three is no different from 1 and 2 John in the way that it addresses three commonplace issues: love (vs.6,8), truth (vs.4) and obedience to God’s commandments vs.5,12). In a culture that is so entrusting, these letters call our attention. They highlight the treasure of trust we have with God. They also emphasize the trust we have with each other. Christian leaders today are not distinguished based on their faithfulness to truth. There is also little distinction in their resistance to false teaching. These are theological resources and practical guidance for faithful living. They are the ones who remind us to love and speak truth with all our hearts.

To grasp the messages conveyed in 1, 2, and 3 John, it is essential to consider the historical context. It is also important to consider the cultural context in which they were written. Authored by the Apostle John during the late first century, these letters were directed to early Christian communities. They faced challenges both internally and externally. The rise of false teachings posed significant threats. These doctrines denied the dual nature of Jesus—His humanity and divinity. This situation jeopardized the Church’s foundational beliefs.

In 1 John, John emphasizes fundamental Christian principles. These principles include love, obedience, and the recognition of Jesus as the Son of God. He urges believers to abandon darkness and embrace light, advocating for a life rooted in truth and mutual love.

2 John serves as a warning to the congregation about heretics who distort Christ’s teachings. John encourages Christians to stay steadfast in obeying God’s commandments while reiterating the importance of loving one another. He also advises caution about whom they choose to associate with.

3 John takes on a more personal tone. It is directed towards Gaius. John commends him for his faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to truth. In contrast, John criticizes Diotrephes for his arrogance and attempts to undermine others within the church. Collectively, these letters illustrate early Christian life and offer timeless guidance that remains relevant for contemporary Church practices.

The books of 1st, 2nd and 3rd john are so vital. They discuss key Christian beliefs. Such beliefs stay pertinent in our time. The fundamental concepts of love, truth, obedience and discernment are reiterated in these letters.

God is love, declares 1 John, a love that is to be manifest in the lives of his followers. John is an advocate of Christians loving one another as evidence they are walking with God. He stresses the need to follow God’s laws and warns against sin and deceit. This is my reminder to those who hold the belief that walking in God’s light is essential. It is the true way to walk with God.

2 John elaborates on these concepts, although with greater emphasis on keeping the church pure in doctrine. John exhorts the ayah sharing community that love must be accompanied by truth. The church is hurt by accepting those who don’t believe in the truth of Christ.

3 John applies those principles more personally. He emphasizes on the need to be accommodating and supportive to fellow believers. But John also cautions against pride and division that would hinder the church from growing and being united.

These books impress that a faithful Christian existence depends upon love. It is based on truth. It is this life that plays out in actions.

Below is a list of ten Bible verses reflecting the themes found in 1, 2, and 3 John. These themes include love, truth, obedience, personal fellowship with God, and the significance of knowing Christ’s identity. The verses quoted are from the ESV.

1. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you: that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” This passage underscores the necessity of embodying love for others as Jesus exemplified love for us. His sacrificial death serves as total atonement for our sins, urging us to emulate his life. This concept aligns closely with 1 John’s assertion that love is a hallmark of authentic faith.

2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” These attributes serve as a model. They help us understand true love in light of the command to love found in 1 John.

3. John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” In this statement, Jesus emphasizes that our mutual love serves as evidence of our connection to him. This is an idea reiterated throughout 1 John relating to abiding in God’s love.

4. Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” This verse reflects themes from 1 John concerning the fulfillment of love through adherence to God’s commandments—mirroring Christ’s example.

5. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Love is the foremost fruit of the Spirit. This focus is strong and aligns with teachings from 1 John. These teachings show how true believers express their rebirth. They do this by experiencing God’s familial affection.

6. Matthew 22:37-39 “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” This correlates with overarching themes in 1 John emphasizing both loving God—an action that inspires obedience—and loving others.

7. 1 Peter 1:22 “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” This verse resonates with key messages in 1 John about living righteously and expressing genuine affection towards one another.

8. 2 John 1:6 “And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you heard from the beginning so that you should walk in it.” This succinctly outlines concepts of obedience and affection woven throughout these three epistles.

9. Colossians 3:14 “And above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” This verse emphasizes how essential love is within Christian life. It is a key aspect highlighted in 1 John about authentic fellowship with God.

10. Philippians 2:1-2 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy complete my joy by being of the same mind having the same love being in full accord and of one mind.” This passage encapsulates unity through love—a recurring theme throughout John’s letters.

These verses convey the core messages from 1st through 3rd John. They urge us to live out of love and to embrace truthfulness. This all happens while abiding in Christ. They offer practical insights aimed at fostering a faith grounded on loving relationships with God and each other.

The messages of 1, 2 and 3 John parallel lessons found throughout the Bible. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares that it’s love by which others will know His followers. He says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 1 John explores that very thought. It identifies love for God and man as evidence of walking in the light.

John also warns against false teachers, echoing the warnings of Paul in his letters. In Galatians 1:6–9, Paul warns to reject any gospel that is not theirs. John and Paul both emphasize the importance of truth. It is essential for maintaining the strength of faith. Truth also preserves the unity of the church.

3 John’s concern for hospitality resonates with other elements of the Bible. Romans 12:13 calls Christians to hospitality. Still, John encourages us to be wise about assisting false teachers. He echoes a teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14 not to be bound with unbelievers.

The lessons from 1, 2 and 3 John continue to be valuable for all of us today. They help us as we face our own current-day problems. One area of urgency is the spread of misinformation and false teachings, especially on-line. The Bible instructs us not to take anyone at their word. We should test every spirit (1 John 4:1) to make sure it aligns with God’s Word.

Another difficulty is the widening rift in our society, which is often over political or cultural or religious issues. John’s focus on love and unity encourages believers to bridge these chasms. They should focus on building relationships and seek commonality in Christ. The theme of hospitality in 3 John has direct resonance with our conversations about generosity. It emphasizes the care for the stranger like travelers, church workers, and missionaries. It also pertains to those in need. Even so, John’s warning not to support damaging influences is crucial. It serves as an admonition to use discernment when offering assistance.

These letters exhort believers to live within the tensions of today’s world with love, truth, and faithfulness.

Another problem is coping with pain and hard times. Whether they are personal stuff — health, financial problems — or really big issues that affect the world, like war and natural disasters, believers take heart in Peter’s reminder here: Suffering is temporary and it serves a purpose. He speaks of the hope of eternal life in Christ and urges us to view trials as opportunities to grow in faith and glorify God (1 Peter 1:6-7). This perspective is what allows Christians to endure the challenges and difficulties of life in peace and with, confidence in God.

Here are seven takeaways from the books of 1, 2, and 3 John followed by one sentence about each book. These thoughts are here to prompt your personal reflections. They should also inspire your writing. Additionally, they can encourage group discussion of God’s Word.

1. God is light. We must walk in the light. John wants to make the point that God is absolutely pure and holy. As followers, we are to live out a life of His truth and righteousness. We should not sin. We must be aware of our need for His grace.

2. Love is (among) the Center of the Christian Life(s): “Jesus had to be more focused on something else.” John often emphasizes that the love we have for one another is evidence of God’s existence in our lives. He beckons believers to practice sacrificial and selfless love, modeling the love God has demonstrated to us through Christ.

3. Confession Leads to Forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, we are exhorted to confess our sin. God is faithful and just to forgive us. This is to remind us of the lesson in humility and to rely on the mercy of God..

4. Testing the Spirits to Avoid False Teaching John warns against deceivers. He encourages believers to discern teachings. They should decide whether or not these teachings agree with the Word of God. It is freeing to be reminded to cling always to the Word and rely upon Holy Spirit.

5. Our Love for God is Demonstrated in our Obedience to Him. One aspect that sprouts up repeatedly in these letters is the connection between obeying God’s commandments and loving Him. Real love for God is seen in a life that conforms to God’s plans.

6. Truth and Love Work Together John also emphasizes the tension between remaining faithful to the gospel and loving. This teaches us that both are necessary. They influence how we relate to others. They are also crucial to staying true to God.

7. Hospitality and Encouragement Matter In 3 John, John praises Gaius for his hospitality and support of other Christians. This serves as a reminder to care for others. It is particularly important to support those toiling for the gospel. That is how we “co-labor with God.”

These lessons remind us of the importance to put our faith in action. We should apply it with genuine and practical applications. These applications must be grounded in truth and love.

Spiritual Works and the Power of the Gospel

1, 2, and 3 John: Introduction Where the world comes to study the Bible. The books of Paul are part of the New Testament. They are filled with practical instruction for Christians. What follows is a list of the spiritual works stressed in these letters:

Walking in the Light: The followers of Christ are called to live a life committed to truth. They should keep correct moral behavior. Keeping God near is essential while avoiding sin (1 John 1:7).

Loving Each Other: Another repeated theme encourages us to love others selflessly. This love acts as a mirror of God’s love for us (1 John 4:7-12).

1:9 – Sins are Confessed – John instructs Believers to admit their wrongs and God will forgive and cleanse them.

Dwell in Christ: The letters emphasize the importance of staying connected to the Lord. This connection allows one to bring forth spiritual fruit (1 John 2:24).

Victory over the World -Believe in Jesus. You can have victory over sin. You can overcome the problems of this world (1 John 5:4-5).

Protecting the Truth: 2 John and 3 John emphasize remaining faithful to Christ’s teachings. They also stress shunning false beliefs (2 John 1:9-11).

Hospitality to Other Believers: Hospitality toward traveling missionaries is considered an act of faith in 3 John. This is clear in 3 John 1:5-8.

Unusual and Meaningful Words with Biblical Touch

The books of 1, 2, and 3 John use important spiritual words that aren’t often found outside the Bible. Here are some simpler explanations:

Advocate: Refers to Jesus Christ as a helper for believers when they pray to God (1 John 2:1).

Anointing: Symbolizes the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life (1 John 2:27).

Antichrist: Refers to people who go against Christ or deny His divine nature (1 John 2:18, 2 John 1:7).

Abide: Means to stay connected with Christ and His teachings (1 John 2:24).

Propitiation: Refers to Christ’s sacrifice that meets God’s justice and brings mercy to sinners (1 John 2:2).

Fellowship: Indicates a close spiritual relationship with God and other believers (1 John 1:3).

Deceivers: Refers to people who share false teachings and mislead others (2 John 1:7).

Prophecies Outlined in 1 John, 2 John, 3 John

Read (and reread) the books of 1, 2 and 3 John There are prophetic insights about spiritual life and eternity. Below are some key themes:

Life Forever in Christ: The letters also keep saying we will get life forever from Jesus. And this he hath promised (1 John 5:11-13), to whomsoever believeth on him and obey him.

Warning about False Teachers: In this verse, John warns his followers. He tells them there are many who have gone out as false teachers. These are they who deny Jesus and are of the spirit of error. He summons them back to a life that’s rooted and grounded in the truth (1 Jn. 4:1-3).

The Coming Judgment: The letters are directed toward the future. God will judge sin. He will do so even for those who have been faithful (1 John 2:28).

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: John says fear is going away. That will occur when God’s love takes on its whole form. The fruit of this is confidence on the day of judgment (I John 4:17-18).

Victory Over the World: When we believe in Christ, we know that success is ours. Without exception, this is what they will do (1 John 5:4-5).

In reflecting on these things, the writer hopes to encourage readers on their own journey of faith. This journey should be rooted and established in truth. It should also involve living lives of righteousness for Christ, with love.

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the rich wisdom and discoveries waiting for us in books 1,2,3 John. We take up the indispensable subjects of love, truth, and obedience.” We pledge to take these lessons into our everyday lives. We will be the walking light bearers and extend love with conviction, but stay settled in truth. We depend on Your safeguard against false teachings. We commit ourselves to each other as members of the community of faith. We pray in the name of Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit with boldness, Amen.

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