September 14, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 3 John
The Book of The Revelation draws the entire narrative of scripture to a close and explains where things are headed. The message of the book is to inform us that Jesus is coming back! It is an invitation to the reader to come TO Christ. Irenaeus, 2nd C. bishop in Lyon (France), confirmed it was written by the apostle John. Eusebius (260-339AD), in "The History of The Church" written in the second-third century, was commissioned by Emperor Constantine to document facts about the church as it was being legalized. The Book also tells what must shortly take place (prophesy), of Jesus coming soon and setting up His Kingdom. The term "coming soon" is imagery and designed to make a dramatic impact on the reader.
Jude, the half brother of Jesus, hearing about false teachings in the church, writes this letter to warn (v.3) and give exhortation to the believers, yet has promises to encourage them. He is the brother of James, the Lord's brother (half brother). He served as a leader within the church. We don't know to whom the letter was sent or meant. Note that some bibles used called, sanctified, beloved for the same group of believers.
2John was written to a small church, in an undisclosed location, that was under attack by false teachers, who did not believe what the Bible taught regarding the person and the work of Jesus. This false teaching, if left unchecked, would undermine the faith of the people and stop the spread of the Gospel. Big question: Is truth relative? YES. Is truth subjective? YES
